December 10, 2025

This week’s meeting brought warmth, laughter, and resilience—perfectly suited to the holiday season and the spirit of reflection that comes with year’s end. Our toastmaster, Jagan, opened the meeting with a warm welcome to returning members and guests. The tone was friendly and lighthearted, setting the stage for an engaging evening of growth and connection.

The word of the day was:

Enchanted (adj.) – placed under a spell; filled with delight or wonder.

Members were encouraged to weave this word into their speeches and responses, adding a touch of creativity and magic to the evening.

One of the highlights of the meeting was our Leader Profile, presented by Audrey, who introduced us to Theodora, Empress of the Eastern Roman Empire. Rising from a humble background, Theodora became one of the most influential leaders of her time, serving as a trusted political advisor to her husband, Emperor Justinian. Audrey shared powerful moments from Theodora’s life—her courage in moments of crisis, her advocacy for persecuted communities, and her efforts to protect and uplift vulnerable women. Theodora’s legacy left many of us truly enchanted and reminded us that leadership can emerge from the most unlikely beginnings.

Our prepared speech was delivered by Andrea, titled “The Unwelcome Visitor.” Through vivid storytelling, Andrea recounted the shocking experience of returning home from vacation to discover a rat infestation. With humor, suspense, and honesty, she walked us through failed capture attempts, exhausting cleanup efforts, and the emotional toll of the experience. Ultimately, her message centered on resilience, teamwork, and learning to lean on others during overwhelming situations. The speech was both entertaining and relatable, offering valuable lessons wrapped in a memorable narrative.

The meeting continued with a lively Table Topics session led by Preetha themed around holiday cheer. Members and guests shared impromptu stories about funny gifts, sensory holiday memories, dream winter days, creative cooking challenges, and even a playful “Santa Airlines” safety announcement. The variety of responses brought laughter, reflection, and a sense of community to the room.

We closed the meeting with evaluations and reports, celebrating smooth transitions, thoughtful participation, and the collective effort of all role takers who helped the meeting run seamlessly.

As always, this meeting was a reminder that Toastmasters is not just about public speaking—it’s about confidence, connection, and growth. We look forward to seeing everyone again at our next meeting in 2026 and Happy Holidays!