Ladies and gentlemen, fellow Toastmasters and distinguished guests, I want to take you on a journey to Uppsala, Sweden—a place known neither for its sandy beaches or being a sun destination. So why did I choose to venture there during my summer holidays? The answer lies in my pursuit of personal and professional growth.

You see, I traveled to Uppsala to attend a European Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention, which took place at the renowned university. While I had been to conventions before, this time I had the opportunity to be a programme participant—a role that would enrich my Toastmasters journey.

Allow me to share with you some of the remarkable experiences and insights I gained during this convention.

At the convention I had the privilege to be a moderator for the captivating topic of magical traditions around the world. As the moderator, I prepared by conducting research on the subject and reaching out to the panelists beforehand to establish a connection and understand their perspectives.

The day- arrived—Friday, the 9th of July—the day I would moderate for the first time. The anticipation of meeting the panelists in the Green Room was exhilarating, as it allowed me to put faces to the names and provide them with a glimpse of what I intended to discuss during the panel. Sitting in a lecture-style room within the university, we donned our headsets, ensuring clear communication with the audience. Glancing around the room, a hint of apprehension tinged my excitement.

Taking a deep breath, I introduced myself, the topic, and the esteemed panelists. A subject as expansive as magical traditions in the world required careful selection, so I decided to focus the conversation on the represented countries: Ireland, Iceland, Sweden, and Ghana. Engaging the panelists, I posed questions about the differences and similarities they had encountered within their respective cultures. At times, my words faltered, but a single response from a panelist would reignite my thoughts and propel the conversation forward, delving into the enchanting realms of fairy tales, myths, and folklore. As the panel progressed, I seized the opportunity to involve the audience, whose participation added depth to the discussion. Surprisingly, time slipped away, and before I knew it, our session had come to a close. Expressing my gratitude, I thanked everyone for their involvement.

The feedback I received afterward was encouraging. Colleagues and attendees congratulated me on successfully moderating my first panel. Taking note of their suggestions, I welcomed their advice for future improvement—a testament to my commitment to growth.

Beyond moderating, I also participated as a panelist in another engaging session: “Cats in Literature.” It became evident that approximately 90% of science fiction fans are cat people, as evidenced by the larger audience size. Guided by a moderator from Greece, who generously volunteers at a cat shelter, I found myself alongside two fellow panelists. One hailed from Iceland and ingeniously incorporated cats as characters in her stories (though they have yet to be translated into English), while the other, a knowledgeable individual from Sweden, worked in a library—a fount of wisdom on all things feline.

Compared to my earlier moderation role, I felt more at ease during this panel. Adjusting to speaking into a microphone, rather than wearing a headset, took some getting used to. We began by sharing our encounters with memorable literary cats, such as the Cheshire Cat from Alice in Wonderland, Greebo from Terry Pratchett’s books, and feline figures from works by Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, and Jim Butcher. The consensus among the panelists was that cats serve as versatile tools for authors, aiding the progression of stories—be it through their magic, mystique, cunning, or sheer malevolence. Their presence can become integral to the tales we read, I’m sure that if you think about it some more you will think of other cats in stories.

Participating in the convention’s programme filled me with newfound confidence, enabling me to engage actively and enjoy the weekend’s festivities. I anticipate such opportunities becoming a regular occurrence, providing me with the confidence to take on various roles within Toastmasters. As a moderator, I sharpen my skills as an active listener—a valuable asset for roles like the grammarian or ah-counter. The process of researching topics and crafting questions will also lend itself well to the role of topicmaster. With this harmonious convergence of my Toastmasters journey and convention experiences, I envision a promising path ahead, brimming with personal growth and fulfillment.

In conclusion, dear Toastmasters and guests, being a programme participant at the convention served as a catalyst for my personal and professional development. It bestowed upon me the courage to seize opportunities, expand my skill set, and relish the joy of both learning and sharing. I look forward to continuing this enriching journey, embracing Toastmasters’ transformative potential while cherishing the excitement and camaraderie that conventions like these offer.