The Last Dawn of the Last Speech...

Written by Eunice Tan

Edited by Charis Chen 

"Blow wind blow!"

"Blow all those with hair below their ears!"

The entire group scatters.

Welcome to our May 27th Chapter Meeting!

Our Chapter Sponsor Coach Joseph welcomed us all and passed the time to Danelle, who kickstarted our day with an energetic game of "Blow Wind Blow!

Not only did this give us a chance to burn calories running from one end of the circle to the other, but it also gave us an opportunity to notice other people and think in terms of a team-like context. Thank you, Danelle for leading us! We definitely had our share of hysterical laughter!

After the activity, we were fully energized to start the day's meeting!

Jern Yoong led us in a devotion about a man who, despite the fact that he was not young or exceptionally fit, won a challenging race. Why? Because he did not take any naps or rest. He persevered while his fellow competitors who were stronger physically fell behind by sleeping. From this devotion, we learned that true perseverance means not stopping. It is an issue of the heart and will, an inward decision to press on. Thank you, Jern Yoong for that meaningful nugget of truth!

Subsequently, we commenced our speech practices.

Firstly, Danelle presented her interpretation "A Very Long Poem," which greatly intrigued us. Good job, Danelle!

Next up, Carlson and Lafayette practiced their impromptu speeches. It was a pleasure hearing their energetic speeches! Good work, Carlson and Lafayette!

Our Assistant Chapter Chair, Charis then gave us a short sharing that made us think about our requests to God in a very different way.  Drawing from a scene in the movie, Evan Almighty, she asked us, "When you ask God for courage, do you think He gives you courage immediately or does He give you opportunities to be courageous?" Interestingly, God does not suddenly bestow magic powers of character the minute we pray for it, but gives us learning outlets by which we can be pruned to grow more and more like Christ. This undoubtedly gave us something to think about! Thank you, Charis!

After a delicious lunch, we commenced to the last batch of speakers presenting the last speech in their YSG journey...

Behold-

THE LAST DAWN OF SPEECH 10.

We sat in anticipation as we awaited the 3 remaining speakers who were working hard toward their goal: to be inducted into the Young Speakers Guild.

First up, Ian delivered his celebratory speech detailing all his ICC experiences and things he learned from God and others in YSG. It was a blessing to journey along with him and join in his joy as he presented his finishing speech. He definitely has grown spiritually and as a speaker! Congratulations, Ian!

Next, I shared memorable stories and opportunities that God has provided me with in this ICC journey and how He has humbled me so much and shown me His glory through all the events and speeches I've participated in. Thank you to all my fellow speakers, persevering parents, and coaches who have greatly mentored me! I cannot describe the relief and joy I felt when I completed that last speech!

Lastly, Ranen brought us through his eventful ICC journey, sharing his learning experiences and God's work in his YSG journey. It was an honour to journey with him and see the great growth in him, not only as a speaker, but also as a follower of Christ! Congrats, Ranen!

This last presentations of Speech 10 reminded us immensely of God's everlasting providence and that, no matter what, His sovereign plan will always be carried out. We can't wait to see more of his wondrous work in the rest of our ICC journies!

As our meeting was approaching its end, the future guild inductees met for a round of practice for the Nicene Creed presentation during our upcoming Guild Ceremony! We are so excited to celebrate God's accomplishments in our lives on that day! It will, no doubt,  be a moment to remember.

And that's a wrap! I never stop marveling at how God can bring so many people from diverse backgrounds together, united under one purpose in ICC: to become Ambassadors for Christ! Who knows what more exciting windows and opportunities God has in store for us ahead? Let us wait on the Lord. And one day, we'll be glad we did.

Looking forward to more wonderful meetings! Till we meet again...

Journies, Squabbles and How America Got Her Name

Written by Ian Chan
Edited by Ranen Chan and Charis Chen
All photos by Ranen
Greetings!

We are almost through with our Chapter year! What an exciting year!
Our Chapter Meeting started with an interesting story from our Assistant Chair, Charis.

Next, we were led by Speaker Jern Ling for the Salesman Squabble icebreaker. Who knew so many of us were so good at squabbling? Everyone was given two slips of paper with an occupation written on one piece and an item on the other. The main goal is to sell that item on the paper to another person of the occupation noted on his/her slip of paper.

