Use this web page to read accessible versions of The Navigator and descriptions of every project in Pathways. Please keep in mind that while this information can be read by assistive technologies, The Navigator references items and processes that are not accessible at this time, including Base Camp.

If you would like to order an accessible path, follow the steps in your welcome email. Your path materials will be emailed to you in a compressed folder and will include:

• All required projects and electives in html format
• All fillable resources or documents formatted as Microsoft Word forms
• Other resources to help you on your journey, such as links to videos, a level completion form to submit for credit, and more

Table of Contents

• The Navigator
• Pathways Path and Project Descriptions

The Navigator

Copyright 2021 Toastmasters International. All rights reserved. Toastmasters International, the Toastmasters International logo, and all other Toastmasters International trademarks and copyrights are the sole property of Toastmasters International and may be used only with permission.

Welcome to Toastmasters

Congratulations! You are officially a member of Toastmasters International. You have joined an organization that for decades has helped people across the world conquer their fears, improve their communication and leadership skills and build their confidence. You are now part of a global community of members working to reach their personal and professional goals.

Each day, thousands of people go to Toastmasters meetings held in communities and organizations around the globe. A club meeting isn't structured like a classroom with an instructor. Instead, it's a supportive group environment where people with diverse skill sets and backgrounds come together to practice their skills and exchange valuable feedback with each other.

Through Toastmasters, you will learn how to organize, write and deliver presentations with poise and confidence. You will practice by giving speeches in your club among people who want to help you improve and watch you succeed. By attending meetings, you strengthen your ability to listen, learn to evaluate others' ideas in a positive way and practice leadership skills. You are embarking on a journey of self-development that will help you to enhance your skills.

Welcome to Toastmasters International, Where Leaders Are Made.

The Toastmasters Journey

Every Toastmaster's journey begins with a single speech. Now that you're a member, you will prepare and deliver speeches at club meetings based on the projects in the Toastmasters Pathways learning experience. Members of your club will watch, listen and give you feedback and suggest areas for improvement. After you have given a few speeches and are familiar with the structure of your club, you too will evaluate other members' speeches and help them improve their skills.

Challenge yourself to contribute at every club meeting you attend along your journey. The success of a club meeting depends on the members in attendance. In Toastmasters, you learn by participating. There are many roles to fill and all meeting participants play an important part in making the club experience educational and enjoyable. Whether you serve in a meeting role, such as grammarian, timer or Toastmaster, or give an impromptu Table Topics speech, you help to shape every meeting.

As you continue on your journey, you will be presented with many opportunities to learn and grow. Not only will you participate at your club meetings, but you may also choose to serve as a mentor, club officer or even a district leader. You may also participate in speech contests and move on to compete with members from around the globe.

You guide your journey. Regardless of the direction you choose, Toastmasters provides the tools you need to make your journey memorable and meaningful.

The Benefits of Toastmasters

You joined Toastmasters for a reason or perhaps many reasons. You may want to conquer the nervousness you feel when speaking in front of a group, or perhaps you're working toward a promotion at work and you need help improving a specific communication or leadership skill. You may already be an excellent public speaker but need a place to practice your technique.

Whatever your motivation, you have something in common with all other members: you are working to improve yourself in some way. In Toastmasters, you can expect to practice your public speaking and leadership skills among a group of people who want you to succeed. Your Toastmasters club is a safe environment; here, you practice, receive and apply peer feedback, and practice again.

You have speaking and leadership opportunities in your club that you can apply to your personal and professional life outside of Toastmasters. For example, by learning to manage your body language during a speech, you may improve your nonverbal communication when speaking to others. By giving a speech within a specific time limit, you can hone your time management skills in your day-to-day life. Your club is your place to practice and learn.

Toastmasters International is a world leader in communication and leadership development. The organization has helped members practice and strengthen their skills since 1924. Since then membership has grown by hundreds of thousands and expanded to more than 142 countries. Like the millions of people before you, you will have many opportunities to give speeches, gain feedback, lead teams and guide others to achieve their goals in a supportive atmosphere.

How to Use The Navigator

The Navigator is filled with essential information about the Toastmasters journey and the Toastmasters Pathways learning experience. Use it to help you begin your journey and support your progress. Whether you are just embarking on your journey or are a seasoned Toastmaster, The Navigator can answer your questions and guide you along the way.

Explore the Basics

As a member, understanding the structure and routine of your club will help you. Now that you've joined a club and attended a meeting or two, you probably have a general understanding of how a Toastmasters club functions. If you are less familiar with the club, read this section to familiarize yourself with basic information about club meeting structure, meeting roles, club officers, how to schedule a speech and tips for overcoming nervousness.

