Toastmaster Meeting - 21/8/2008

Had did my Project#2 - Organise the Speech today...

Still feel that I did not overcome my fear that well even practising for almost 10times... haha...

In general, I feel my eye contact was okay, but my legs were still too "shaky" and forget some part of my conclusion when I saw the red light lit. I feel it was a good attempt, give myself 3-3.5/5. hehe...

Hope to do better for the next project! Yamate! 加油!

These are the expectations from a Project #2 speech:

• Select an appropriate outline which allows listeners to easily follow and understand your speech.
• Make your message clear, with supporting material directly contributing to that message.
• Use appropriate transitions when moving from one idea to another.
• Create a strong opening and conclusion.

Time-limit:: 5-7 minutes.

This is more or less what I had said:

Title: "Z" Monster

Does anyone know what the world record for staying awake is?

276 hours, which is 11.5days. Record created by Toimi Soini from Finland in 1964.

Good Evening Club President, District Officers, Fellow Toastmasters and Guests

The Z monster that I had mentioned, refers to the sleepiness in us. Despite Toimi Soini’s effort, his record was removed from the Guinness Book of Records in 1989. It was deleted to discourage people from breaking such records as they understand consequence of the attempt will be fatal.

We know we need sleep. But what is sleep exactly? According to Oxford dictionary, Sleep is the condition that occurs regularly in humans and animals, usually at night, in which the eyes are closed and the muscles, nervous system are relaxed.

But why do we need sleep? Isn’t it better if we don’t have to sleep? We will not only be ready for the challenging day ahead; but also gear up for the glamorous night after the challenging day. We know this is IMPOSSIBLE.

A good comparison about sleepiness, is hunger. Hunger is a protective mechanism that tells our brain “We need FOOD”. While going without sleep will make us feel sleepy. Eating relieves hunger, sleep relieves sleepiness.

Despite decades of research, many aspects of sleep had been discovered but the question why we sleep is still unsolved. I will talk about several promising theories put forward by the scientists to explain why we sleep.

1. Inactivity Theory
The theory suggests that animals that were able to stay still and quiet during periods of vulnerability had an advantage over other animals that remained active. These animals did not have accidents during activities or been preyed upon and killed easily. Which means when the animals have sufficient sleep, it makes them more alert to react to any emergency that may be occurring.

2. Energy Conservation Theory
This theory suggests that the primary function of sleep is to reduce an individual’s energy demand and expenditure, especially at times when it is least efficient to search for food. Research has shown that energy metabolism is significantly reduced during sleep. For example, both body temperature and caloric demand decrease during sleep. This shows that sleep helps organisms to conserve energy resources.

3. Restorative Theories
Sleep in some way serves to “restore” what is lost from the body while we are awake. Sleep provides an opportunity for the body to repair and rejuvenate itself. Some studies have shown that rats without sleep will decrease its immunity and the rats suffer severe health consequences and eventually die.

Other rejuvenating aspects of sleep are the specific to the brain and cognitive function. For example, when we are awake, neurons in the brain produce. The build-up of adenosine in the brain is thought to be one factor that makes us feel tired. As long as we are wake, adenosine accumulates and remains high. During sleep, the body will have a chance to clear the adenosine from the system, and make us feel alert when we wake.

After explaining why we need sleep, let me share with u some tips to improve sleep:

1. Establish a consistent and relaxing bedtime routine.
We are encouraged to engage in relaxing activity prior to bedtime. Activities such as reading, listening to soft music and meditating that can help promote relaxation. Avoid exercise or eating heavy meals 2 hours before bedtime and avoid nap after 3pm.

2. Maintain a dark, cool and quiet environment for sleeping.
Ideal climate for sleep varies from person to person. However, people feel that cooler climates with low humidity promote sleep.

3. Take warm baths before bed.
Experts believe that shower helps to relax muscles and at the same time, cools the body temperature. This give a correct signal to the body that it is time to sleep.

4. Use the bed just for sleeping.
Avoid reading and watching television in bed because this gives the body a signal to stay awake. As a result, the brain will begin to associate bed with other activities other than sleeping. For this reason, it is important for people to use the bed only for sleeping and sexual activities.

To conclude my speech, till today scientists may not have exact answers on why do we need sleep, but we know that we need it. Sleep is as important as food and water .It enables us to be conscious, “restore” our body condition and to survive. So I hope that everyone will have a good night sleep and stay healthy.

Evaluation by Rachael:

Speaker should engage more with the audience, opening & conclusion could have been stronger. More expression to describe them.

Ah Counter Result: 2 Ers, 4 repetitions.

Take away for the Day:

- Use "Difficult" rather than "hard"

- Organising is important, delivery is more important

- "Pursue for Excellence"

- Faster, Higher and Stronger

- "corpses" along the way

Hope to hear good news for my employment status... haha...