About Gary
Gary is an entrepreneur, communications trainer and speaker. He is also the current President of the National University of Singapore (NUS) Toastmasters Club.
Known for his highly positive and supportive demeanour, Gary is on a personal crusade to empower every individual with the necessary skills to communicate, network and persuade with confidence and enthusiasm!
Gary’s passion for training, speaking and personal development has seen him breakthrough his innate introversion and fear of speaking and self-expression. Now, that he has done it, Gary is determined to share his insights and success story with all who are seeking to better themselves. Till date, Gary has trained and helped over more than 800 individuals, ranging from primary school students to post graduates and adults, become better speakers.
On a personal level, Gary has also been recognized as one of the top few speakers from the NUS Toastmasters Club. In April 2009, Gary represented the NUS Toastmasters Club at its Area Contests and emerged as first runner up after beating several other speakers who were working professionals and seasoned Toastmasters. Till date, Gary is regularly invited to speak and evaluate at clubs all around Singapore.
Training aside, Gary has also been regularly engaged to Emcee at events and seminars. Among others, Gary has emceed at the Ministry of Sound, Singapore, the Hilton Hotel and at events and ceremonies for the National University of Singapore. His emceeing stints have seen him speak before distinguished guests such as Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, foreign dignitaries, and Singapore Idol Finalist Jasmine Tye.
Gary’s efforts were recognised on a national level when he was invited to share his insights on public speaking live on radio 93.8Live. The interview was so well received that he was re-invited to speak again on the station for its Positive Business Minutes segment where he shared tips with listeners on how to become betters speaker for the whole of November!
Gary’s a strong believer in the value of family and inter-personal relationships in work and life. He also believes strongly in the potential of the human spirit and further believes that many people are actually hidden gems waiting to be discovered – and that effective communication is the key to helping people shine and forge strong relationships in life.
In a nutshell, Gary draws his passion from effecting meaningful and lasting change in the people he speaks to. To him, there is no satisfaction greater than seeing the growth and smiles on people’s faces – knowing that he has played a part in enriching a soul – and in that process, made the world a better place.
Have a question? Drop Gary an email at gary@garyguwe.com today! Or drop him a note below:
Is trembling a symptom of shyness?
A woman was talking to a man (he didn’t know her) and he seemed to have difficulty talking with her and when she walked away he began to tremble. His whole body shook.
Can you explain how to put a person at ease who has this problem?
Shyness: (noun) a feeling of fear of embarrassment.
Trembling is a sure sign of nervousness, shyness and definitely fear. It is part of the body’s defense system when one’s afraid or anticipating pain. The brain sends signals to the muscles in preparation of reacting to anything unpleasant and potentially dangerous. It’s a syndrome that many call the “fight or flight” syndrome.
Based on what you’ve provided me, I can only guess that the man may have trouble expressing himself. He may also feel uncertain about himself and not know how he should react to the lady’s approach. Uncertainty plays a great part in unsettling a person. Fear often arise as part of being unsettled.
My suggestion for him would involve tweaking his focus:
1. Concentrate on the content of the conversation, not on how things could go wrong.
2. Smile and say hello first! Then ask her how he may help her. Making the first move will put in him in a position of power and control. Being in control will minimize uncertainty surrounding the conversation.
3. Remember that he is unique and approachable! That’s the reason why she even bothered approaching him in the first place! There’s nothing to be afraid of except fear itself! And one has no bigger enemy than himself.
These are some suggestions on helping him ease up. I’d also suggest that he join a Toastmasters Club to practise these skills and those that he picks up along the way.
Cheers!
i thank you a lot gary for helping me with the event i hosted…i never thought u were that serious…but u did…i really appreciate the day i browsed this site and found a great help…in u..
lester of phils.
Hi Gary,
Great to see you on your blog. I get more insights about public speaking. Thank you for sharing. It is motivating to see you embark on your passion & purpose to make a difference in people’s lives.
Warmest Regards,
Raymond Tay
http://www.leaderswheel.com/raymondtay
Hi Raymond,
I’m glad you find my blog useful. Do continue to visit and let me know how I may help you further.
May you continue to grow well beyond 2009 and become a speaker who makes a difference to others too.
Best Regards,
Gary
Hihi Gary!!
You may not remember me but I am Edmund from Yuan Ching! Great blog you have here!
me and my friend are doing a speech about shyness but we are really shy and don’t think we can do it. any tips?