Toastmasters Meeting Structure

Club meetings are the heart of your Toastmasters experience. It is here that you will practice your skills and hone your craft with the support and encouragement of others. Every club meeting has three parts:

Prepared Speeches

During this portion of the meeting, several members present speeches based on projects in the Toastmasters Pathways learning experience. Typically two to three speakers are scheduled, but this varies depending on the agenda and meeting length.

Evaluations

Each prepared speech is verbally evaluated by a fellow member in a helpful, constructive manner using standard evaluation criteria. The evaluator also prepares a written evaluation, and all members are invited to submit written comments, too.

Table Topics

During Table Topics, all attendees have an opportunity to present one- to two-minute impromptu talks. This is often the most challenging and fun part of your meeting.

The order and length of these segments may differ from club to club. The length of a club meeting often determines the amount of time for each segment.

Who's Who

The success of a club is determined by the members who speak and fulfill meeting roles as well as the club officers who make the meetings happen.

At club meetings you take on meeting roles. Each one adds value to your learning experience and helps you improve your communication and leadership skills. Below are brief descriptions of each to familiarize you with who does what at a meeting.

If you are fulfilling a role at an upcoming meeting, read A Toastmaster Wears Many Hats (Item 1167DT) or visit https://www.toastmasters.org/meetingroles for more detailed information.

Speaker

Each speaker prepares and presents a speech based on a project assignment from their learning path in Pathways.

Evaluator

The evaluator observes a speaker's presentation and gives constructive comments in a brief evaluation speech. In addition to a verbal evaluation, the evaluator gives a written evaluation using a specific resource.

Timer

The timer helps to keep the meeting on schedule and times each speech. When you're the timer, you will use a stopwatch, timing lights or other device provided by your club to keep track of time. At the end of the meeting, you share timing records with club members.

Table Topicsmaster

The Table Topicsmaster facilitates Table Topics, the meeting segment in which members deliver brief, impromptu speeches. The Table Topicsmaster prepares and introduces the topics and determines the speaking order.

General Evaluator

The General Evaluator evaluates everything that takes place and gives feedback to improve future meetings. When you serve as General Evaluator, you are responsible for pointing out what worked well and what could be better next time.

Toastmaster

The Toastmaster hosts and conducts the meeting. When you're the Toastmaster, you introduce speakers and keep the meeting moving along. This role is generally reserved for experienced members who are familiar with the club and its procedures.

Grammarian

The grammarian introduces new words to members, listens to the way members speak and presents a verbal report at the end of the meeting. The grammarian provides feedback to help Toastmasters improve their language skills and stretch their vocabularies.

Ah-Counter

The Ah-Counter helps speakers keep track of the filler words and sounds they use and gives a report at the end of the meeting. Words may be inappropriate interjections such as and, well, but, so, you know. Sounds may be ah, um, er.

Optional Meeting Participants

Your club may have other meeting participants, such as Joke Master, parliamentarian and Word Master. Ask your club officers if your club includes additional meeting participants and how to fulfill those roles.

Every club has elected officers who ensure the quality and long-term success of the club. These are the members who make your club meetings happen. Your club executive committee includes the president, vice president education, vice president membership, vice president public relations, secretary, treasurer, sergeant at arms and immediate past president.

Along your journey, you may need to communicate with one or more executive committee members to complete learning projects. For example, you may need to verify with the vice president education that you managed an event. Or, if you wish to promote your club as part of an assignment, you'll need approval and guidance from the vice president public relations.

Your club officers are there to help you. Use them as resources and guides. The next section includes descriptions of each club executive committee member to help you determine who to reach out to when you have questions or need assistance. If you aren't sure who to speak with, your president or vice president education can help you.

President

This officer is the chief executive officer responsible for supervision and operation of the club. The president sets the tone for the club and provides helpful, supportive leadership for all activities.

Vice President Education (VPE)

This officer is responsible for planning successful club meetings and making sure each member has the opportunity to achieve their educational goals. The vice president education is the second-highest ranking club officer.

Vice President Membership (VPM)

This officer manages the process of bringing guests to meetings and encouraging those guests to become members. The vice president membership maintains a constant flow of new people into the club.

Vice President Public Relations (VPPR)

This officer promotes the club in the community and notifies the media about the club news and benefits. The vice president public relations updates web content and social media, and safeguards the Toastmasters brand identity.

Secretary

This officer maintains club records, manages files, handles club correspondence and takes the minutes at each club and executive committee meeting.

Treasurer

This officer is the club accountant. The treasurer manages the club bank account, writes checks when approved by the executive committee and deposits dues and other club revenues.

Sergeant at Arms (SAA)

This officer keeps track of physical inventory. The sergeant at arms arrives early to prepare the meeting place and stays after to stow all club equipment.

Immediate Past President

This officer serves as a guide and resource to club officers and members.

