First, let me say, "Toastmasters helps!"

Toastmasters helps in an uncommon manner. The meeting climate is encouraging. The results of accomplishment are encouraging. The awards in recognition of accomplishment are encouraging. The whole shooting match is a grand encouragement to achieve individual goals in self confidence, thought organization, presentation skill, audience correct manners and conduct, leadership and all.

The program is so neatly designed that your accomplishments sort of sneak up on you. Before you know it you are moving forward at your own pace. As a part of the advancement program a letter describing your accomplishment is sent, at your request, to your employer. Such a letter arrived at the office of my employer, Superintendent of Schools, SAU # 40, Milford, NH. I was asked to take part in a program for Gifted and Talented students, attend seminars, represent the school system, and bring this approach into the Vocational Education program. Upon the second such notice to the office of another Toastmasters milestone, more responsibility became mine, I began to grow professionally. I was nominated as a candidate for "Teacher of the Year." All of this accord would not have come about without the recognized influence of Toastmasters International's Program.

Nowadays, in my retirement, I enjoy helping others to achieve such goals in their lives. I attend meetings regularly and enjoy the company of others who are members of clubs to which I belong. I enjoy competing with other clubs, areas, and divisions. I also present programs on poetry and the wonder of poems. Never would have thought of it without the Toastmasters background. Never!

Roger N. Davies DTM