What would you tell your 20-year-old self?
Has technology made us more connected, or more isolated?
What is one thing our generation got wrong?
Is the world actually getting better, or simply different?
These were some of the questions members of the Rotary Club of Mt Eliza were challenged to consider at a recent club meeting.
The format was deliberately simple, and a little daunting. Members were invited to stand up, select a topic and speak for three minutes, with little or no preparation.
The result was an entertaining and thought-provoking evening that demonstrated just how much experience, wisdom and personality exists within our club.
One speaker reflected on being painfully shy as a young woman and the journey from feeling like an imposter to developing the confidence to speak publicly. Another tackled the question of whether the world is getting better or simply changing, reflecting on how dramatically society, politics, communication and technology have evolved.
There was also a spirited discussion about resilience and the now-familiar concept of the "participation certificate", with one speaker arguing that our desire to protect children from disappointment may sometimes deprive them of the opportunity to learn how to deal with losing.
Technology was another popular topic. Are our phones and devices helping us connect, or are they preventing genuine face-to-face communication? The discussion highlighted how dependent we have become on technology while also recognising the enormous benefits it provides.
One member summed up the importance of communication by encouraging us to pick up the phone, rather than always relying on a text message. Sometimes hearing someone's voice and understanding the emotion behind their words matters more than the convenience of a quick message.
What made the evening particularly enjoyable was the willingness of members to step outside their comfort zones. For some, standing in front of the room was clearly a challenge. For others, it appeared to be considerably less daunting!
But that was really the point.
The exercise wasn't about delivering a perfect speech. It was about having a go, sharing an idea and connecting with fellow members.
It was also a great example of the fellowship that sits alongside Rotary's community service. Our members don't just work together on projects. They learn from each other, challenge each other, share stories and, importantly, have fun together.
By the end of the evening, there was plenty of encouragement and applause for those who had taken the challenge.
And perhaps the biggest takeaway was that public speaking isn't necessarily something to fear. Sometimes, you simply have to stand up, take a breath and start talking.
Three minutes later, you might just surprise yourself.