You may still have questions. Your vice president education or other club officers can familiarize you with the club. They can explain how the club operates, help you identify your learning opportunities and explain your responsibilities as a member. Tell the vice president education about your goals and ask how your club can help you achieve them. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Scheduling a Speech

One of the first tasks you complete as a member is to deliver your Ice Breaker speech to your club. The Ice Breaker is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the club and help others get to know you. For some this can be terrifying and for others it's easy, but know that you're supported by everyone in your club.

At the end of a club meeting, talk to your vice president education to set a meeting date for your Ice Breaker speech. They may also schedule this speech for you soon after you become a member. Speak with your vice president education to determine the best way to get in touch to schedule speeches as you move through your learning experience.

Tips for Coping with Nervousness

You may be nervous to speak. Feeling nervous happens to everyone. Even experienced speakers can get nervous before presenting to an audience. Nervousness is a challenge every speaker must confront. Read these tips to help manage and control nervousness and become an effective speaker.

• Arrive early to the meeting room to get familiar with the space. If you plan to use technology or visual aids, you may find it helpful to practice with them before the meeting begins.
• Practice your speech and revise it until you can present it with ease.
• Concentrate on your breathing. You can ease your tension by doing breathing exercises that work for you
• Visualize yourself giving a successful speech. Picture the audience applauding as you finish and return to your seat.
• Realize that audience members support your success. They aren't there to judge you. They want to hear your message.
• Don't call attention to your nervousness. If you don't say anything about it, likely nobody will notice.
• Concentrate on the message you are communicating to your audience. Your nervous feelings will be reduced if you focus your attention away from your anxieties.
• Take every opportunity to speak. Experience builds confidence. Most beginning speakers find that they manage anxiety better after each speech they give.

The Toastmasters Pathways Learning Experience

You've attended club meetings. You're familiar with standard club procedures and have an understanding of meeting and officer roles. You're ready to take the next step in your journey. You're ready to find and begin your path in the Toastmasters Pathways learning experience.

As you progress through Pathways, you will practice and improve your communication and leadership skills. The speeches you give in your club will be based on assignments in Pathways. Every project has an assignment that concludes with you giving a speech in your club. By completing projects and giving speeches, you challenge yourself to build and refine certain skills. Through Pathways you can develop your skills in many different areas: communication, leadership, management, strategic planning, service to others, public speaking and more. You have the opportunity to complete projects that range in topic from persuasive speaking to motivating others to creating a podcast to leading a group in a difficult situation.

Pathways sets you on your journey of personal and professional development. It offers many different avenues for you to explore and achieve. Pathways is a journey of possibilities.

How it Works

Before you start, you will select your path in Pathways. No matter which path you choose, you will complete at least 14 educational projects and present a minimum of 15 prepared speeches. You will also serve in various meeting roles.

The following sections includes descriptions of each unique path. There are 11.

Dynamic Leadership

Dynamic Leadership helps you build your skills as a strategic leader. The projects on this path focus on understanding leadership and communication styles, the effect of conflict on a group and the skills needed to defuse and direct conflict. These projects also emphasize the development of strategies to facilitate change in an organization or group, interpersonal communication and public speaking. This path culminates in a project focused on applying your leadership skills.

For a description of each project on this path, visit the Dynamic Leadership section of this web page.

Effective Coaching

Effective Coaching helps you build your skills as a positive communicator and leader. The projects on this path focus on understanding and building consensus, contributing to the development of others by coaching and establishing strong public speaking skills. Each project emphasizes the importance of effective interpersonal communication. This path culminates in a "High Performance Leadership" project of your design.

For a description of each project on this path, visit the Effective Coaching section of this web page.

Engaging Humor

Engaging Humor helps you build your skills as a humorous and engaging public speaker. The projects on this path focus on understanding your sense of humor and how that sense of humor translates to engaging audience members. The projects contribute to developing an understanding of how to effectively use humor in a speech, including challenging situations and impromptu speeches. This path culminates in an extended humorous speech that will allow you to apply what you learned.

For a description of each project on this path, visit the Engaging Humor section of this web page.

Innovative Planning

Innovative Planning helps you build your skills as a public speaker and leader. The projects on this path focus on developing a strong connection with audience members when you present, speech writing and speech delivery. The projects contribute to building an understanding of the steps to manage a project, as well as creating innovative solutions. This path culminates in a "High Performance Leadership" project of your design.

For a description of each project on this path, visit the Innovative Planning section of this web page.

Leadership Development

Leadership Development helps you build your skills as an effective communicator and leader. The projects on this path focus on learning how to manage time, as well as how to develop and implement a plan. Public speaking and leading a team are emphasized in all projects. This path culminates in the planning and execution of an event that will allow you to apply everything you learned.

