PRO Toastmasters Club was the third club Sea Dragons Gavel Club President Runfeng Bruce Yu visited when he was first introduced to Toastmasters. Around the same time in 2025, PRO left a lasting impression on Bruce—the club represented professionalism, progress, and promise.

On July 21, 2026, Bruce revisited PRO together with District 118 Division I Director Demir Huang. Before the meeting began, Bruce and Demir exchanged books with each other, with Bruce sharing The Story of Toastmasters.

While many things can change over time, the people at PRO remained the same source of warmth and connection. Nora Wang, Vice President Education, welcomed members with her humor and thoughtful support. Before the meeting, she helped arrange chairs and tables and prepared drinks and snacks for attendees. Her personality was also reflected in her individual speech evaluations, where she introduced memorable phrases such as “Nora officially,” “First Fish, Second Fish, Third Fish,” and others. Her kindness and dedication demonstrated the spirit of a Toastmaster.

With “Yummy” as the Word of the Day, members shared stories about their favorite dishes. Behind each dish was a personal memory, cultural experience, or meaningful story.

1. Sam, a member from Dubai, shared his appreciation for a traditional Chinese home dish—fried eggs with tomatoes. “A dish with eggs and tomatoes is something I rarely had in my culture, and I loved it after coming to China,” he shared.
2. Nora Wang talked about her preference for milder flavors, explaining that she cannot handle very spicy food. She recalled a time when she ate a spicy dish with others and was surprised when they said, “It’s not spicy.” She enjoys tomato fried eggs because it is not spicy and also prefers noodles with lighter flavors.
3. Liz Zhang shared a dish from her hometown of Gansu, China—Stir-Fried Dongxiang Potato Slices. The dish features crisp and tender potato slices seasoned with bold cumin flavors and a spicy, savory aroma. She mentioned that it is rarely available in Shenzhen, so she usually prepares the dish herself whenever she wants to enjoy a taste of home.

Chelsea Cheng, a new Toastmasters member, delivered her second prepared speech, sharing a story about her pet fish. She recalled how her fish survived a hot summer while she was away on a trip and how she had planned to provide them with a larger water tank after returning.

Bruce found a connection between Chelsea’s story and his own experience. When he was in Grade 7, his biology teacher Zoltan Nemes-Nagy gave him two salamanders at the end of the school year. Unfortunately, they did not survive the summer heat. Bruce shared this memory during the Moment of Truth segment of the meeting.

Through familiar faces, new connections, and shared stories, the meeting reflected the family-like atmosphere of Toastmasters. Even after nearly a year since his first visit, Bruce was still warmly remembered by members, while new participants found a welcoming community from their very first meeting. In Toastmasters, every connection has the potential to become a lifelong fellowship.

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 Runfeng 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.

When talking about sunshine, almost everyone can think of a day filled with it. People’s definitions of a “day with sunshine” may vary. Some might describe it as a day of sleeping until lunchtime without work, while others might think of spending time with friends and enjoying life. Sea Dragons Gavel Club President Runfeng Bruce Yu explored many stories of “one day with sunshine” during his visit to Happy Toastmasters Club in Shenzhen, China.

Bruce delivered a Table Topics speech at the meeting. He shared the story of how a single day spent reading Toastmaster magazine led him to discover the lack of youth voices in the publication and eventually inspired him to write an article himself. He spoke about the history of Toastmaster magazine, the writing process he went through, and the outcome that his article will be published this August. For many people at the meeting, it was their first time hearing about the magazine, and they were inspired by Bruce’s passion for Toastmasters. Bruce won Best Table Topics Speaker of the meeting.

Among the many “one day” stories shared that evening, a common theme emerged: many members remembered the day they first stepped onto a stage to speak in English, served as a Timer, or took on another meeting role. These ordinary moments became the sunshine that shaped their Toastmasters journeys.

Beyond the discussion of finding sunshine in everyday life, Bruce also listened to an interview with Song Rui, the first-place winner of the District 118 Chinese Speech Contest 2025–2026. Song shared that his winning speech was developed over the course of a year and refined through multiple revisions. He emphasized that authentic speeches come from real-life experiences. Song believed his success was made possible by the extensive preparation he invested in his speech on school bullying, a topic connected to his own childhood experiences. In addition to drawing from personal stories, he read numerous books to strengthen his speech and carefully considered which messages would resonate most with his audience.

