The following is just my personal opinion for your reference:

1. I remember that the MC called the Junior Division as ‘The Star of Tomorrow’ that night. But why aren’t they being treated ‘well’ after arriving to the competition? So the words ‘The Star of Tomorrow’ are just mere words of the MC? I said so because the PIC that brought them to their seat just let them sat alone for that long hour. We must be aware that the children would be nervous and worried before their performance. (And adults would be the same I presumed) Well this is the very moment where they should be given words of encouragement or to just be with them will give a great encouragement to them.

2. A talent show does not only provide our children the chance to perform. The essential part of it is when PICs go through a phase of growing with them. This is the difference of Soka Gakkai and the other ordinary performance outside. It is never the part of winning or losing that we focus on, but the part where they overcome their weakness and giving the audience a kind of encouragement.
• The happiest thing for a child is that we could give them a positive encouragement and a force of hope when they need us to. This is our mission as JD PICs.
• Before the performance starts that night, I’ve chatted with some of the children. One of them told me that he was so nervous. He wasn’t nervous about losing in the competition but was worried that he couldn’t express himself thoroughly. He clearly knew that he wasn’t here to win, but to overcome his weakness and to enjoy throughout the activity. That was really a remarkable thought of his.
• After the competition, I quickly looked for this child and shared what I got from his performance. Although we say that win or lose is not the main point, but still we have to do our best to appease them and let them know that they have done their best. I was so lucky to get the chance to encourage 8 children after the performance. They’re happier after being appeased. Getting to share and be in contact with the children even for just a while has got me so into it.
• In the prep meet before the actual performance, I’ve stated to go for home-visit and give your encouragement to the JD involved in the activity. Has anyone did that?
• I sincerely hope that every one of you to not just be busy for the activity for nothing or else it would be a meaningless life. It is crucial that you head back to the point where you began, and think of the first time when you gave your effort, and think about how your effort has helped them grew. Or how much your ability improved.

3. About technical aspect:
• Are the PICs getting familiarized with the CDs used throughout the activity? Have they understood the adjustment needed to provide a better performance from the performer? (For example: The CD that the 3rd Group used contained the voice of the original singer. Have the PIC considered of turning the volume lower so that the audience could hear the children’s voice? What adjustment is needed to make the performance a better one?)
• The MC failed to bring up the atmosphere, and did not remember the names of performer well which is, disrespected the people. The presentation on spot wasn’t lively enough. The interactive between the performers is lacking encouragement.
• It’s often that the atmosphere turned cold, it is better if background music is prepared. (For example, during the award giving moment)
• The screen and computer couldn’t coordinate well with the overall performance. PICs gave several attempts to change the screen, resulted an imperfect presentation. I know that most of the projector has the ‘freeze’ function which, allows the computer to be operated without affecting the screen.
• The audiences that came are only the parents. That was such a pity. Especially for those who were not involved in the activity. Why didn’t they come? I believe that all the JD in that Honbu weren’t just the ones getting involved.
• Mistakes of performers’ name and type of performance occurred. What was the reason?

4. The points stated above are merely personal view and opinion. Please forgive me if the points stated bothered or troubled you. We’re all working hard for a better future. Lastly, I would like to sincerely thank all the PICs that had gave their best shot in this event. However, there’s a large space for improvement, and I look forward to work with you all again for the next time.


Boys Div. Chief, Foo Keh Chong

Labels: f. thoughts of chief