After the very noisy icebreaker, Speaker Eunice led the devotion on friendship. She shared about true friendship and how friends should show more care and concern for each other. After her sharing, she asked two questions:

1. How can you show care to your friends?

2. What can you change to show your care towards your friends?

As both our Chapter Sponsor and the Assistant Sponsor were not available, my dad shared. He started with a joke on how America got her name. Christopher Columbus took great delight in Chinese Cuisine, so he employed a Cantonese Cook. After months of sailing, the crew finally caught sight of land. When they did, they jumped for joy and shouted with renewed energy. During the great commotion on deck, the cook was preparing the evening meal. He was extremely puzzled to hear such a racket up above, so he ran up and asked the Captain "Ah! Me Lei Gah?" which means, "What is it?" in Cantonese. To this, the beaming Captain replied, "Ah! Me Lei Gah! America!" After the laughter, he shared with us 1 Peter 3:15: "But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect." The ICC training teaches us to articulate our faith and answering those who ask with gentleness and respect. ICC's Mission is "Ready For Influence." When we are able to give the right answer, we impact and influence those around us. We are blessed with the opportunity to sharpen our communication skills and use it for God's glory.

After the sharing, Speaker Jern Ling did her Speech #10, the last speech! Congratulations! I can see her growth as a speaker.

Next up, we had Speaker Jodie present her Limited Preparation. Jodie spoke with confidence. Great job Jodie!

Then Speaker Danelle presented her Interpretive from an amusing poem titled A Very Long Poem by Colleen Hooper. Great confidence and articulation, Danelle! Keep it up!

After the speeches, we had our long awaited dinnertime.

After filling ourselves up, we listened to Carlson and Lafayette present their speeches with great interest. Both of them have great potential! 

Our meeting ended after discussing the Chapter retreat. 

"See" ya next time! :D 

Ordinary, Yet Not So...

Hello everyone, and welcome back to our ICC Words A.L.I.V.E. chapter meeting!!!

We are excited to have our meeting because besides practicing for our speeches, we knew that we would be meeting our mentor (wise guide), Eliza, who has come back from her first year university summer break! We were so happy!

Image by ugamiracle

Our Assistant Chapter Chair, speaker Charis started us off by sharing that a carpenter only cuts once, though he measures twice; thus we must prepare our speeches twice as hard, so that we can give our very best! 

Photo by Ranen Chan

Before the icebreaker, Eliza was invited to share with us about her experience as a freshman in the University of Asbury. She said that she has definitely grown spiritually. She had learned to rely on God and had developed a personal schedule for time with God as well as others. She had also gone on a missions trip to Florida where a group of them gave out free pancakes and Van rides to spring breakers. They used this to build bridges with the community with the goal of sharing the Gospel with them! It was an eye-opening experience for her. 

Photo by Ranen Chan

Thank you for your inspiring sharing, Eliza!

Speaker Jodie took the stage and led us into a time of icebreaker called 'Copy-cat'. It was a game that involved breaking into two groups with a nominated leader, who had to think of eight actions for others to "mirror" after him or her in sync, and gradually pick up speed.

Finally after practising, we had a dance battle between group 1 and group 2!

Photo by Ranen Chan

Being the leader for group one, I led the group into hand motions and arm exercises!

Group two was led by Danelle, and she and the rest of her group launched into a series of ballet and karate steps: ballerina turns, kicks, punches, and many more complicated but interesting moves!

    Photo by Coach Choong Ming

After the icebreaker, Speaker Ian conducted the devotion where he spoke about how we as humans, loved to judge others based on their appearances and made conclusions about how they were. But judging will hinder us from peacemaking. We are in no position to judge, as only God, who is perfect, has the authority to judge us. Ian reminded us that as peacemakers, we are to strengthen the community, and he left us with questions to ask ourselves that will help us know when we are judging others. 

Photo by Ranen Chan

Coach Choong Ming took over for the 'Word from Sponsor'. He started off by asking us if we have been in a WhatsApp group which we didn't want to be in. All hands were raised! He shared with us about an experience where he was in a WhatsApp group that he didn't want to be in. He complained about this group to his other friends. However guilt crept in, because he had promised the other group that he would help them in any way. Hence, he quickly apologized to the group of friends and stopped the complaints. 