For a description of each project on this path, visit the Leadership Development section of this web page.

Motivational Strategies

Motivational Strategies helps you build your skills as a powerful and effective communicator. The projects focus on learning strategies for building connections with the people around you, understanding motivation and successfully leading small groups to accomplish tasks. This path culminates in a comprehensive team-building project that brings all of your skills together, including public speaking.

For a description of each project on this path, visit the Motivational Strategies section of this web page.

Persuasive Influence

Persuasive Influence helps you build your skills as an innovative communicator and leader. The projects on this path focus on how to negotiate a positive outcome together with building strong interpersonal communication and public speaking skills. Each project emphasizes developing leadership skills to use in complex situations, as well as creating innovative solutions to challenges. This path culminates in a "High Performance Leadership" project of your design.

For a description of each project on this path, visit the Persuasive Influence section of this web page.

Presentation Mastery

Presentation Mastery helps you build your skills as an accomplished public speaker. The projects on this path focus on learning how an audience responds to you and improving your connection with audience members. The projects contribute to developing an understanding of effective public speaking technique, including speech writing and speech delivery. This path culminates in an extended speech that will allow you to apply what you learned.

For a description of each project on this path, visit the Presentation Mastery section of this web page.

Strategic Relationships

Strategic Relationships helps you build your skills as a leader in communication. The projects on this path focus on understanding others, building personal and/or professional connections with a variety of people and developing a public relations strategy. Communicating well interpersonally and as a public speaker is emphasized in each project. The path culminates in a project to apply your skills as a leader in a volunteer organization. 

For a description of each project on this path, visit the Strategic Relationships section of this web page.

Team Collaboration

Team Collaboration helps you build your skills as a collaborative leader. The projects on this path focus on active listening, motivating others and collaborating with a team. Each project contributes to building interpersonal communication and public speaking skills. This path culminates in a project focused on applying your leadership skills.

For a description of each project on this path, visit the Team Collaboration section of this web page.

Visionary Communication

Visionary Communication helps you build your skills as a strategic communicator and leader. The projects on this path focus on developing your skills for sharing information with a group, planning communications and creating innovative solutions. Speech writing and speech delivery are emphasized in each project. This path culminates in the development and launch of a long-term personal or professional vision.

For a description of each project on this path, visit the Visionary Communication section of this web page.

How Paths are Organized

Each path is divided into five levels that build in complexity. The levels help you build on and apply what you have learned.

Level 1: Mastering Fundamentals. Develop or enhance your understanding of the fundamentals needed to be a successful public speaker and evaluator. You'll focus on speech writing and basic speech delivery, as well as receiving, applying and delivering feedback.

These are the requirements for Level 1:

• Ice Breaker
• Writing a Speech with Purpose
• Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language
• Evaluation and Feedback

Level 2: Learning Your Style: Develop an understanding of your personal styles and preferences. You'll have the opportunity to identify your leadership or communication styles and preferences. You will also be introduced to the basic structure of the Pathways Mentor Program.

These are the requirements for Level 2:

• Two required projects
• Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring

Level 3: Increasing Knowledge: Begin increasing your knowledge of skills specific to your path. You'll complete one required project and at least two elective projects that address your goals and interests through a wide variety of topics.

There are the requirements for Level 3:

• One required project
• A minimum of two elective projects
• Serve as Topicsmaster, Toastmaster, and evaluator by the end of Level 3

Level 4: Building Skills: Build the skills you need to succeed on your path. You'll have the opportunity to explore new challenges and begin applying what you have learned. You'll complete one required project and at least one elective project.

There are the requirements for Level 4:

• One required project
• A minimum of one elective project

Level 5: Demonstrating Expertise: In this final level, demonstrate your expertise in the skills you have learned. You'll have the opportunity to apply what you have learned at all levels to accomplish larger projects. You'll complete one required project, at least one elective project and the "Reflect on Your Path" project to bring closure to your path. At the completion of this level you will become Proficient.

These are the requirements for Level 5:

• One required project
• A minimum of one elective project
• Reflect on Your Path

Tools to Help You

There are tools available to help you every step of the way.

• Base Camp, your online gateway to Pathways, is where you will find everything you need to progress on your journey. There are videos that demonstrate the skills you will build through the projects, you can take quizzes and more.
• Your club officers are ready to help you make your journey a successful one. Members of your club are present to give you encouragement and feedback and to help you improve.

You are recognized at each step. You will receive badges and printable certificates when you complete each level. When you complete Level 5, you receive the Proficient designation. This award marks the completion of your path, a recognition of the time and effort you have devoted to building your skills.