Song described Toastmasters International as a life-changing organization. Reflecting on what life might have been like without Toastmasters, he said he could not imagine where he or the hundreds of thousands of members around the world would be today. For him personally, Toastmasters opened doors to opportunities, growth, and meaningful experiences that he may never have discovered otherwise.

The atmosphere at Happy Toastmasters Club was one of the best Bruce has experienced among the many clubs he has visited. Filled with warmth, encouragement, and genuine connection, the meeting demonstrated how Toastmasters can bring people together through shared stories and personal growth. As members reflected on the ordinary moments that became their own “days with sunshine,” the evening came to a close with laughter, joy, and a renewed appreciation for the impact that a single day can have on a person’s life.

Have you ever wondered when marriage will happen—or what it truly means to love someone?

Over the Lunar New Year break, Sea Dragons Gavel Club President Runfeng Bruce Yu had the opportunity to visit the joint 525th meeting of Smart Toastmasters Club and the 914th meeting of Ship Toastmasters Club in Shenzhen, China. The theme, “Chinese New Year Holiday: Survival Guide to ‘When Will You Marry?’”, tackled these profound questions, and Bruce was impressed by the energy of the members and how open they were to sharing their personal stories.

In the Table Topics session, members shared a variety of experiences. One male member talked about a female colleague who developed feelings for him, only for the relationship to end because she had a boyfriend from high school. He reflected on how complicated love can be, especially in the workplace. A female member shared her own perspective, saying, “The best way to know if you’ve found the right person is that there’s no clear answer—because the feeling becomes more important after many dates.”

A Mexican guest also shared a thought-provoking view: “I found my love today in this meeting—the love of socializing, the love of getting to know one another, and the love of learning by doing. Love isn’t just one thing.” His perspective was a refreshing reminder that love transcends the boundaries of romantic relationships.

The guest was also quick to compliment Bruce on his height. After Bruce introduced himself and shared some of his hobbies, the guest eagerly asked, “Do you play basketball?” Bruce was delighted to meet someone so warm and positive, especially late in the evening.

The meeting took place at Walmart’s headquarters in China, and many of the members worked for Walmart China. This gave Bruce an incredible opportunity to learn about how people in the corporate world view love, relationships, and inclusiveness. The experience underscored the importance of fostering open dialogue and connection, both in and outside of the workplace.

At the start of the Lunar New Year break, Sea Dragons Gavel Club President Runfeng Bruce Yu visited the FSTT Toastmasters Club (From Speakers to Trainers) in Shenzhen, China. More than a club visit, the meeting became an opportunity for shared learning and connection between Toastmasters communities. FSTT members demonstrated strong English proficiency and excellent communication skills, reflecting the club’s commitment to continuous training and development.

The theme of the 227th meeting, “Golden Hours,” encouraged members to reflect on the meaningful moments that shape their Toastmasters journeys. Throughout the Table Topics and Prepared Speech sessions, members explored how ordinary experiences can become valuable memories through learning and participation. Zoe Wang, the meeting’s Harkmaster, shared, “Asking questions during the Harkmaster report section is my golden hour.” Her thoughtful preparation and attentive listening contributed greatly to the meeting’s energy and engagement, turning a simple meeting role into a meaningful contribution.

In this spirit of sharing personal experiences, Bruce delivered a guest introduction and spoke about his enthusiasm for visiting Toastmasters clubs and exchanging ideas with members from different communities. He also introduced his interests in biking and watching movies. During the Table Topics session, he presented a two-minute impromptu speech on applying the “Golden Hour” concept to daily life, sharing how a moment of reading Toastmaster magazine eventually inspired him to write articles for the publication. He also introduced key sections of the magazine to members who were unfamiliar with it.

Beyond the speeches and activities, the meeting also highlighted the welcoming culture that connects Toastmasters members. At the conclusion of the meeting, Bruce was recognized as the Most Dazzling Guest. He expressed appreciation for the club’s inclusive atmosphere and assisted with venue cleanup before extending Lunar New Year greetings to all members.

Although FSTT Toastmasters Club has been established for only four years, it has built a strong reputation for professionalism, dedication, and positive community spirit. For Bruce, the visit was another reminder that the most meaningful “golden hours” in Toastmasters often come not only from speaking on stage, but also from the connections built with people along the journey.