 Photo by Ranen Chan

As speakers, other people would look at us not only when we are on stage, but off stage as well. We must not be hypocrites by saying one thing and doing other. We can influence other people in a positive, or negative way. Hence, we should watch our behaviour both on and off the platform

Thank you, Coach Choong Ming for that timely message!

After that, we jumped right into speech practices.

The first speaker was Speaker Ian, with his very enlightening Thematic Religious Reading on "Courage." Awesome work, Ian!

Photo by Ranen Chan

Next up was a persuasive speech given by the very sweet and energetic speaker, Jonique, entitled "Giving." Wow! After listening, it made me want to give more cheerfully, because God loves a cheerful giver! Great job, Jonique!!!

Photo by Ranen Chan

Then, came Limited Prep which was aced by speakers Danelle and Jodie. Both did great! 

   Photos by Ranen Chan

                
Our budding YCC speakers, Carlson and Lafayette then presented their platform speeches with much enthusiasm and boldness. 

Carlson's Informative Speech on Water

Photos by Ranen Chan

Lafayette's Informative Speech on Fruits and Vegetables

Photos by Ranen Chan

What a perfect time to talk about water and edible solids, because after their speeches, it was time for dinner!

 Photo by Quickmeme

After dinner, we continued with more speech practices.

Speaker Jodie was first with her very captivating interpretation of "Androcles and the Lion."

Photo by Ranen Chan

This was followed by Speaker Danelle with an interpretation of John 20.  We were impressed that the reading of Scripture can be so narrative. Great job!

Eunice presented her thought-provoking Thematic Religious Reading on "Identity." 

Photo by Ranen Chan

Last but not least, we had Ranen with his Cultural Storytelling, "Boxed-in Bibik."

Photo by Charis Chen

And that was a wrap for our Words A.L.I.V.E. chapter meeting! Although it was just an ordinary chapter meeting, there was always something that we had learned and taken back for our everyday lives. 

                                                                  

Photo by besty

 Adios!

The Journey

Written by Jonique Chan
Edited by Charis Chen

- 16 April 2017-

Hello! Welcome back to Chapter Words ALIVE's blog! We started off with an icebreaker led by....ME!! This icebreaker was called The Perfect Square. In this activity, everybody stood in a circle with their blindfolds on while holding a long piece of rope. Next, they put it down and take a few steps backward. After taking their short walk, the confused participants had to form the rope into a square. Do you think that they did it? At first, I believed they would never. However, they soon turned the circle into an isosceles triangle, then finally into a square. Great job everyone! This icebreaker taught all of us that in order to achieve something we first must communicate well. 





1st: Circle

2nd: Triangle

Finally, an almost perfect square

Photo by Coach Daniel Toh

*   *   *

Next was a devotion led by Speaker Ranen about the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:9. He started by asking everyone this question, "What do you think of when you hear the word peacemaker?" Truthfully, when I heard this question I thought to myself, someone not like me! First of all, peacemaking means reconciling two parties who are at odds. Jesus was the first person to display peacemaking by bringing us to harmony with God by dying on the cross. After listening to this devotion I decided to try and show peacemaking in my communities the next time someone has a dispute. 

The Prince of Peace 

Clipart by Clipart Kid

Our Assistant Sponsor, Coach Choong Ming then gave us some wise words. He shared with us that if we do not abide by God's upright laws, what we do will not go well. We must always use God's ways and worldviews and not let our selfish ways rule over God's way. 

Photo by Jonique Chan

And then came the part that all of us had been waiting eagerly for....the Guild Induction Speeches!!! First up was Charis, with her YSG Journey presentation. Charis shared with us how ICC had impacted her for 3 years. She encouraged us not to give up and keep working on our portfolios even though it can be very troublesome, and to keep working even though it can be very frustrating.  

Photo by Coach Daniel Toh

Photo by Coach Daniel Toh

Awesome job, Charis! My mind was filled with the old memories I shared with this chapter while listening to her wonderful speech!

After Speaker Charis was Speaker Jern Yoong! He started by telling everyone how he didn't enjoy ICC at first but soon was encouraged to keep going on when he received an invitation to the International Tournament for his Duo Interpretation Presentation, done with his sister. 