Before You Start Your Journey

Before you begin in Pathways, you must first decide how to experience it: with access to Base Camp or in printed materials. Base Camp is where you keep all of your Pathways materials as well as access your path and extra items from your computer, laptop or tablet. The benefit of Base Camp is that you have access to videos, activities and additional content as well as printable versions of every project on your path. If you prefer the ability to print paper copies but also want valuable interactive resources, then Base Camp is the best decision for you.

You have the option to pursue some paths in printed materials distributed and shipped by Toastmasters International World Headquarters. Though you have the resources you need to complete your path in printed materials, your experience and path options are limited compared to what's available on Base Camp. You can still log in to Base Camp to view badges, print certificates and download printable resources, but you cannot see or use the online versions of your projects.

While Base Camp gives you a more robust learning experience, you must choose the option that is best for you. How you experience your Toastmasters education is up to you.

Using Base Camp Versus Printed Materials

Consider and understand all options and opportunities as well as what works best for you before you move forward.

With Base Camp, you can:

• Access your path online
• Take the Pathways assessment
• Choose from 11 paths in English
• Choose from multiple paths in non-English languages
• Choose from all electives at Levels 3, 4, and 5
• Access your learning materials within one hour after placing your order
• Access the next level in your path as soon as your club officer signs off on Base Camp
• Watch educational videos in projects
• Complete interactive activities and quizzes
• Download and print PDF versions of projects and resources
• Upload and store electronic copies of your speech evaluations to access from anywhere
• Earn and give digital badges

With printed materials, you:

• Cannot access your path online
• Cannot take the Pathways assessment
• Can choose from five paths in English
• Can choose from two paths in non-English languages
• Are limited in the electives you can complete
• Can access your learning materials as soon as you receive them in the mail
• Can access the next level of your path after your club officer signs off and you receive your next shipment
• Cannot watch educational videos in projects
• Cannot complete interactive activities and quizzes
• Can download and print evaluation resources and select project resources only
• Can upload and store electronic copies of your speech evaluations to access from anywhere
• Earn or give digital badges

If you plan to embark on your path in a language other than English, consider using Base Camp. This way, you can choose from all eleven learning paths as opposed to two.

If you choose printed materials, you'll receive your print path in sets. Printed materials are paced to match the timing of your journey. There are three distribution points. After you order your path, you receive your first shipment within standard shipping time. When your vice president education verifies you have completed the projects in that shipment, you receive your second shipment.

In your first shipment, you receive Levels 1 and 2. In your second shipment, you receive Level 3 and Level 3 electives, as well as the Pathways Mentor Program if you request it. In your third shipment, you receive Levels 4 and 5 as well as electives for those levels.

While you are not required to pursue your path online, all Toastmasters are encouraged to use Base Camp because of its benefits.

Now that you understand the differences between Base Camp and printed materials, it's time to decide how you will experience Pathways. After you make your decision, you're ready to order your path and start your journey.

Start Your Journey

You have the tools and information you need to begin your journey through Pathways. This section includes the steps to get started.

If you need help ordering your path, talk to your vice president education.

Choose Your Ordering Method

Visit http://www.toastmasters.org/StartPathways and log in with your member ID and password.

Choose Your Language

When prompted, choose the language in which you would like to complete your path. Your learning experience is available in English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, French, German, Japanese and Arabic, with select paths available in Korean and Tamil.

Choose Your Experience

To learn about selecting a Pathways path, go to the How It Works section and select the path that is most appealing to you.

Order Your Path

After you select your path, either through the Pathways Assessment or on your own if you chose printed materials, it's time to complete your order. Follow the steps on your screen to finish.

If this is your first path as a Toastmaster, the price is included in your membership fee. However, if you chose printed materials, you will pay an additional fee.

Begin Your First Project

Base Camp users can access Level 1 within one hour of ordering their path. Print users will receive their first shipment in standard shipping time. However, you can begin your path before you receive your materials. Start your first project, the "Ice Breaker," by visiting http://www.toastmasters.org/Pathways.

Explore the "Ice Breaker" project and review all the resources you find. When you are comfortable with the information in the project, work to complete the assignment. Use the steps given on the Project Checklist resource to guide you.

Your vice president education can show you the process for completing project assignments and speaking in your club. Base Camp tutorials also show you how to navigate the online projects if you chose to experience Base Camp. You will quickly see that all projects in Pathways are organized in the same way. Navigating through them will soon be a familiar process.

Ask for a Mentor

Toastmasters have a history of supporting and nurturing each other through mentorship. If this interests you, ask your club VPE to match you with a mentor in your club. As a protege, your mentor will help you gain self-confidence and achieve a higher rate of success. The mentor was once a new member like you and knows how important help can be to someone just starting in Pathways. Even a seasoned Toastmaster can learn something new and improve their skills by being a protege.

