Communication & Leadership Tips | Sea Dragons Gavel Club

Toastmasters and Rotary: Lessons from a Shanghai Partnership

September 9, 2026September 10, 2026Runfeng Bruce YuLeave a comment

Toastmasters members and Rotarians gather for a group photo at the Career Empowerment Program Mentor Workshop. — Toastmasters and Rotarians are gathering for a group photo at the Career Empowerment Program Mentor Workshop.

We’re talking to Tilman Rieger, 2018–2021 Treasurer of Shanghai Leadership Toastmasters Club, a Toastmasters member since 2017, 2022–2026 Head of Membership, and 2026–2027 Vice President of the Rotary Club of Shanghai. He has been a Toastmasters member since 2017 and a Rotarian since 2021.

What projects did Toastmasters Leadership Shanghai and Rotary Club of Shanghai (RCS) complete together?

We organized the Career Empowerment Program (CEP), a joint service project created and facilitated by Toastmasters Leadership Shanghai and RCS. The project was designed to leverage the career experience of members from both organizations to provide mentorship and career guidance for students and community members, while also creating opportunities for members to serve as mentors.

In 2022, we started CEP with a face-to-face format involving Rotarians only. The mentees we invited were young adults from organizations supported by RCS, including Shanghai Sunrise and Shanghai Young Bakers. However, the challenge was that the mentees only spoke Chinese, while most Rotarians were foreigners who could only partially speak Chinese. A few months later, we conducted a second session online, but we encountered the same issue. We realized that it was not easy to find enough Chinese-speaking mentors to support Chinese-speaking mentees.

At the end of 2022, we planned to restart the project, but it became increasingly difficult because of the language barrier. During this period, we may have already had some selected Toastmasters members participating, as on 12 November 2022, we went to Chongming Island to work on a farm together with Toastmasters members. After a pause, we revitalized the program in 2023 and established a project group consisting of Toastmasters members and Rotarians to explore how to leverage the collaboration for CEP.

At the beginning of 2023, we founded a workgroup with Rotarians and Toastmasters members to think about how to further develop the collaboration through CEP. In February 2023, Rotarians and Toastmasters members held their first joint session, which was an online mentoring session where mentors were matched with mentees recruited through a network of students and young professionals, many of whom came from Africa and the Middle East.

After this initial session, we decided to organize a face-to-face event. The goal was to prepare potential mentors from both organizations and bring both parties together. We then organized a face-to-face mentoring workshop so that both Rotarians and Toastmasters members could understand what mentoring involves, what is important for effective mentoring, and how to better support mentees. This mentoring workshop brought together around 90 Toastmasters members and Rotarians. Trainers from Toastmasters and Rotary co-facilitated small groups, while representatives from both organizations supported the event from the stage, including Rotary Special Representative China Andrew Hill, Toastmasters Region 14 International Director Helen He, and the President of RCS. I facilitated the event representing both organizations, as I had been a member of Shanghai Leadership Toastmasters since 2017 and a Rotarian since 2021. Shortly after the workshop, we held another online mentor–mentee session.

In 2024, after a longer pause, we organized another one or two online mentor–mentee sessions. Through the program, RCS members and Toastmasters friends mentored more than 150 students and community members.

What challenges did the Toastmasters Leadership Shanghai and RCS collaboration face?

I think the biggest challenge was maintaining the momentum after the initial enthusiasm of collaborating across the boundaries of both organizations.

There simply was not enough continuity in the efforts on either side. On the RCS side, for example, we gradually became less conscious of the fact that we could reach out to Toastmasters when we needed more volunteers or wanted to increase the impact of a service project.

We had one large face-to-face event through CEP, which worked well as a joint activity because it gave both organizations a common purpose. One challenge was that Toastmasters members tend to be younger on average, and some of them were still relatively early in their own professional development. As a result, not everyone naturally saw themselves in the role of an experienced mentor. We also had Toastmasters attending Rotary meetings and Rotarians attending Toastmasters meetings.

However, once people had become familiar with the other organization, there was no longer a strong unifying factor that continuously brought the two groups together. Without people actively maintaining the connection, particularly because presidents and their Board or ExCom teams change regularly, the collaboration can easily disappear from the agenda.

Toastmasters members in Shanghai and Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Shanghai lead a joint farm service project on Chongming Island, Shanghai. — Toastmasters in Shanghai and Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Shanghai are leading a joint farm service project on Chongming Island, Shanghai.

What benefits did the Toastmasters–Rotary collaboration bring to both organizations?

It is also important that both sides see a genuine benefit. Toastmasters should not simply be seen as an additional source of volunteers for Rotary service projects, and Rotary should not simply be seen as another audience to whom Toastmasters can promote its educational program. I think the benefits of the Toastmasters–Rotary Alliance are to create:

Greater impact together. Particularly because service projects often depend on having enough people who are willing to get involved. Through the collaboration, we were able to bring together additional volunteers and people with different backgrounds and skills.
Greater awareness of both organizations. At least one Toastmaster joined Rotary after getting to know us through these activities, so the collaboration even resulted in a new member for our club.

