One afternoon, my colleague Thomas-Thomas approached me. Shiela, I didn’t know you can speak Cantonese. Since when? What are you talking about? I heard you and the cleaning lady talking to each other. Lei Ho Ma, Ho Ho And then? I only heard up to that. I see. You know Thomas-Thomas, after I said Lei Le and she responded in FULL Cantonese, I didn’t understand any single word. Contest Chair, my Fellow Toastmasters and guests, do you find it challenging to communicate using your second language? It was 8 years ago when I received an offer from a company in Bermuda, an English speaking Island. They were hiring me as an Accountant. While I was reading the contract, my academic report cards were flashing through my mind. Math, Algebra, Calculus, Financial Accounting, straight A’s. English, Grammar, Literature, Speech, straight C’s. I don’t like English and it doesn’t like me to. Even though I know it will ...
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