To learn more about the Pathways Mentor Program and its benefits, review the Be a Mentor section.

The Toastmasters Evaluation

You may be nervous to receive your first speech evaluation in your club. Don't be. It's through honest, fair evaluations that you truly learn and grow. Every speech you deliver will be evaluated by another Toastmaster, and you will eventually be asked to evaluate others' speeches, which will help you to develop even more. Evaluations give you the feedback you need to advance your skills.

This section shows you how to use the evaluation resources included in the Pathways projects. You will learn valuable techniques for giving and receiving effective, constructive feedback in the "Evaluation and Feedback" project at Level 1.

The Importance of the Toastmasters Evaluation

Toastmasters International founder Ralph C. Smedley said, "No Toastmasters club is fulfilling its obligation to its members unless it brings them the maximum of training in the art of constructive criticism." Evaluations help to boost your confidence and provide you a tangible direction for improvement. They are essential to your Toastmasters experience. Yhey show you what you do well and what you might consider practicing more. Without constructive criticism from others, you may not grow as a communicator or leader.

You have likely already witnessed the benefit of evaluations in your club. A member speaks, receives verbal and written feedback from another Toastmaster, and then uses those comments to improve the next speech. The evaluator's goal is to give the speaker constructive feedback that will help them improve.

The evaluator benefits from this experience, too. Many members believe serving as the evaluator is the most challenging meeting role to fulfill, which makes the benefits so rewarding. When you're the evaluator, you learn to listen more attentively, refine your critical thinking abilities and give feedback tactfully. You are tasked with considering many different factors, such as effective speech delivery techniques, the speaker's skill level, habits and mannerisms, as well as their progress to date. It is your job to consider all of this while delivering an evaluation that is encouraging, thoughtful and motivating.

The evaluator gives an honest, constructive reaction to your efforts using the evaluation criteria provided within your project. Read on to understand the purpose of the criteria before you begin presenting speeches and evaluating others.

What to Expect Before the Meeting

You will be assigned an evaluator once you have scheduled your first speech. Send this person the evaluation resource for your project assignment or ensure they can access it in advance of the club meeting. This way, the evaluator can get familiar with what they need to look and listen for during your presentation. Find your evaluation resource toward the end of your project or search for it on Base Camp.

The evaluation resource guides the evaluator's job. Every speech in Pathways has a unique evaluation resource with notes and criteria specific to your assignment. This information helps the evaluator determine how well you achieved each competency or skill.

There are three pages:

Evaluation Form. The first page gives an overview of the assignment to help the evaluator understand what it is you're trying to accomplish. The evaluator uses the second page to score the skills you demonstrated in the speech.

Evaluation Criteria. This page helps the evaluator determine your score for each competency. The evaluator will use this page side-by-side with the Evaluation Form to easily determine your scores.

Just as the evaluator should read the evaluation resource ahead of your speech, you should as well. Doing so ensures you know exactly what is expected of you during your speech.

Before the meeting begins, talk with your evaluator and make sure they have everything they need from you. If you want your evaluator to focus on specific skills during your speech, such as eye contact or vocal variety, communicate this before you give your speech.

What to Expect During the Meeting

At some point after you present your speech, your evaluator will stand up and give a verbal, two- to three-minute evaluation of your presentation. Listen carefully and take notes. You'll want to reference this feedback when preparing your next speech.

At the end of the meeting, your evaluator will return your evaluation resource. Thank them for their feedback and comments. On the resource, you should see scores and notes indicating what you did well and what you may want to consider working on to improve your next speech.

What to Expect After the Meeting

Spend time reviewing your evaluator's scores and notes. Read any general comments your evaluator recorded on the first page of the Evaluation Form. Consider how these written notes and their verbal comments may help you better your next speech.

Review the scores and comments on the second page of the Evaluation Form. This is where the evaluator rated you on competencies specific to the speech you gave. To give an objective, honest evaluation, the evaluator used the Evaluation Criteria page to determine and select the score that best corresponds with your skill level on each competency.

Evaluation criteria are ranked on a scale of 5 to 1, with 5 being the highest score and 1 the lowest. The following section explains the different ratings

• A score of 5 is exemplary. You do an exemplary job accomplishing the competency.
• A score of 4 is excels. You excel at accomplishing the competency.
• A score of 3 is accomplished. You accomplish the competency.
• A score of 2 is emerging. Your ability to accomplish this competency is emerging.
• A score of 1 is developing. You are developing this competency.

Although you will strive for the highest score possible, it's important to know that a score of 3 is favorable; it means you accomplished that skill. The objective isn't to achieve the high score. It is to learn and demonstrate the skill.