Toastmasters–Rotary Alliance Special Representative Andrew Hills also mentioned during a joint Toastmasters–Rotary call that he appreciated the opportunity to create greater impact together through the collaboration. At the same time, he saw the potential for Rotarians to benefit from the public-speaking and communication skills that Toastmasters brings. He strongly supported the collaboration.

Toastmasters Shanghai and Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Shanghai are coming together for a bilingual mentoring workshop and lunch.

What types of projects can Toastmasters and Rotary collaborate on?

I think almost any service project where people can simply come together and contribute their time, presence, and helping hands can become a joint Toastmasters–Rotary project. This could include playing with children in a hospital, helping on a farm or with an environmental project, or collecting and distributing second-hand clothes to people in need.

Even social or fundraising activities can provide opportunities. For example, we have a football competition in Shanghai involving companies and Rotary clubs, the Butterfly Cup. Toastmasters could participate with their own team, or individual Toastmasters could join a Rotary team if they enjoy playing football.

There are also opportunities that draw more directly on Toastmasters’ strengths. On one occasion, Toastmasters were invited to a Rotary meeting to run an impromptu-speaking evening instead of our usual keynote speech. Similar activities around public speaking, communication, facilitation, or storytelling could easily be organized.

2022–2024 Toastmasters Region 14 International Director Helen He presents the Best Table Topics ribbon to Rotary International Special Representative to China Andrew Hill. — 2022–2024 Toastmasters Region 14 International Director Helen He is presenting the Best Table Topics ribbon to Rotary International Special Representative to China Andrew Hill.

How can the Toastmasters and Rotary collaboration remain sustainable long term?

I think sustainability requires both institutional support and committed individuals. My advice would be not to rely solely on the enthusiasm of individual presidents or leadership teams. The partnership should be brought to the attention of every incoming president as an opportunity, and ideally there should be at least one recurring Toastmasters–Rotary activity each year, supported by both organizations and carried forward regardless of who happens to be president. This kind of regular touchpoint could gradually become part of the culture rather than remaining a one-off initiative, helping keep the relationship alive despite leadership changes.

District 118 Division A New Member Speech Contest 2026-2027

August 26, 2026August 27, 2026Runfeng Bruce YuLeave a comment

Bringing together new voices, experienced speakers, and meaningful conversations, the Toastmasters District 118 Division A New Member Speech Contest 2026–2027 was more than a competition—it was also a Division A Open House that welcomed over 120 members. Sea Dragons Gavel Club President Runfeng Bruce Yu participated in the event, where 13 new members competed in either the International Speech Contest or the Mandarin Speech Contest, receiving constructive evaluations from one of the 13 randomly assigned district-level senior speakers. The event also included a roundtable discussion about how a seven-minute prepared speech can impact people’s daily lives and work.

Don’t Fall into the Trap of Delayed Gratification

Chloe Liu challenges the idea that delayed gratification is always the best choice. She begins by asking the audience: if someone was extremely hungry, would they choose 20 yuan immediately or wait longer for a larger reward? Through this question, Chloe introduces her main message: delaying gratification is only valuable when the future reward is achievable and the cost is reasonable.

Chloe develops her idea through two points. First, she shares her experience as an auditor, where she gave up the chance to visit Huangshan Mountain because she hoped her hard work would lead to recognition, but the expected reward never came. Second, she explains that the cost of waiting should always be considered, as some sacrifices may not be worthwhile.

Chloe concludes that people should not blindly pursue delayed gratification. Instead, they should carefully evaluate the promise, the cost, and learn to appreciate the present moment.

Go Ahead or Go Back?

Eric Zhou uses his hiking experience at Gupo Mountain as a metaphor for facing challenges in life. He begins by sharing a difficult moment during the climb when he and his friend had to decide whether to continue or turn back after realizing the mountain was much higher and more challenging than expected.

Eric develops his message through the idea of taking “one more step.” Although they were hesitant and worried about the difficulties ahead, continuing the journey allowed them to experience one of the most beautiful views of their lives. He connects this experience to everyday choices, such as facing pressure, uncertainty, and personal challenges.

Eric concludes that when people find themselves in the middle of their own journey, they should not give up too quickly. Instead, they should take one more step forward and keep moving toward the top.

Rising Star? Never Too Late

Cindy Zhang shares her journey of returning to Toastmasters after 22 years and overcoming her hesitation to step back onto the stage. She begins by describing her first meeting after decades away, where she hesitated during Table Topics but eventually pushed herself to raise her hand and participate.

