For the last 25 years, LCEC has hosted the local chapter of Toastmasters International, the Electric Toasters Club 5701, open to anyone in the community who wants to improve their public speaking and presentation skills.
At the last meeting, a visiting Toastmaster from Naples delivered an informative talk on tips for financial management. The speaker was Jill Davis who presented a talk called Financial Management Skills for Today.
She talked about everything from budgeting to savings to debt reduction, topics many wanted to explore, in simple language and offering specific, easy-to- understand tips. Those parts of the presentation were the qualities of a great presentation, said many members and guests.
“We wanted something different, to bring in a speaker from outside of the club,” said the club’s vice president of public relations, Melissa Miller. “It is always great to learn more about your finances and manage your budget.”
The group is looking for new members, Miller said. While many are LCEC employees, many others come to the twice a month lunch meetings where a variety of topics are explored. Members bring their lunches, and some participate in communication exercises.
It-s all a way to better communicate for advancement in your own job or in securing a job, officials said.
Officers of the club include president of the group Dianne Lawrence; Vice President of Membership Colleen Humphries; Treasurer Aaron Warner; Vice President of Education Robin Dunlap; Secretary Lindy Smith and Sergeant-at-Arms Jesus Claro, along with Miller.
This last presentation’s theme from Davis resonated through all. Have any of you looked at the economy in the last few years and asked what’s going on?
From establishing a rapport with the audience, she gave historical and political perspectives on everything from a repeat of the 1930s economy, President Hoover’s bailout to the situation to President Obama today. A guide to financial peace was noted, with an offering of Internet and other sources available on the subject.
Davis talked about everything from budgeting to savings to debt reduction, topics many wanted to explore in simple language.
The club meets the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 12:05 p.m. at LCEC headquarters.
“Attendees are welcome to bring their lunch and you don’t need to be an LCEC employee; many come from the community at large,” Miller said.
Polls say 75 percent of Americans have a fear of public speaking. This can be in any occasion – from a business meeting to a family celebration.
If you are looking to improve your communication skills, lose your fear of public speaking and learn skills that can help you be more successful you can join the Electric Toasters for an hour every second and fourth Wednesday at noon held at LCEC headquarters in North Fort Myers.
The Electric Toasters is a local chapter of Toastmasters International and is an open club. For more information, E-mail melissa.miller@lcec.net or call 656-2363. To learn more about all local clubs, go to toastmastersorg.