#gotogethericc

Written by Charis Chen

Andddd we're back! It's been a thrilling journey to the 2017 East Asia Area ICCFS Tournament, and back! I'm quite sure I wasn't the only one to shed tears while preparing for the tournament, but all those hours of brainstorming, writing, editing, practicing, and training certainly paid off! In today's post we'll be bringing you short snippets from our Speakers about their tournament experience.

Jern Yoong: 
I must say that the tournament has really influenced change in me. I am grateful to the coaches for coaching and guiding me before this tournament. Really, all those Saturdays were not in vain. Even though we made mistakes, they were there to spur all of us on. This time we not only received invitations for various categories, we also learnt what it means to be prepared for life. It is not about whether you WIN the race, but about HOW you win it.

Jern Ling: 

After many Saturdays and Sundays of endless practice, here we were, in Singapore, for our annual ICCFS tournament!

I was definitely nervous because recently, I was only able to memorize my two speeches. I was scared that I would blank out when I was presenting. The night before the tournament, I was praying crazily. I believed that God would help me memorize everything and present my speeches with purpose and confidence. It turns out, the next day, I was able to communicate well! PRAISE GOD!!! Besides that, I was invited [to the International Tournament] for my Persuasive Speech. All glory to God!!! I am very grateful to all the coaches, my Chapter Sponsor, and Assistant Chapter Sponsor for training and encouraging not only me, but the whole Chapter Words ALIVE. I am also very grateful for the speakers-- for their friendship, love, and encouragement. And with that, thank you so much!!!

Photo by Coach Daniel

Ranen:
I was excited for this year's ICCFS Tournament, but I was also a little apprehensive. My computer that I was using for my Computer Assisted Presentation had frozen during one of my practices, and I hoped that it would not happen on the day itself. Plus, I was not sure what to expect during Round Table Discussion, an event all of the speakers were new to. ‎So it was a relief when I didn't encounter any difficulties, aside from having my 30-minute Radio Broadcasting prep time being cut in half. 
I would like to thank all the coaches, especially my parents, for the valuable feedback that they gave me. All the time spent incorporating these feedback and practicing has certainly not been in vain. I would also like to thank my fellow speakers for going together with me and being an encouragement to me. Most of all, I thank God for his grace and providence. Without Him, I would not have accomplished what I did.

This ICCFS Tournament has really stretched me and taught me to be flexible. It would have been nice to have accepted the invitation to participate in the International Tournament; however, this year is not such a favourable time for me. But there's always next year!

Eunice:

Cold sweat slid off my brow and down my heated cheeks. My eyes locked straight ahead, wide with shock. A sick feeling gripped the pit of my stomach as I panted uncontrollably. I thought to myself, "This can't be happening." But it was. 
The time of the tournament drew nearer and nearer. I was excited, but afraid I wouldn't do well, particularly in Radio Broadcasting, which I hadn't practiced for a long time. My parents told me not to fear but to look to God for strength and comfort. The day came, and the rounds began. I felt pretty confident while I did my first few speeches, much to my delight. I thanked God and actually felt like everything was right in the world. Happily, I trotted to my Radio Broadcasting prep room, having carefully taken note of my prep starting time on the postings: 2.45pm. I sat down and started working on my radio broadcast. And that was when it happened. "Eunice, you have 5 minutes left," said the timekeeper. 
"But wait! My time started just 5 minutes ago and I'm given 30 minutes to prep!"
"Sorry. There was a change in schedule. We can't do anything about it."
I was aghast. Frantic and panicking, I leafed through the articles and hastily highlighted words. I didn't have time to write what I was going to say, which was what I had always done. "God, I can't do this in 5 minutes. I really can't. But I know that You can. Lord, speak through me."
I ran up the stairs with just my highlighted articles and presented an impromptu radio broadcast. While I spoke, I really, honestly felt God helping me and telling me what to say. His presence was so real to me. I couldn't thank Him enough at the end of that round! 
Later that day, I couldn't believe my ears when they announced I had been invited to iCon for 3 speeches, one of which was radio broadcasting! I burst into tears and hugged my friends and parents. It was a moment of pure joy. This tournament has shown me that it's not me speaking, but God speaking through me. I thank Him for being there for me! Unspeakable joy!

Ian: 
First, I would like to thank all the Coaches for coaching me and preparing me for the tournament. Through this tournament, as well as during the preparation for the tournament, I learnt how to accept feedback and incorporate it into my speech. Although I did not receive an invitation, I will continue to work hard and try to get an invitation next year. But I also learned that we are preparing for life, not the tournament.

Photo by Charis Chen

Jonique: 
This year I was really glad when I achieved my goal by receiving an invitation to iCon during the Showcase. But I am positive I would not triumph in the Informative Speaking category if I hadn't been nagged by my mom.  I am sure we all don't like to be nagged by our parents, right? Well, I disliked my parents' (especially my mom's) nagging, but I soon learned that if I humble myself and listen to their advice, my speech WILL be enhanced. So a BIG thanks to my incredible mom who gave me wonderful ideas and thought out of the box! 😀 We might not enjoy their sometimes irritable advice, but if we are humble we can improve even more! So EAT the humble pie when your parents, peers, coaches etc. gives you feedback or advice! 

P. S. Congrats EVERYONE!!! 🎆🎇✨🎊🎉

Photo by Coach Jimmy

Personally, I was very grateful for the experience. This year, I participated in four events. My goal was to hit the top 25% mark for my Computer Assisted Presentation and Persuasive Speaking events, as I was speaking on topics that I was passionate about and was confident about my presentation. However, as the tournament day progressed, my hopes began to fail- my evaluators hadn't looked too pleased with some presentations, my slides stopped working, and to put it simply, I wasn't feeling too good about it. Just like last year, it was a close-to nonstop day. Right after I finished my final event, I hurried to the hall to prepare for the Showcase. The Showcase had me running on and off the stage, so I didn't have time to think much, until right before the Awards presentation. A hush fell over the room. I'm sure everyone was in suspense. One by one, my friends were called onstage to be presented invitations to iCon. As thrilled and proud as I was of them, I began to feel disappointed for not having done well enough. But I was interrupted when I heard my name and Jern Yoong's being called to receive invitations to iCon for the role of Round Table Facilitator. My heart stopped, because the Round Table Discussion had been the event for which I was the most fearful. As I look back, I realise how all this is evidence of how hard our coaches have worked to provide feedback to help us improve. Each of us returned, most likely with a hint of disappointment or two, but as our coaches never fail to remind us, we are preparing for life, not to win the tournament. It is not the quantity of invitations we win, but the quality of our learning. Truly, it has been an amazing experience. 

Thank you so much for coming with us as we learn to be Communicators for Christ by following our journey on this blog! We hope that you have been encouraged through this. Thank you for reading, and God bless!

Wefie by Coach Joseph