Cindy highlights how that small decision changed her perspective. Through her impromptu speech experience, she rediscovered her confidence and found a renewed sense of belonging in the Toastmasters community. Within one month, she joined the club, completed her Icebreaker Speech, and began taking on leadership opportunities.

Cindy concludes with an encouraging message: the places people fear entering may be the places where they are needed most. It is never too late to take a new step, find one’s voice, and begin again.

Roundtable Discussion: Prepared Speeches, Brighter Lives

In the Roundtable Discussion Prepared Speeches, Brighter Lives, Catherina explored with Jonathan, Townsend Ye, and Chunhui Zhao how seven minutes on stage delivering a prepared speech can create a lasting impact that extends far beyond the stage and into daily life. Key points from their discussion include:

Break through self‑imposed mental limits and learn to use ample body movements on stage; step out to connect with more people.
A mishap experience: I corrected my grammatical errors three times within just two minutes. Only after you gain prominence will people dig up your old missteps.
Could you tell me what you have done for the company? (Pre‑salary‑raise conversation: total‑point‑total structure, clear logic)
Preparing a speech is a process of reconciling with yourself; you deliver it first for your own sake.

District 118 Corporate Open House 2026–2027 | Simone Nash

August 9, 2026August 27, 2026Runfeng Bruce YuLeave a comment

“Hi Bruce, I have told Simone about you,” a smiling Alion Zheng, the 2026–2027 Club Growth Director of District 118, said. “Come and shake hands.”

“You are a teenager, right?” Simone Nash, the 2026–2027 Region Advisor of Region 14, asked while shaking hands with Sea Dragons Gavel Club President Runfeng Bruce Yu. Through Alion’s warm introduction — “He went to teach adult members about Toastmasters history in NMO a couple of days ago…” — Bruce first met Simone at the Toastmasters District 118 Corporate Open House 2026–2027 in Shenzhen, China.

The handshake lasted only a moment, but it represented something much larger — a community built on people opening doors for one another.

Bruce stepped into a room where experience was constantly being passed from one member to another. Viola Lee, the 2024–2026 International Director, opened the first workshop with a vivid yet professional sharing session for company employees about Toastmasters, concluding with the idea of “Power” as what Toastmasters can bring. The exchange continued during the Roundtable Interview session, where Chloe Zhang interviewed Alion Zheng, Suki Lv, and Nana Yuan. They shared how they first discovered Toastmasters, the skills they gained from the organization, and how Toastmasters supported their career development.

“Bruce, I think you are smart. What’s the difference between…?” Simone asked Bruce during her workshop.

“This young man’s English is so 高级,” Simone said. Before the event, Bruce was already impressed by Simone’s language skills as an Australian living in Taiwan who can speak both English and Mandarin. Her sharing of two stories from her career journey showed Bruce that communication goes beyond speaking; it involves asking, listening, sharing, and respecting each other. In the age of AI, communication remains difficult to replace.

The opportunity to learn soon became an opportunity to contribute. Throughout the Open House, Bruce shared information about Gavel Clubs with members whose children could participate, introduced himself to new members during the Warm-Up Activities section, learned about an online Toastmasters Club in District 89 that runs meetings every day at 6:30 a.m., and shook hands with many peers.

“See you at the club tonight!” Simone said.

Following Simone’s invitation, Bruce joined the 481st English meeting of Presidents Advanced Toastmasters Club after the Open House. As the first speaker to deliver a Table Topics speech, Bruce shared his experience in running a Gavel Club. He talked about the time he spent recruiting volunteers through online platforms and working remotely with club committee members from more than 10 countries. His sharing earned him the title of Best Table Topics Speaker of the meeting.

Behind Simone’s encouragement for others was also her own story of learning and connecting across cultures. Simone introduced herself further during the Roundtable Interview session with James Wu, the 2026–2027 Division A Director of District 118. She comes from Melbourne, Australia, with an Australian mother and a father from Suzhou, China. She also lived in Hong Kong for 10 years during her childhood. When James asked her, “I heard you can speak Mandarin,” she answered, “会呀.” Simone learned Mandarin in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, by studying with a Mandarin tutor every Saturday. She further improved her Mandarin skills after joining a Mandarin Toastmasters Club there. According to Simone, “I spoke, listened, and interacted with people through Mandarin.”

For Simone, English is important for an international city like Shenzhen. Being a club officer and a member of the District Trio also come with different responsibilities.

During the interview Q&A section, Bruce asked Simone to share more about her experience coaching the first Toastmasters club — Smedley Chapter One Toastmasters Club — through online meetings, because Bruce had previously seen this story in the Toastmaster Magazine.

