Toastmasters Of Winter Park, Florida 50th Anniversary

     In January of 1974, one week after I received my Florida real estate license, I walked into my first
meeting of Winter Park Toastmasters on a Friday morning at 7:30 AM.  I had looked Toastmasters up in the white pages of the phone book.  Francis Jackson, a State Farm insurance agent, had answered the phone.  The first person that spoke to me was Larry Kittinger, a real estate developer.  The second person I met was Judge Joe Rosier.  Then Harold Lanigan introduced himself. Next, Arnold Howell, CPA shook my hand.  I felt like I was surrounded by big shots.  I was afraid they would not let me in this club.   

They not only let me in, three weeks later the treasurer of the club resigned and left town and they appointed me the new club treasurer.

One of my most prized possesions

     Twenty four years later, Kathy and I moved to Daytona Beach and I dropped out of Winter Park Toastmasters, club # 3674.

     I can not even begin to tell you how much I learned from Winter Park Toastmasters.  I learned to speak in public.  I learned how to be mentored by people that care about you.  I learned how to mentor people that you care about.  I learned to tell a joke.  I learned how to tell stories to audiences.  I learned how to read audiences.  I learned about people and meetings and how to be a better person.  I learned so many things that helped me down the road to success. I learned how to win and I learned how to learn from losing. I learned that energy and persistence are a formidable force.  I learned that change is not only inevitable, it is good.

     Why would a young man today want to learn to be a better public speaker?  The answer to that is because some things never change.  Through out history, a man that can stand in front of a room and inspire people to action has always been a sought after person. This was true when Socrates was around and it is true today.

     The skill of public speaking is not the only essential skill of leadership.  It is a very important skill.  It is almost as important as oxygen.

     If you are a young man that wants to grow rapidly in your career, there is no skill that will catapult your career forward faster than learning to speak to an audience with skill.  There is no better way to learn this essential skill than joining Winter Park Toastmasters.  It is cheap.  It is fun.  It works.

     What inspired me to write this article?  On November 22, 2013 , Winter Park Toastmasters is having their 50th anniversary celebration dinner.  If you have ever been a member of Winter Park Toastmasters, you are invited.  Contact the club at http://3674.toastmastersclubs.org/#null

     I will be there and dozens of your old friends will be there.  If you are not a Toastmaster, contact Winter Park Toastmasters at the above address.  It will change your life.    www.climerrealestateschool.com