Photo by Coach Daniel Toh

Speaker Jern Yoong's speech was funny, relatable and interesting! Great Job!!

* * * * 

Next, we had a YSG 1 Speaker present her much-dreaded Limited Prep.

Lee Xin did a really amazing job by speaking conversationally and confidently! 

Photo by Jonique Chan

Then we had my much-awaited DINNER-BREAK. 

GIF by MyProAna

After our yummy dinner, we came back again to hear thematic religious readings and cultural storytellings from the hardworking YSG 3 Speakers.

First was Speaker Ranen, with a Cultural Storytelling about the Baba Nyonya culture. The story had a twist at the end and was delivered very well! Great job, Ranen!

Then we had Speaker Eunice presenting another Cultural Storytelling about a Jew in China who didn't want an arranged marriage. The story was awesome! Excellent job, Eunice!

Last, but certainly not least, was Speaker Ian with his Thematic Religious Reading about courage. Good Job, Ian!

                                          Bravo to all the speakers who worked hard!!!👏🏻👏🏻

GIF by tenor.co

We closed our late session with a word of prayer and fellowship for the night. Thanks for joining us once again! Hope to see all of you again next time!! 

GIF by The Odyssey Online

Hard and Heart Work

Written by Toh Jern Ling
Edited by Charis Chen
2 April 2017                      

Welcome to today's chapter meeting!

We started off with Speaker Charis leading us with an icebreaker which was a similar to "Simon Says". We were separated into two groups and had to choose a Student Leader to head our team by coming up with a few sets of routines of four actions each, and teaching them to us. After that, each team shared their action routines.

Photo by Ranen Chan

Show-off time!!!!

  Photo by Ranen Chan

Team 1

  Photo by Ranen Chan

Team 2

From the icebreaker, we learned about the core value of innovation and community.

Next up was devotion time led by our Chapter Chair, Speaker Jern Yoong, who shared with us from the Beatitudes the verse, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." He asked us many thought-provoking questions and concluded by challenging us to think pure thoughts.

The word from our Chapter Sponsor, Coach Joseph was next. He started off by thanking the speakers for their HARD and HEART work in preparing for the tournament, and the encouraging and motivating coaches who burned the midnight oil just to give us pep-talks, edit our scripts and for just being there for us Speakers before, during, and after the tournament! Coach Joseph also congratulated Speakers Jern Yoong and Charis for taking up the challenge of accepting the invitation to the United States to participate in the International Tournament!

After thanking and congratulating, he reminded us about the ICC mission, which is, "A global community empowering next generation Christians to influence today's culture." He then shared that as communicators for Christ, we need to learn to speak and state our stands and convictions well enough to make the audience want to know more by asking questions. He then shared an acronym for giving impactful answers to the audiences who may have questions:

P -   Principles
O
E
M -  Metaphors
S

Due to the lack of time, Coach Joseph chose to share only the 'P' and 'M' types of answers for this week. The first letter, P, stands for Principles. A helpful guide for is to base the stand of our answers on principles, rather than dogmatic dos and don'ts. M stands for Metaphors. When the answers seem abstract, one can use a metaphor to illustrate a point. He shared with us about his own experiences using metaphors while conducting training seminars.   

  Photo by Ranen Chan

With the 'P' and 'M' letters, we were fired up to prepare to be ready to give effective and impactful answers to the questions that people might throw at us. Thank you, Coach Joseph! 

Breakout sessions followed- the YCCs and YSGs.

While the YCCers had their fun time learning, the YSGers did summaries of what our CAP speeches were about so that the coaches could ask questions based on our speeches. After our summaries, we broke off into small groups with different coaches who discussed and probed us with questions which people in other communities might have after listening to our speeches.

  Photo by Ranen Chan

Right after that, we had our first Cultural Storytelling Duo, presented by my brother and me. Our story was "Chu Ju's House" The topic was about favoring sons over daughters. We definitely made the audience laugh heartily!!

  Photo by Ranen Chan

Chu Ju! Go at once for the midwife!

  Photo by Ranen Chan

You will have nothing done with the baby girl?

  Photo by Ranen Chan

Talk of another child is foo-vishness!

With that, thank you so much for reading this and till next time, farewell! Adios!

#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