Simone explained that when she coached the club, she had already joined the founding district where the club belongs. It was very close to the centennial celebration of Toastmasters International, and Toastmasters was reaching its one hundredth anniversary. However, the club was not in a good situation at that time, especially after the pandemic, and it would have been a shame for the centennial celebration if the club could not recover. Therefore, Simone volunteered to become the club coach. She participated in every online club meeting, observed the meetings to identify problems within the club, and reported them to the club president.

“I did not speak too much in the club officer meetings. The club president is the leader of the club. I also reported the problems privately to each club officer who was responsible for them,” Simone reflected. Due to Simone’s efforts and the dedication of the entire club, the club eventually recovered. A member found the church that Toastmasters founder Ralph C. Smedley used to visit, and Smedley Chapter One hosted a celebration there during the week of the 2024 International Convention.

Bruce was amazed by Simone’s selflessness and even more impressed by her humor when sharing her story. Before leaving the room, he continued his conversation with Simone at the back of the room about his story of being featured in Toastmasters Magazine, which Simone had happily read a day earlier after Alion shared it with her, as well as Rotary–Toastmasters collaborations in China.

What started as an introduction became a meaningful connection, showing the lasting impact of a community that grows together.

How to Build Confidence and Win Speech Contests

July 22, 2026August 26, 2026Runfeng Bruce YuLeave a comment

Mike Carr is the 2020 World Champion of Public Speaking, standing out among 30,000 contestants from 146 countries. He is an economist, entrepreneur, and international speaker who launched his first business at age 14 and has worked with U.S. senators and global financial firms.

Mike’s speaking journey began when he was ten years old in a group similar to a Gavel Club. He immediately developed a passion for speaking, but his enthusiasm also created challenges: he often spoke too long and used too many filler words. Eventually, someone introduced him to Toastmasters, which helped him improve those weaknesses and develop his speaking skills.

Throughout his journey, one of the most important lessons Mike learned was about confidence. He explained that everything in life can be divided into two categories: things you can control and things you cannot control. According to Mike, confidence grows when we focus only on what we can control and detach ourselves from what we cannot.

Mike shared that this lesson came from his eighteen-year journey competing in Toastmasters contests. He lost many times, and in 2015, he gave what he considered his favorite speech but did not even place, which was devastating. Later, he realized his confidence was low because he was focused on whether the judges liked his speech, something completely outside of his control. Instead, he changed his mindset and began judging his success based only on whether he had prepared as well as he could and served the audience as effectively as possible. After making this shift, his confidence increased, and he eventually won the World Championship in 2020.

When discussing preparation, Mike emphasized the importance of consistent writing and practice. He suggested writing for fifteen minutes every day to keep the creative mind flowing. For his speeches, he wrote out the entire script. At his speaking speed of 114 words per minute, a seven-minute speech required around 800 words. When he first wrote his championship speech, it was 1,500 words, so he carefully cut it down. He then created a mental outline by imagining walking through his house, with pictures representing each point of his speech. This helped him remember the structure and speak without notes. Before the finals, he practiced his speeches out loud at least 500 times, even practicing in distracting environments such as walking on a downtown trail.

Beyond preparation, Mike emphasized the importance of gratitude as a mindset. After his disappointment in 2015, he decided he no longer cared about winning as much. Instead, his focus became delivering a speech that could help someone in the audience. Before every speech, he says a prayer of gratitude, reminding himself that he has the opportunity to help at least one person. This allows him to focus less on himself and increases his confidence.

Mike also stressed the importance of having a strong vision while holding it lightly. He referenced Admiral Stockdale, who survived a prison camp by believing he would eventually get out while still focusing on surviving each day. For Mike, this means maintaining a long-term goal while staying focused on the present.

When sharing advice about creating interesting speeches, Mike suggested starting like a great movie that immediately drops the audience into the middle of a scene. A surprising statement, question, or moment can quickly capture attention. For impactful speeches, he recommended using stories instead of simple declarations, adding humor to build rapport, and constantly reading and writing so speakers can recognize ideas that create emotional responses.

For speaking without notes, Mike recommended progressing step by step: start with notes, turn information into stories, develop mental outlines, and practice until fewer notes are needed. He explained that confidence without notes comes from repeated preparation.

To connect with an audience, Mike emphasized the importance of eye contact. Instead of scanning across the room, speakers should look at one person at a time to create a stronger connection. When answering questions they cannot answer, he recommended honesty, saying, “I don’t know, but I’ll research it,” because authenticity builds trust.

Throughout his talk, Mike shared several quotes that reflected his speaking philosophy. A beginner speaker focuses on himself, an average speaker focuses on the speech, and an expert speaker focuses on the audience. He also explained that whenever someone does not share their authentic self, they waste their audience’s time. His advice to his younger self was simple: lighten up and have fun, because even if you trip and fall, you may have just created a great story.

The key takeaway from Mike is that public speaking is a skill developed through consistent practice, focusing on what you can control, and serving your audience with gratitude and authenticity.