What does it feel like to finally meet someone you truly click with? Someone who knows the stories you are talking about, understands the ideas behind them, and can continue the conversation with you. Sea Dragons Gavel Club President Bruce Yu experienced exactly that during his visit to Oasis Toastmasters Club in Shenzhen, China.
Before the meeting started, the new President of Oasis Toastmasters Club, Ivy Zhang, asked Bruce whether he was from Huizhou. Bruce was shocked—how could someone he had just met know that? It turned out that Ivy and Bruce had actually met before at the Division A Open House in August of last year. Ivy remembered Bruce standing on the stage and sharing his story as one of the youngest Toastmasters club founders in China.
The meeting began soon afterward. Bruce was first inspired by Tina Lin, who described herself as an introvert despite her energetic presence. Tina mentioned more than once that her MBTI type starts with an “I,” but her image was that of a sunny girl with a beautiful smile. During the club officer election, she spoke confidently and passionately. If someone were to ask what their first impression of a Toastmaster should be, Tina would certainly be one of the people they would want representing the organization.
During the Q&A session, Bruce heard the story of guest Nikki. Nikki first participated in Toastmasters while she was attending college in Zhuhai after being invited by one of her professors. She shared that her professor’s wife frequently spoke at the club. Nikki came to Oasis Toastmasters Club because she wanted to reconnect with Toastmasters after moving to Shenzhen.
While listening to others’ stories, Bruce also shared his own. As he introduced himself to members of Oasis, he found someone who truly understood many of the ideas behind his work and experiences in Toastmasters.
Cindy Zhang joined Toastmasters in Hong Kong more than twenty years ago, remained a member for two years, left for a long period of time, and recently rejoined in Shenzhen. Bruce was amazed by Cindy’s deep knowledge of Toastmasters. When Bruce mentioned Toastmaster magazine, unlike many members from other clubs who had never heard of it, Cindy shared that she still had several printed copies dating back to 2003. The same was true when the conversation turned to the Toastmasters–Rotary relationship. Cindy was already familiar with Rotary and even knew about the historic collaboration between Island Toastmasters Club and North Point Rotary Club in Hong Kong, one of the earliest examples of cooperation between the two organizations in the region.
To Bruce, Cindy felt like an elder with endless stories and experiences to share.
After the meeting, Bruce joined Cindy, Ivy, and another friend for a vegetarian dinner. The conversation flowed naturally throughout the meal. Cindy shared stories about her nephew, who studied at USC, found love during college, and married shortly after graduation. Cindy’s friend shared healthy eating habits and nutrition tips, while Ivy talked about the many different kinds of people she had met through Toastmasters.
For Bruce, the visit left a lasting impression. Oasis Toastmasters Club is not only a place to practice public speaking, but also a community of kind and experienced people who are willing to listen, share, and support one another. The evening ended with meaningful conversations, laughter, and friendship. When Bruce thinks of Oasis after this visit, he thinks of a group of people with rich experiences who are always willing to listen and share.