Presidents Advanced Toastmasters Club’s 446th meeting and leadership transition election (19th–20th) provided Sea Dragons Gavel Club leaders with an opportunity to experience another important aspect of Toastmasters: how leadership is developed through participation and service. Sea Dragons Gavel Club President Runfeng Bruce Yu and Vice President Mingbo Dylan Guo attended the meeting to provide support and observe the election process.

Beyond simply watching the election, both Bruce and Dylan took part in the meeting experience. Dylan served as the Timer, ensuring that each officer nominee had a fair opportunity to deliver an election speech. Bruce supported him by explaining how to perform the Timer role effectively and when to raise the timing cards. Although the role was not always visible to participants, it reflected one of the fundamental ideas of Toastmasters: every responsibility contributes to creating a successful meeting.

For Bruce, the election marked his first officer election meeting since he was introduced to Toastmasters in August 2025. Through this experience, he gained a deeper understanding of how Toastmasters elections operate, including the nomination process, self-nomination, support from members, the 1.5-minute election speeches, and the requirement of a majority vote for appointment. The knowledge will be especially valuable for Sea Dragons Gavel Club, as the club will hold a similar election in about half a year.

Meanwhile, the meeting represented a new milestone for Dylan. After months of learning about Toastmasters, this was his first time attending an adult Toastmasters Club meeting. Experiencing the meeting environment firsthand allowed him to better understand the positive atmosphere of club meetings and the close, family-like connections formed among members.

More importantly, the visit helped Dylan see Toastmasters beyond speeches and training. It showed him how members support one another, share responsibilities, and create opportunities for growth. These observations also inspired new ideas for the future development of Sea Dragons Gavel Club.

Ultimately, the experience reminded both Bruce and Dylan that leadership is not defined only by holding a position. It is built through action, service, and the willingness to support others along the journey.

Presidents Advanced Toastmasters Club is the sixth Toastmasters club in Shenzhen that Sea Dragons Gavel Club President Runfeng Bruce Yu has visited since August. Each club has its own meeting style, structure, and traditions, but for Bruce, the most meaningful differences are found in the people who bring each club to life. Every visit has become an opportunity to understand how Toastmasters communities develop their own culture of learning, leadership, and connection.

The connection with PAT began one month earlier, when Bruce was looking for contact information for other Gavel Clubs to explore opportunities for collaboration and communication. PAT members Alion Zheng, DTM, and Viola Lee, DTM, provided valuable support by helping connect him with Gavel Club leaders across China. What started as a search for connections eventually became an opportunity for Bruce to step into PAT’s community and learn directly from its members.

At first, Presidents Advanced Toastmasters Club felt like a “mystery club.” With many members serving as Toastmasters leaders, club officers, and district directors, as well as earning the Distinguished Toastmaster award, the club appeared to represent a high level of experience and achievement. Its many ribbons—including two President’s Distinguished Club Awards and a Founder’s Award displayed on the club flag—reflected its history of excellence.

However, for Bruce, the true meaning of “advanced” was not found only in awards or titles. It appeared in the details of the meeting: the logical structure of speeches, the confidence of speakers, and the simple yet effective way members carried out each role. These elements showed that an advanced club is built not only through achievements, but also through consistent practice and shared commitment.

During the meeting, Bruce served as the Timer, recording speaking times and helping maintain the schedule. His first experience in this role was at Pro Toastmasters Club. Although it was a small responsibility behind the scenes, it reminded him of one of the unique features of Toastmasters education: every member contributes to the learning experience, whether speaking on stage or supporting others from behind it.

At PAT’s 444th meeting, themed “How to Define ‘Advanced,’” Alion Zheng, DTM, shared his perspective during the roundtable interview. He explained that the word “leadership” is often inaccurately translated into Chinese as authority or pressure from a boss. In reality, leadership means inspiring others to take action together. Some people may simply be slightly ahead in the journey and appear to be leaders, but everyone involved is, in fact, a leader.

For Bruce, this idea captured what he experienced at PAT. The club’s “advanced” quality was not only reflected in the achievements displayed on its walls, but also in the way members supported one another, embraced their roles, and continued growing together.