By TM Shikha Singh
“What do you say when your very first Executive Committee meeting has faculty members staring at you and your nerves hijack your brain? In my case, I said something so random that even I wanted to give myself an evaluation right there!”
That moment of awkwardness—standing in a room of respected faculty members and realizing my words had tumbled out in chaos—was my first lesson in humility. And it became the opening scene of my leadership journey as a Toastmasters Secretary. What started with nervous laughter slowly transformed into a journey of communication skills, team management, decision making, conflict resolution, mentoring, and personal growth.
As Secretary, my job was not just about keeping minutes; it was about ensuring clarity. Every email, agenda, and update became an exercise in effective communication. I discovered that leadership isn’t only about delivering great speeches—it’s also about making sure the right message reaches the right people at the right time.
Over time, even presenting minutes in front of faculty became a chance to strengthen my public speaking confidence and practice concise, structured communication.
Behind the scenes, conflicts arose—scheduling clashes, miscommunications, or differences in opinion. Initially, I feared decision-making, worried I might disappoint someone. But I soon learned the power of listening first, responding later.
Instead of reacting in panic, I practiced patience, weighed perspectives, and worked toward conflict resolution skills that built harmony rather than division. That early nervousness gave way to empathy and calmness.
Being part of the Executive Committee taught me the rhythm of teamwork. Managing deadlines, aligning with officers, and ensuring smooth meeting facilitation showed me how to motivate teams without dominating them.
Mentoring newer members was another unexpected gift. Guiding them on evaluations and pathways reminded me that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about helping others shine brighter.
Balancing club responsibilities, academics, and personal life tested my limits. I learned quickly that time management is not about having time, but about making time.
Showing up prepared, on time, and ready to contribute became my silent way of inspiring others. I realized that sometimes the strongest form of leadership is simply to lead by example.
From nervously blurting out random sentences to confidently addressing faculty and members, I witnessed my own transformation. My self-confidence grew, my evaluation tips sharpened, and my appreciation for teamwork deepened.
Every meeting minute I recorded wasn’t just a document—it was a milestone of growth, resilience, and learning.