March 11, 2026

This week’s meeting focused on belonging, growth, and friendly competition as we gathered around the theme “March Madness.” The evening reminded us that this club is more than a place to practice speeches — it is a space where members encourage one another, take risks, and grow together while embracing the competitive spirit that helps us become stronger speakers.

Our Toastmaster of the Day, Lily, invited us to reflect on the courage it takes to show up and speak. Through her remarks, we explored how progress in public speaking comes through consistent practice and a supportive environment, and we were encouraged to continue stepping forward, volunteering for roles, and supporting one another’s growth.

The Word of the Day was:

tenacity (noun) — the quality of continuing to work toward something despite difficulties or setbacks

Our first speaker, Kirti, delivered a reflective and inspiring speech about our club’s culture. She explored what makes a Toastmasters community thrive, sharing her personal journey from a nervous Ice Breaker speaker to an engaged member of the club. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt reflections, she highlighted how psychological safety, encouragement, and shared responsibility create a space where members can grow. A key takeaway from her speech was that mistakes are simply rehearsals for success, reminding us to embrace learning and continue showing up to support one another.

Our second speaker, Nitin, delivered a humorous Tall Tales speech that took us on an imaginative journey involving mysterious family photos, unexpected discoveries, and even an alien connection. Through storytelling and playful twists, the speech entertained the audience while reminding us how creativity and humor can bring energy and joy to the stage.

Our third speaker, Akila, presented a thought-provoking speech exploring the idea of being “woke” and the meaning of awareness in society. Through personal experiences and reflection, the speaker examined how perspectives can shift over time and challenged us to consider how empathy and understanding can change the way we see fairness, opportunity, and our own assumptions. The story served as a powerful reminder that growth often begins with listening to others’ experiences.

The Table Topics portion of the meeting, led by Monica, brought laughter, quick thinking, and lively engagement to the room. Guided by the spirit of March Madness, members responded to prompts with creativity and energy, demonstrating how thinking on our feet can be both challenging and fun.

Thank you to our functionaries and evaluators for their thoughtful feedback and support in helping our speakers and meeting grow.

We have an upcoming Spring Area contest on March 15th where Nitin and Akila will be representing Women L.E.A.D Toastmasters. Please join us and support your fellow club members. Good luck to Nitin and Akila!

See you at our next meeting!