Greetings, fellow Toastmasters, enthusiasts and aficionados! I would like to share the amusing journey through my experience as an Area Director. Toastmasters is not just about public speaking; it’s a place where laughter and personal growth go hand in hand. So, settle comfortably, allow yourself to unwind, and prepare to immerse yourself in a delightful voyage filled with mirth and profound self-discovery.

Chapter 1: The Mystery of the Missing Timer

Ah, the joy of running a Toastmasters meeting! As the Area Director, part of my responsibility was to ensure conduct of the Area Contest. Unexpectedly, I encountered a minor hiccup: the Timer went missing! Since it was an online meeting, when contestants were dependent on the timer to show the timer cards, I frantically searched high and low, to find those three colors nearby. Indeed! It served as a valuable reminder to always remain vigilant and attuned to the mischievous nature of our internet connection.

Chapter 2: Table Topics with a Twist

Table Topics, the impromptu speaking segment of a Toastmasters meeting, is always a source of amusement. But during my tenure as Area Director, I decided to add a unique twist. I introduced a secret theme: “Describe your favorite superhero…as a kitchen appliance.” The bewildered expressions and the ensuing creative responses were simply priceless! We had heroes like “Captain Can Opener” to “The Mighty Microwave.” Members proved that our beloved superheroes could find a home in our culinary realms.

Chapter 3: The Quirky Icebreaker Challenge

At Toastmasters, we strive to encourage members to conquer their fears and embrace personal growth. So, I concocted an audacious challenge for our clubs: “The Quirky Icebreaker Challenge.” Each member had to deliver their Icebreaker speech with a peculiar prop or costume. Picture a speaker donning a traffic cone hat or passionately presenting while juggling oranges. The room erupted in laughter, breaking the ice and dissolving nervousness in the most delightful way.

Chapter 4: The Unforgettable Evaluation Blunder

One fine day, a guest unknowingly mistook a regular meeting for an evaluation contest. When the evaluation section arrived, the guest confidently stood up and started critiquing every aspect of the meeting. Amidst initial confusion, we decided to roll with it, transforming the unexpected feedback into an evaluation-turned-comedy routine. It served as a valuable lesson, teaching us the art of embracing unforeseen circumstances with poise and finding humor in the most unanticipated situations.

Epilogue:

My journey as an Area Director in Toastmasters was a delightful adventure brimming with laughter, personal growth, and unexpected escapades. From the elusive timer to the whimsical icebreaker challenge, every experience was a testament to the vibrant spirit of Toastmasters.

So, dear readers, whether you find yourself in a leadership position in Toastmasters or any other organization, remember to embrace the unexpected, infuse humor into your endeavors, and create opportunities for laughter. It is in these moments that connections are forged, individuals grow, and lifelong memories are made.

Shubhani Mittal