Toastmasters: a Gift

The Gift of Toastmasters/Public Speaking

What fun, enthusiasm and pride Toastmasters clubs located Santa Ana, California enjoyed in preparing for the 85th Anniversary Celebration of Toastmasters’ International on October 29, 2009. TI was born in Santa Ana on October 22,1924, and grew up there for about 68 years before moving to its current location in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA.

My club, Inner Strength#984242, based in Santa Ana, wanted to highlight this precious Santa Ana history. We bought and read The History of Toastmasters by Ralph C. Smedey, TI’s founder. I was mainly impressed with The Toastmasters’ Famous 15 Points: especially with Points #9: To PROMOTE friendship among Toastmasters clubs and Toastmasters; and #14: TO ESTABLISH the place of the Toastmasters Club in the life and work of the community.

Personally, I have made it a habit to visit and work with Toastmasters and Toastmasters Clubs throughout the US and worldwide; I have visited over 57 different clubs worldwide. I am awed by TI’s positive impact and influence on communities everywhere.

I encourage everyone to also read The History of Toastmasters: It is packed with delightful details of Dr. Smedley’s life, diligent work and caring ways. It is easy to read, and, it makes a marvelous gift.

Patricia Adelekan, Ph.D., DTM
Member of Inner Strength Toastmasters
Santa Ana, California