Guest Information

At Cariboo Toastmasters a guest is always welcome. As our guest, you may choose to enjoy the meeting as an observer or you can participate in all aspects of our meeting except voting during business meetings.

Many of our Visitors find Table Topics (Impromptu Speaking) session to be a fun part of our meetings. We often learn best in moments of enjoyment. In addition, Toastmasters programs are based on the concept of “ Learn by Doing”. You are free to join in the fun if you choose.

Why You Should Join Toastmasters?

Prince George Citizen Article
Toastmasters Also Great For New Residents!

Written by -- Shirley Shorter, Prince George
Tuesday, 16 October 2007

Re: Looking for friends (letter, Oct. 13)

I understand that it is not easy to meet new people in Prince George, or anywhere, for that matter. May I suggest to Kirsty Budgen that she consider one the world's best kept secrets: Toastmasters International, an organization devoted to communicating.

I have been a member of Toastmasters for more than 20 years and it is my main support system. It provides me with (almost) everything I need:

-- Friendship: where else can I meet new people of all ages and interests? Members are just ordinary people, from a good cross-section of the population.

-- Mental stimulation: Toastmasters provides a proven program that teaches communication skills (listening, thinking and speaking) in a safe, positive and supportive environment.

-- Affordability: Most clubs meet weekly and average cost is $100 per year or roughly $2 per meeting for members. Guests are welcome at any meeting at no cost.

-- Convenience: There are nine clubs in Prince George with meetings every day of the week, excluding weekends. There are meetings in the early morning, at noon and in the evening.

-- Networking: Because of the variety of people in Toastmasters, I know who to contact whenever I have a question or need something done. Also, I am out of town a fair bit, so whenever I feel the need for company or entertainment, I go to a Toastmasters meeting as a guest. Consequently, I know people all across the country.

To make contact, there is a Toastmasters International Website: toastmasters.org, as well as a Prince George Toastmasters Website: pgtoastmasters.ca. We look forward to hearing from Kirsten or anyone else who is interested in making new friends, improving their communication skills and enriching their lives.

How Cariboo Works

At Cariboo, members learn by speaking to groups and working with others in a supportive environment. A typical Cariboo club meeting is made up of 15 to 20 people who meet once a week for two hours. Each meeting gives everyone an opportunity to practice:

ª Giving impromptu speeches :

  • Members present one to two-minute.
  • Impromptu speeches on assigned topics.

ª Presenting prepared speeches:

  • Up to three or more members present speeches based on projects from manuals in Toastmasters' proven communication and/or leadership program.
  • These projects help you to develop skills in areas such as speech organization, vocal variety, language, gestures and persuasion.

ª Offering constructive evaluation:

  • Every prepared speaker is assigned an evaluator who points out speech strengths and offers suggestions for improvement.

ª Conducting meetings:

  • Members learn how to plan and conduct meetings.

The Tools You Use

Upon joining the Cariboo club, each new member receives a variety of manuals and resources on how to become a better speaker and a more confident leader. Members also have access to other books and educational resources. They also receive the award-winning “ The Toastmaster” , a monthly magazine that offers the latest insights on speaking and leadership techniques.