Greater Gadsden Speakers

03/14/2026

Congratulations to Abra Davis for winning the Division Humorous Speech Contest! Your fellow members at Greater Gadsden Speakers are proud of you and are cheering you on as you advance to the next level!

03/01/2026

This is the February issue of our club newsletter. We hope that you take a look and enjoy it.

02/19/2026

Toastmaster of the Month Richard Phelps

Richard Phelps joined a Toastmasters club in Calhoun County back in 2009 and met some wonderful people. The club had thrived with members from the Fort McClellan community, but when the base closed, it slowly faded.
After stepping away from Toastmasters for about five years, Richard rejoined in 2024 when his friend Charlotte Hand invited him to a Zoom meeting. He brought a few friends along, and soon the group had grown too large for a single computer screen. That’s when they began meeting in person in Gadsden. Today, Toastmasters is an important part of his life, and he looks forward to progressing through Pathways while helping the club grow.
Outside of Toastmasters, most of Richard’s speaking has been short introductions for the Chamber of Commerce or reading scripture and prayers at church. The skills he has learned—eye contact, voice modulation, projection, and clarity—have made these experiences much more effective. Recently, he began leading a Sunday School class. While a different kind of speaking, many of the same skills apply: organizing ideas, engaging the audience, and responding to feedback.
Richard says he is often motivated by necessity—if something won’t get done unless he does it, that’s usually the push he needs. He knows he is improving as a speaker when he can deliver his message smoothly, confidently, and with a clear plan. Planning ahead is key, but he has also learned a simple truth: you can choose to speak smoothly and think quickly—or not. The trick to feeling comfortable in front of people? Pretend you already are.
For anyone considering Toastmasters, Richard shares: “This is a place where everyone wants you to succeed, will help you succeed, and will celebrate your progress and accomplishments with you.”

01/27/2026

The spirit of achievement is alive and well in our club, thanks to members like Sean Boogaard, Richard Phelps, Josh Whitley, and Marie Arrington, who have reached notable milestones in their Toastmasters and Pathways journeys. President Michael Kiser warmly presented them with certificates, acknowledging their hard work and perseverance. Here's to a brighter 2026!

01/09/2026

Jennifer Poole first discovered Toastmasters when a friend and mentor invited her to the High Noon Toastmasters club in Huntsville, AL. She enjoyed it so much that she started thinking about how her own hometown could benefit from a Toastmasters chapter.
Jennifer admits that speaking in front of large audiences didn’t come naturally at first. She would feel nervous and unsure, but she tackled those fears by preparing thoroughly. “I find that being confident of my subject matter helps to calm my nerves,” she said. Preparation became her strategy, and over time, it paid off. She realized how much she had grown as a speaker when she received positive feedback from the audience at the NE Women’s Conference in Huntsville. That moment confirmed for her that the work she was putting in really made a difference.
Public speaking isn’t just a hobby for Jennifer—it’s a key part of her professional life. She continuously works to improve so she can deliver the best presentations for her business clients, helping them reach their financial goals. At the same time, she enjoys using her skills in other settings, like church events, where she can connect with people and share meaningful messages. Toastmasters has also helped her communicate more effectively in her personal life, making conversations with family and friends clearer and more confident.
Beyond speaking, Jennifer applies her leadership skills at work through mentoring. She enjoys helping others develop their skills and reach their potential. She also encourages new Toastmasters to find a mentor who can support them, provide guidance, and cheer them on as they navigate their own growth.
For Jennifer, Toastmasters is more than a club—it’s a place to challenge herself, grow as a speaker and leader, and make meaningful connections along the way. Her journey is a reminder that confidence doesn’t happen overnight, but with preparation, practice, and support, anyone can step up and shine.

01/06/2026

This is the newsletter we put out monthly at the Greater Gadsden Speakers. This month our theme is mentoring. We hope you take a moment to look at it.

12/25/2025

As the year comes to a close, we’re grateful for the growth, courage, and connections we shared in Toastmasters this year.
Every speech, role, and meeting was a step forward.
As we look ahead to the new year, what’s one skill you’d like to keep building?
Join us at an upcoming meeting and start the year speaking with confidence.
Guests are always welcome.

12/03/2025

Jasmine Smith agrees with the sentiment that failure is just another step towards growth.
During her time in the organization, Jasmine has learned how to become more intentional in her speaking—slowing down and considering how her words resonate with others. “We live in a fast-paced world where we rush to deliver messages without thinking about how they land. I’ve learned to pause before speaking, use a supportive yet direct tone, and take my time."

She also credits Toastmasters with helping her become a more active listener and a more concise communicator. She’s grown more comfortable with receiving constructive feedback and exploring new ways to engage audiences. These lessons fit perfectly with what inspires her: her siblings, herself, and her future family. “I strive to show—and to truly understand—that there is always room to grow, change, and become the person you desire to be."

Looking ahead, Jasmine’s goal for the next year is to deliver at least one speech each quarter, continuing to challenge herself and build on the growth she’s achieved so far. For her, Toastmasters has truly been a gem—a place to learn, reflect, and step into new roles with confidence.

11/21/2025

We had a fun, productive meeting! Josh Whitley and Jennifer Poole delivered interesting and thoughtful speeches, and Abra Davis helped get us into the Thanksgiving spirit with her table topics. Come visit us at our next meeting, December 4.

11/17/2025

This November, Greater Gadsden Speakers is dedicating the month to reflection—looking back to acknowledge growth, learning, and accomplishments throughout the year.

Each speech, evaluation, and meeting role has been an opportunity to strengthen communication skills, leadership, confidence, and self-awareness. Reflection allows us to appreciate the progress we’ve made and to plan for continued growth in the year ahead.

Our next meeting is this Thursday at 6:30 PM. All are welcome to join and experience how Toastmasters helps members grow, one speech at a time.

Come visit us at: greatergadsdenspeakers.toastmastersclubs.org

11/08/2025

Photos from our Thursday night meeting. Sandra Holland gave her icebreaker speech, and Fred Honer delivered a persuasive speech.

11/04/2025