The Start of an Unstoppable Journey-
（My first experience in Toastmasters）
Six years ago, also on a Friday evening, I took my courage to stepping into a Business Building near SOGO department store in ChungLi. I took the elevator to the 3rd floor and was looking for “丞燕國際股份有限公司”. When the door of the elevator opened, I saw the sign “ChungLi Toastmasters Club” with an arrow. “Bingo. I found it.” I felt so relieved and followed the direction to enter an office. There was a young, tall and handsome man. “對不起，請問這是Toastmasters嗎?” I asked the young man. “Yes. This is ChungLi Toastmasters Club. My name is Albert. Are you a guest?” “我是Amy。” “Oh, Amy, nice to meet you.” The man stretched out his hand. I felt uncomfortable but still shook hands with him in a stiff manner. “Amy, the meeting will start at 7:00 p.m. Now, we are just preparing the meeting room. Please just wait for a moment.”
Just few weeks ago of that evening, I googled “learning English” and found ”Toastmasters”. What captured my attention was that it said it’s a non-profit organization for learning communication and leadership skills as well as improving English speaking ability! At that time, I thought “non-profit” equaled to “free”. Therefore, I decided to visit a club in ChungLi. But when I discovered that the meeting place was located in “丞燕國際股份有限公司” -- -- a direct sales company, I felt hesitated about my decision. Think about it. Why a non-profit organization holds its meeting in a direct sales company?
Even though there were so many doubts and question marks in my mind. I still want to take a look at Toastmasters. On one hand, I was so curious about what “Toastmasters” is; on the other hand, I was also worried about my safety in this strange place. Is this a trap? Is this a con game?
When I wait for the meeting, I wondered what if they persuade me to buy any products? What if they ask me to sign any paper, or invite me to join their company and become their agent, what should I do? When I imagined all kinds of scenarios in my brain, the meeting room was set up. They invited me to have a seat. As smart as I am, I picked a seat, which was closer to the door. I planned if I feel the atmosphere is not right, I can leave the meeting room at any time.
When Time approached to 7:00 p.m., more people came into the meeting room. They shook hands with each other naturally, and talked to each other in English fluently. In fact, when I watched their interaction, I was overwhelmed by complicated feelings and thoughts, such as strange, uncomfortable, curiosity and expectation.
Finally, the meeting started. A man called everyone to stand up and put their hands on their chests and read out the vow. Read out the vow? It was kind of like attending a religious or political gathering. My fear was growing once again. And I hesitated to leave or to stay, to leave or to stay, to leave or it’s too late.
After the vow, a charming lady Sophia Lin conducted the meeting and everything proceeded as planned. With the meeting going on, my worries and fears were replaced by surprise. The meeting was different from what I imagined. It was alive with laughters and claps. What impressed me the most was that almost everyone could speak English very well. I almost can’t believe that this is what happened in Taiwan.
Tell the truth, at that time, my English was very poor. Before attending the meeting, I told myslef, to avoid acting like a fool, I must follow the golden rule that is “do what other people do” in case I don’t understand what they are talking about. So, when everyone laughed, I laughed, too. When everyone clapped, I clapped, too. Even I didn’t know what they laughed at or why they clapped for. I just followed. And this golden rule really worked. It made me safe in the whole meeting.
Until the table topics master called my name, the nightmare came to me. The master invited me to say something about a topic. However, I even didn’t understand what her question was. At that moment, my brain went blank, and my tongue was twisted. I didn’t know what to say. All members stared at me and nothing left. Few seconds later, I found my only answer, “I don’t know.” And my face turned from white to red to green to white to pale. I was so embarrassed at the moment.
It seemed to be a torture to me in the rest of the meeting. “I don’t know.” The three words repeated themselves again and again, over and over in my mind. When the meeting came to an end, I rushed home even without saying Goodbye to anyone.
Time flies. Six years passed and when I recall those memories, the images are still vivid and look like what happened just yesterday. The first visit to a Toastmasters club was an unforgettable experience, and it also brought me to start a journey that never ends. Dear fellow members and distinguished guests, did you still remember your first impression of Toastmasters?
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