Your scores are just that, yours. You and your evaluator are the only people who see them. Use these scores to determine your strengths and areas in which you can improve. Your scores are important because they help to assess your skills, but keep in mind that a low score does not mean you can't move on to the next project on your path. You are free to start the next project no matter which scores you achieve. However, if you receive low ratings on any particular project, you may wish to repeat the project to strengthen your skills before moving forward.

Each level in your path builds on the last level. The more confident you are in your scores and competencies, the more confident you will be in your ability to complete future, more difficult projects.

Finally, as you read through your feedback and scores, it's important to remember a few key points:

• Good evaluators always offer suggestions and areas for improvement. Never expect to receive an evaluation that is all praise.
• Evaluations are based on opinion. Though evaluators follow the guidelines established in the "Evaluation and Feedback" project at Level 1, comments are still subjective and you may not always agree with your evaluator.
• Many members believe effective evaluations are sometimes difficult to give and receive. This is why being the evaluator can be challenging. You will become a better evaluator by observing effective evaluations and by giving more evaluations at club meetings.

Recognizing Your Achievements

You will receive encouragement and recognition as you move through Pathways.

Badges

If you use Base Camp, you earn digital badges for different achievements along your path. You get a badge when you finish the "Ice Breaker" project and for every level you complete on your path. When you complete an entire path, you receive a unique digital badge to mark your achievement. Your badges are displayed for other members of your club on Base Camp to see.

You don't just receive badges. You can give them, too! Encourage your club members by awarding feedback badges. As you attend club meetings and become more familiar with other members, you will begin to notice the improvements they make. For example, you may notice a nervous member's courage while delivering her first speech. You can recognize a member's initiative to strengthen the club through a project assignment or how he motivates a team to reach a goal. No matter the achievement, show you notice their efforts by giving feedback badges.

Awards

You receive awards and certificates along your journey to mark important milestones. When you complete each level, you receive certificates on Base Camp. You can log in to print them or ask a club officer to assist you.

At the completion of your path, you earn the Proficient designation, a significant Toastmasters achievement. Being Proficient means you have accomplished every task required within your path, completed projects on all five levels and fulfilled meeting roles.

When you become proficient in your path you receive a certificate. You can print a copy of this award from Base Camp. You can also ask World Headquarters to send a letter to your employer recognizing this accomplishment and your commitment to improving your skills. 

Your journey doesn't end here

Completing a path is a significant accomplishment, but your journey doesn't have to end. Pathways offers 11 distinct paths to help you broaden your communication and leadership skills. You can complete additional paths to build and develop different skills that you use in your personal and professional life.

The highest educational designation you can earn as a member is the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) award, given to those who complete two paths, serve in specific volunteer leadership roles and complete the "Distinguished Toastmaster" project. For a description of this project, read the Distinguished Toastmaster Project section of this web page.

The DTM recognizes a superior level of achievement in both communication and leadership. You can find more information on how to begin your journey to become a Distinguished Toastmaster by visiting https://www.toastmasters.org/distinguished-toastmaster.

Enrich Your Experience

Be a Mentor

Toastmasters International places high value on the skills, expertise and wisdom members can share with others. If supporting and helping others grow interests you, consider embarking on the Pathways Mentor Program.

In the Pathways Mentor Program, you evaluate your goals as a mentor and the strengths you bring to a mentoring relationship, complete a short-term mentorship to apply your skills and commit to a longer, six-month mentorship to demonstrate your success as a mentor. When you complete the Pathways Mentor Program, you receive a certificate recognizing your achievement. After you complete all projects in the Pathways Mentor Program as well as an entire path, you become a Pathways Mentor. Your Toastmasters and Base Camp profile will show that you are a designated Pathways Mentor.

If you're participating in Pathways, you will learn about mentorship in the "Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring" project at Level 2. You learn what it means to be a mentor and protege and see your potential to achieve as a Toastmasters mentor. When you complete all projects at Level 2, you can enroll in the Pathways Mentor Program. Simply indicate your interest when prompted on Base Camp or by your VPE.

To learn more about the projects you will complete on the mentor program, visit the Pathways Mentor Program section of this web page.

Compete in Speech Contests

Speech contests are a Toastmasters tradition. Each year thousands of Toastmasters compete in the Humorous Speech, Evaluation, Tall Tales and Table Topics contests as well as the International Speech Contest. Contests give you an opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and test your skills. By being a member, you too can participate in these exciting events.

Competitions begin at the foundational level, the club, and winners continue through the area, division and district. Finalists in the International Speech Contest advance to semifinals and ultimately the World Championship of Public Speaking.

To learn more about speech contests, visit https://www.toastmasters.org/speechcontests and speak with your club officers to find out when the next contest will be held.

