July 15, 2004
Country hospitality more than business
Good deeds come naturally to business owner.

By ELISABETH DEFFNER
For the Orange City News

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Public speaking is almost universally feared, but if everyone could experience a meeting of the Paul Revere Toastmasters Club, their fears would most likely evaporate.

“This group is exceptional,” said Donna Gilbert, presiding over her last meeting as club president in June. “The people, each one, they’re outstanding.”

Not to mention diverse. Longtime member Janet McDonald describes the club this way: “Our membership of 39 includes Christians, Jews, a Muslim, and an atheist ... Ethnically we are White, Hispanic, African-American and Middle-Eastern. Our ages span from 25 to 85.”

What brings them all together? First, a desire to improve their public-speaking skills and presentation and second, the warm friendships they’ve established.

“From my very first meeting about a year ago, this has been the most supportive, encouraging group to increase my speaking skills, which I’ve needed to do for many years,” said Hilary Kaye, president of her own public-relations agency. “The speeches are fascinating because they’re coming from all the different cultural aspects.”

Toastmasters International got its start in Santa Ana in 1924 with a double goal: to train members in the art of public speaking and to afford them fellowship. The Paul Revere Club – which meets Wednesday mornings at Orange’s Doubletree Hotel – is a major success on both counts.

For information about the Paul Revere Club, call (714) 528-7618 or the club’s Web site at www.toastmasters-paulrevere.com.

 

For Membership Information
Call  Jim at 714-528-7618
Or send email to Rich at
Rich@ccips.net