Regular Meeting 135, Jan. 06, 2026 (Hybrid)

The First Toastmasters Meeting of 2026

Many of us returned to work yesterday, and for many students, school is starting again today or tomorrow. In the midst of this busy and slightly hectic time, we held our first Toastmasters meeting of the year.

With the new year just beginning, my work schedule has already been extremely busy—so busy that my days have felt like a whirlwind. Still, I was relieved and grateful that I managed to make it to the meeting.

My first role of the year was General Evaluator.

To be honest, I used to dislike this role when I had only a few years of Toastmasters experience. It requires spontaneous speaking on the spot and careful evaluation of the entire meeting, which I found very challenging at the time.

However, even roles we feel uncomfortable with become more manageable once we take them on repeatedly. Whether or not I have grown significantly in skill is another question, but I have certainly grown more comfortable. Viewing the meeting as a whole, paying attention to every detail, and offering evaluations from a broader perspective helps develop the ability to observe, assess, and communicate thoughtfully.

While I wouldn’t say I delivered a perfect performance, I truly believe that continued effort leads to growth. Like the Year of the Horse, I hope this year will be one of momentum, progress, and meaningful leaps forward.

Maho Hummel President 2025-2026