ATTENDANCE–Members = 9 (David, Amy, Susan, Michael, Jaja, HK, Mitch, Jane, Alan)
ATTENDANCE–Guests = 1 (Jason)
Current club membership = 18
TOASTMASTER OF THE DAY – Michael
TIMER – Jane
Ah COUNTER – David
WORD OF THE DAY
> DEDICATION: a feeling of very strong support for or loyalty to someone or something.
SPEECHES:
> “Finding my voice, from innovation to authority” Dynamic Leadership Level II speech (understanding your leadership style), by Jane
> “Win the Shift,” Presentation Mastery Level I speech (write a speech with purpose), by Mitch
> “Re-Tooling Education” – Presentation Mastery Level I speech (vocal variety and body language) by Susan – BEST SPEAKER
EVALUATIONS:
> Strong opening that is relatable. Good voice inflection and hand gestures. Introduced different leadership styles then moved into a personal story. It is reflective and compelling to “speak sooner” and with “clarity”. Improve on direct eye contact and make the takeaway message more clearly by the end. – Amy – BEST EVALUATOR
> Well organized speech with strong delivery that is easy to follow. Clear takeaway of “stacking effort and focusing on the growth”. Suggest to practice smooth transitions between points, use purposeful movement around the room, add more vocal variety and build more background to the intro. Including a personal story or experience could engage the audience more. – Jaja
> Really good job! Helps to reflect on personal education experience, AI is scary and so many changes in the world. Praise you on eye contact, not focusing on one spot. Emotions were excellent. Pls continue your field and share with everyone. – Alan
TABLE TOPICS QUESTIONS—Amy
> what is my favorite charity and why? – Mickael
> What is your favorite reward you give yourself when you have done something terrific. – David
> Describe your best summer break in your childhood. – Mitch
> Describe the best boss you’ve had and why is that? – Jason
> What profession did you want to do when you were little. – HK
> What would you want to put into the storage. – Jane
> What is your favorite band. – Susan
> What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given. – Jaja
> If you could build your vacation resort, what is one attraction you will definitely include. – Alan
Grammarian – Susan
Encouraged speakers to use confident language by eliminating phrases such as “I think,” which can diminish authority. Evaluators to provide more specific feedback and avoid overly general comments like “I love” or “excelled at.” Cautioned the frequent use of “you should,” with a recommendation to frame feedback in a more supportive tone. The phrase “a gift for your audience” was especially positive and engaging. Jaja made a strong connection by referencing the other evaluator. Mitch’s mosquito story was engaging and could flesh out more. Speakers encouraged to end their speeches with confidence, without over-explaining or trailing off.
ANNOUNCEMENT
> Starbucks gift cards to members that finished Level 1 in pathways – Amy and Jane.
> Dan is going to attend the Humorous Speech Contest representing the club on Feb 7th. Saturday, at Bridgeton Trails Library. All are encouraged to attend and support Dan.
> We are looking for help to monitor the Facebook and LinkedIn accounts and respond to requests. Members with interest pls reach out to HK.
> All members pls think about signing up for an officer role for next year – election happens in June. Positions: President, VP of Education, VP of Membership, VP of Public Relations, Treasure, Secretary, Sergeant at Arms.
NEXT CLUB MEETING–
Zoom meeting, Friday, February 6, 2026, 7:15 am
www.midtownclayton.toastmastersclubs.org
You can sign up now for a meeting role.