It was a signal of your leadership instincts, your ability to see a need, your awareness of what needed to be done, and your willingness to do it.

"The fastest way I've seen people become leaders," wrote Dale Carnegie in How to Win Friends and Influence People, "is through the improvement of their public speaking abilities."

It's no wonder then, as Toastmasters progress thought their basic and advanced manuals, improving their skills at effective communication, that they too rise to levels of leadership within their professions, civic organizations --- and in Toastmasters. It is the natural next step. It is the next step toward continuing the growth many experience in their club.

It is the next step in keeping yourself challenged.

Opportunities to participate in Educational, Membership and Administrative Committees, or serve as an Area or Division officer or assistant, are like guests arriving at your club, when warmly invited in, they enrich your life.

You may be like me and other previous officers who didn't want to be an officer and resisted all suggestions that we be one --- for a long time.

I had completed the CTM and had completed the ATM requirements almost ---- everything except holding a club office for six months.

You've guessed where this idea is leading, so there's no need to continue it, except to say participation in the Toastmasters family surrounding my club --- was a challenging fun, "peak" experience. And personally rewarding.

More than likely you have had the same positive learning experiences in your club. You wouldn't be taking a closer look at additional Toastmasters growth opportunities if you didn't what them to continue.

You are at the next step.

Past District Governor Jodie Kay Petra, DTM, is looking for Toastmasters ---- the type who step forward to greet guests ----- to participate in the District's 2000 Leadership Star Search.