Regular Meeting 146, May 19, 2026 (Hybrid)

Welcoming a First-Time Guests Who Took on the Challenge

At our May 19 meeting of the Shin-Osaka Leaders Toastmasters Club, we were delighted to welcome a first-time guests to our meeting.　Even though it was their very first Toastmasters experience, they courageously stepped forward and participated in the Table Topics session — our impromptu speaking activity.

Speaking without preparation in a second language is never easy.　That is exactly why we appreciated their willingness to challenge themselves and simply give it a try.

One thing we often share with guests is this:

Toastmasters is not just a place to “study English. ”It is a place where we use English to communicate ideas, express ourselves, lead, connect, and grow.

Of course, being able to communicate in English is part of the experience. However, this does not mean you need to speak like a native speaker or be perfectly fluent before joining.

At Toastmasters, people come from different backgrounds and levels of experience.　

Some members want to improve public speaking.　

Some want to build confidence.　

Others want to practice leadership, communication, or simply become more comfortable expressing themselves in front of others.

What matters most is not perfection, but the willingness to participate.

We truly appreciated our guest’s positive attitude and courage to take on a new challenge.Moments like these remind us that growth begins when we step slightly outside our comfort zone.

Thank you again for joining us, and we hope to see you again soon!

Maho Hummel

President, 2025-2026