September 10, 2025

This week’s meeting, guided by Toastmaster Jian, explored the theme “Comfort Zone.” Jian reflected on how comfort can feel safe and familiar, yet growth lives just beyond it. She shared her own leap, relocating to another city, and encouraged us to think about our next small step outside our own comfort zones.

Our word of the day was: Audacious (adj.) – showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks

For the evening’s first speech, Nadya delivered her icebreaker, sharing how an unexpected accident, dropping her phone on her pinky toe, ended up reigniting her love of shoes. What began as frustration turned into curiosity about foot health, posture, and design. Her story reminded us that even painful setbacks can spark renewed passion when we stay open to what they might teach us.

Next, Sana reflected on the challenge of self-discovery in her icebreaker. She admitted how daunting the simple question “Tell me about yourself” can feel outside of a professional setting. Joining a local Run Club pushed her far outside her comfort zone, but also helped her uncover new parts of herself. By daring to try something unfamiliar, she discovered joy and a clearer sense of who she might be beyond her career title.

Congratulations on giving your icebreaker speeches, Nadya and Sana!

Our final speaker, Joscel (JJ), brought high energy and laughter with his speech “How to Be Funny.” Drawing from his experience as a nurse, comedian, and content creator, he broke down humor into three theories: superiority, relief, and incongruity, and showed how understanding them can help anyone use humor more effectively. His lively delivery had the room laughing while learning. We wish him the best on his upcoming talk in San Francisco!

Monica then led a wildly entertaining Table Topics session where we became masters of deception. Participants had to improvise their way through imaginative scenarios, like coming face to face with their own clone or defending why the TV show Friends isn’t performing well in the US compared to international audiences. The impromptu stories were full of quick thinking, dramatic flair, and plenty of laughter, showing just how creative and courageous our members can be under pressure.

The evening closed with thoughtful evaluations, functionary reports, and plenty of smiles. From broken toes to punchlines, each speaker showed that stepping outside our comfort zones, though intimidating, can reveal our resilience, our passions, and even our hidden sense of humor.

See you at our next meeting!