Why Toastmasters?

Why did you join Toastmasters?

I joined Toastmasters to become more comfortable giving presentations. After two visits, I discovered much, much more. I found an environment to meet people (some with great influence), practice what I wanted, follow my timetable, and present projects how I wanted in a semi-professional environment to become better at communication in general.

What benefits have you received from your Toastmasters experience?

I was presented a step-by-step guided education system was available for me to follow at a rate I choose and be given feedback on what I did well, what to improve upon, and what was liked with my performance in the chosen task. I control the pace, I control the quality of performance at task, and my satisfaction is within the effort I give.

What keeps you interested in Toastmasters?

I have completed a few levels in the self-directed learning program, the more I venture towards the next achievement, the more I want to keep going. I began for monetary gain, I continue for personal gain. I have become a better communicator and leader; I speak with confidence; I am not afraid to get-up in-front of people and give a talk—I find it exciting! - Phil

Why did you join Toastmasters?

I am a Toastmaster because every meeting that I attend, I grow as a person. I can't think of another activity that I participate in where I have this kind of return. Toastmasters gives me the tools to give back to my community, charity and company.

What benefits have you received from your Toastmasters experience?

I have benefited by surrounding myself with good, motivated people. I can use the skills I learn in one meeting literally the next day at work. The learning is not abstract; it is very constructive and immediately helpful.

What keeps you interested in Toastmasters?

Toastmasters gives me an opportunity to help good people grow as individuals.

I stay in Toastmasters because there is a clear path of growth that I can take. I don't struggle wondering what I can take on next. - Mike

Why did you join Toastmasters?

I wanted to join for a long time and just never found the time. It might sound a bit funny, but I would like to try stand-up comedy one day and I thought that toastmasters would help me feel more comfortable telling jokes in front of an audience. Sometimes I can be a bit disorganized when I present lectures, speeches etc., so I felt it would help me organize my thoughts better. Finally, I just moved to Prince George so I felt that it would be a good way to make friends.

What benefits have you received from your Toastmasters experience?

I have met wonderful members who speak with these weird Canadian accents, "eh"!!! I receive a lot of support and encouragement from other members; it feels safe to take risks and push myself to other levels because of this support. I especially like the way in which constructive criticism is delivered.

What keeps you interested in Toastmasters?

The goals that I am working on. Now that I am hooked, I want to continue to improve on my public speaking skills. It is kind of like therapy. You can be in therapy your entire life because the "ups and downs of life" continue to happen. This is how I see toastmasters---it is a constant growth process that I believe one continues to work on. It is not clear to me that you ever really master it; rather it is an ongoing process. - John S

Why did you join Toastmasters?

I joined Toastmasters to learn Parliamentary Procedure.

Why did you join Toastmasters?

I have received many benefits: stopping stammering when I speak, good friends, leadership skills.

What keeps you interested in Toastmasters?

I have received so much, I like to share and give back, and also the joy of seeing new members fulfilling their goals, is a source of joy for me. - John B

Why did you join Toastmasters?

I joined to help me get over the paralyzing fear I had of speaking in front of a group of people. My heart would race, hands would get sweaty, and my voice would squeak.

What benefits have you received from your Toastmasters experience?

Toastmasters give me a new confidence when I have to speak in front of people. I still get nervous but it is much easier. It also gives me a sense of accomplishment.

What keeps you interested in Toastmasters?

Jerry Seinfeld once did a bit on speaking in public. He said a survey showed that people were more afraid of speaking that they were of dying. So he said at a funeral people would rather be in the casket than have to do the eulogy. The meetings always give me a lift. Quite often I have not felt like going, and invariably I feel uplifted after the meeting. In this competitive world, Toastmasters may give me that little edge over people I may be competing with. - Greg

Why did you join Toastmasters?

I joined Toastmasters because of the positive fun atmosphere. It's a great place to meet positive people who are striving to improve themselves.

What benefits have you received from your Toastmasters experience?

I have gained confidence in Leadership and public speaking. What surprised me most was how challenging listening can be. Toastmasters is a great place to improve you're listening and critical thinking skills!

What keeps you interested in Toastmasters?

If you are ready to meet interesting people from all walks of life that are working on improving their skills in: listening; critical thinking; public speaking and leadership this is the place to go. - Flossie