Best Club of the Year 2025–26 celebrates excellence in communication and leadership
By Abdul Rahman M. Baig
Jeddah – With the theme “Where Voices Become Impact,” members of the Jeddah English Toastmasters Club demonstrated the power of confident communication, persuasive speaking and effective storytelling at their Annual Speech Contest, held on 06 November 2026 at the Village Restaurant in Jeddah.
The event brought together Toastmasters and guests for an evening of inspiring speeches, humor, spontaneous expression and constructive evaluations, as contestants showcased their public-speaking abilities across four competitive categories.
TM Shaheen Mansuri, the chief Sergeant at Arms began the contest by reading the club mission and motto.
The contest chair was TM Raihanath Saheer, who declared the contest officially open and welcomed the Toastmasters & guests.
In her opening speech, she highlighted the remarkable growth and achievements of the club, which was recognized as the Best Club of the Term 2025–26, despite being less than two years old.
She further reflected on the club’s journey, recalling its reactivation in January 2025 under its new name, Jeddah English Toastmasters Club, formerly known as Alfaneya Toastmasters Club. With the valuable guidance and support of the then District 104 Program Quality Director, DTM Balasubramaniyan, a new leadership team was formed to lead the club forward. DTM Najeeb Khan and I, TM Raihanath Saheer, had the privilege of serving as Club Coaches, while TM Saheer Abdul Khader graciously took on the role of Vice President Education.
It has been a rewarding journey, and we are truly grateful to everyone who contributed to the club’s growth and progress. We are also delighted and humbled that the club has achieved the Smedley Distinguished Award from Toastmasters International and the D104 Premier Club Growth Award from District 104 this year.
These recognitions are a reflection of the collective commitment, teamwork, and dedication of our members and leaders. We look forward to continuing this journey of learning, growth, and service together.
Through proactive leadership, teamwork, consistent quality meetings, active member engagement and continuous motivation, the club grew from just fourmembers to 21 members within five months, achieving the prestigious President’s Distinguished Club status last year. Continuing its successful journey, the club went on to receive the Best Club of the Year Award for 2025–26, reflecting its commitment to excellence and collective growth.
Six contestants participated in the humorous speeches. The contestants entertained the audience with spontaneity and humor. TM Mohammed Sameer Kunnan was the chief judge while TM Sajid Kandi was the contest master. Among the six contestants, TM Semin M was declared the winner, with TM Santhosh K. Abdul Kareem and TM Ajna Anvarlal the first and second runner up.
In the Table Topics Speech contest, where the contestants had to deliver an impromptu speech for 1 to 2 minutes on a topic given on the spot, eight were in the fray. The title given to all the contestants was “Which is more valuable, Time or Money or Relationship?”. DTM Basheer Ambalavan was chief judge and TM Wafa Saleem was contest master. TM Rizwana Yasmin Hashim got the first prize, while TM Safa Karumara took second and TM Semin M third respectively.
Evaluations Speech Contest had also six contestants with a test speech delivered by TM Muhammad Masood Jameel. The first position was bagged by TM Safa Karumara, followed by TM Rizwana Yasmin Hashim, second position and TM Shihana Hassan T, third position respectively. The contest master for the contest was TM Naslee Fatima while District 104 Club growth Director, DTM Sameer Veeran was the chief judge.
The contest ended with the International Speech contest — a 5 to 7 minutes speech delivered on a topic of speaker’s choice devoid of sex, religion or politics. Seven contestants participated in this category and enthralled the audience with their inspirational and thought-provoking speeches. The chief judge for the contest was DTM Balasubramaniyan Vaidhyanathan and DTM Shakira Begum, was the contest master. TM Safa Karumara was declared the winner, while TM Shihana Hassan T, the second position and TM Asfina Hassainu, third position.
The winner and first runner up from the Humorous Speech, Evaluations Speech, Table Topics Speech contest and the International Speech contest will now represent Jeddah English Toastmasters Club at the Area 18 contest which will be held on 11th December 2026.
All the participants across the four contests did a wonderful job, demonstrating confidence and commendable public speaking skills.
District Club Growth Director, DTM Sameer Veeran, encouraged members to renew their memberships and continue contributing towards keeping the district vibrant and thriving. An inspiring message was also shared by TM Saheer Abdul Khader, Division H Director, who appreciated the efforts and performances of all the contestants in the club contest.
Contest Chair TM Raihanath Saheer congratulated all the winners and warmly appreciated every participant for their efforts and enthusiasm. She also reminded everyone that the true value of a speech contest goes beyond trophies and certificates. It is about having the courage to stand before an audience, stepping out of one’s comfort zone, building confidence, and using words to make a positive and meaningful impact.
The theme, “Where Voices Become Impact,” beautifully reflected the spirit of the occasion, reminding us that every voice, when expressed with confidence and purpose, has the power to inspire others and bring about meaningful change, she added.
The Contest Chair presented certificates of appreciation to all the role players in recognition of their valuable contributions and support in making the contest a success.
TM Azaharuddin Mohammed served as Master of Ceremonies and extended his appreciation to all contest officials, role players and volunteers for their dedication and contribution. He also thanked Village Restaurant for its warm hospitality and excellent service.
The memorable evening concluded with a sumptuous dinner, providing members and guests an opportunity to celebrate the contestants achievements and strengthen the spirit of fellowship.
The annual club contest once again reaffirmed the Toastmasters philosophy that effective communication and leadership are developed through practice, encouragement and the willingness to step forward. For the members of Jeddah English Toastmasters Club, it was not merely a competition, but a celebration of growth, confidence and the transformative power of the spoken word.
