Thank you everyone for another wonderful meeting! To be honest, I was struggling with hay fever and felt quite congested, wondering how I’d get through the session. However, simply participating gave me so much energy that I feel completely refreshed now. There was so much to take in, but I would like to share three particular highlights that stayed with me.
First, Ma-chan shared a touching "My Senri Experience" that reminded us all of Anne’s incredible mindset. It was heartening to hear how Anne always reaches out to new members with such encouraging words. The idea that Toastmasters is a place where we can embrace failure without fear and then apply that assertive confidence to our workplaces is something that truly resonated with me. I am so glad Ma-chan shared that spirit with us today.
Next, I was delighted to hear from our four speakers. These are four individuals whose stories I look forward to every single time, and today was no exception. In particular, Takashi-san’s speech brought a lump to my throat. Having followed his heartfelt posts about his wife on Facebook, hearing him speak today with such a blend of humor and deep emotion was incredibly moving. It was a truly assertive and honest performance, and I sincerely wish his wife could have heard that beautiful story.
I was also deeply impressed by Tenten. Even though he delivers flawless speeches every time, seeing him intently taking notes while listening to his evaluation reminded me that this humble, lifelong-learning attitude is what matters most, no matter how experienced we become. It was a powerful example of how to be assertive in one's own growth.
This meeting was a truly fruitful experience for everyone involved. A huge thank you to our Toastmaster of the Day, Yuriko, for leading us with such a fun and welcoming atmosphere. I also want to say a big congratulations to Mats on your debut as a role taker! Welcoming Mats as a new member makes Senri Toastmasters Club an even more vibrant and exciting place to be.
I look forward to seeing you all again next month!
(Eri)
