“LEARNING to communicate better has convinced a teenager that she is ready to take on the world. 

Gavel Club president Yeoh Ee Ping says that she has not only acquired communication skills, but has also gained from the experience of organising and conducting activities to encourage her peers to become confident and eloquent speakers. 

Not many have heard of Gavel Club, but it is actually the junior affiliation of the Toastmasters International. The first Gavel Club was set up last year, and is open to those between 13 and 17. 

“I’m truly glad that we started this club. This is because we get to expose more teenagers to this vital aspect of life called communications skills,” said 16-year-old Ee Ping during the club’s second installation night at Subang Jaya recently. 

About 100 guests attended the function that was also graced by club patron Subang Jaya assemblyman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng. 

Lee said communication skills are by far the most important thing in life because without it, an individual would have a tough time getting a job even if he or she excels academically.  

“I’m impressed by the good work done by the senior Toastmasters who are mentors to this club, Azmi Shahrin and Lim Yeong Chuan, in making the Gaveliers more effective speakers. 

“The credit goes to their mentors and parents for their strong support, encouragement and sacrifices. Not every teenager of this age is able to stand in front of an audience to deliver a speech,” said Lee. 

Ee Ping said the first Malaysian Gavel Club is not just about giving speeches. 

“Although delivering speeches are central to the club’s activities, the end result that we want to achieve is to empower our members to take control of their lives,” she added.  

She outlined four main tasks that the club will undertake this year – education, membership recruitment drive, leadership programmes, and community outreach programmes to reach out to less privileged teenagers in society. 

The Gaveliers meet every second and fourth Sundays of the month at the Subang Jaya Buddhist Association (SJBA) from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.  

For enquiries, call Ee Ping (012-365 1782) or vice president of education Chuan Ai Vee (016-968 2525).  ”

That’s the end of it… Hope all of you out there enjoyed it!