Serve Your Club

Every club needs officers who can move the club forward and motivate others. As you progress through your Toastmasters journey, you may find yourself seeking additional leadership experiences and responsibilities. A club officer position can help you enhance and refine your communication and leadership skills. It also fulfills a requirement on your path to earning the Distinguished Toastmaster award.

If you are interested in pursuing a club officer position, talk with your club officers to determine the steps you need to take. Read more about each officer role and responsibilities on the Toastmasters International website or in the Club Leadership Handbook (Item 1310T).

Serve Your District

Take your leadership experience to the next level by serving your district. Though you attend club meetings, your club does not stand alone in the organization. Clubs are grouped into areas and divisions (depending on the number of areas). These areas and divisions make up a Toastmasters International district. Members like you are elected or appointed to guide and grow each district.

The district mission is to build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence. Not only does serving as a district leader fulfill a requirement on the path to becoming a Distinguished Toastmaster, but it also is a rewarding part of the Toastmasters journey. Learn more about volunteer leadership and what it means to help others accomplish their goals.

Read more about the district leadership positions by visiting www.toastmasters.org/districtleaderroles and referring to the District Leadership Handbook (Item 222T).

Frequently Asked Questions

 

You've reached the end of The Navigator. You may still have questions. The best way to get answers is by speaking with a club officer or visiting the Toastmasters website <http:>. If you can't find it there, contact Toastmasters International by email or phone.</http:>

 

Path and Project Descriptions

The following sections include descriptions of every project in Pathways, organized by path and level. The required projects are listed under the path, while electives are grouped in their own sections by level in the Elective Projects section.

Dynamic Leadership

Dynamic Leadership helps you build your skills as a strategic leader. The projects on this path focus on understanding leadership and communication styles, the effect of conflict on a group and the skills needed to defuse and direct conflict. These projects also emphasize the development of strategies to facilitate change in an organization or group, interpersonal communication and public speaking. This path culminates in a project focused on applying your leadership skills.

The following sections include descriptions of the projects and assignments on the Dynamic Leadership path, organized by level.

Level 1 Projects for Dynamic Leadership

Level 1 has four required projects and no electives. Following are descriptions of each required project, including the project assignments.

Ice Breaker

This foundational project is designed to introduce you to your club and the skills you need to begin your Toastmasters journey.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to introduce yourself to the club and learn the basic structure of a public speech.

Overview: Write and deliver a speech about any topic to introduce yourself to your club. Your speech may be humorous, informational, or any other style that appeals to you.

Writing a Speech with Purpose

This project addresses topic selection strategies, how to define the purpose of your speech, and methods for producing a well-organized speech.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to learn or review basic methods for writing a speech and to present a well-organized speech on any topic.

Overview: Select a topic that appeals to you. It can be anything. Be sure your topic is narrow enough to be an effective 5- to 7-minute speech. Clearly define your topic and consider your goal for your speech. Before you organize your speech, clearly define your purpose. Practice your speech and continue to refine its organization. Present your speech at a club meeting.

Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language

This project focuses on the fundamentals of delivering a speech—vocal variety and body language.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice using vocal variety or body language to enhance a speech.

Overview: Learn or review the importance of vocal variety and body language. Present a 5- to 7-minute speech on any topic at a club meeting. The primary focus of the evaluation is your vocal variety or your body language and gestures. You will identify the skills you are working on for your evaluator before you deliver your speech and be evaluated on those skills. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Evaluation and Feedback

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice applying feedback and serve as a speech evaluator during a club meeting.

Overview: This project includes two 5- to 7-minute speeches. Choose any topic for your first Evaluation and Feedback speech. After your speech, carefully review your feedback.

At a future club meeting, present your second Evaluation and Feedback speech. You may create a new speech, revise your first Evaluation and Feedback speech, or present your first Evaluation and Feedback speech again if you are focusing on feedback you received on how you delivered your first Evaluation and Feedback speech.

Your second speech should reflect some or all of the feedback you received after your first Evaluation and Feedback speech.

Finally, after you have completed both speeches, serve as an evaluator at a club meeting and deliver constructive feedback about another member’s presentation.

Level 2 Projects for Dynamic Leadership

Level 2 has three required projects and no electives. Following are descriptions of each required project, including the project assignments.

Understanding Your Leadership Style

This project is designed to introduce the different styles of leadership and help you identify your preferred style.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to identify your primary leadership style or styles.

Overview: Complete the Discover Your Leadership Style questionnaire. Consider how your leadership style impacts the people around you and how you can adjust it to more effectively lead people with styles different from your own. Deliver a 5- to 7-minute speech at a club meeting to share some aspect of your leadership style or leadership styles in general. You may choose to discuss your style preferences when working with others, your style and how you can adapt it to situations or leadership styles in general and how they impact a group.

Understanding Your Communication Style

This project focuses on recognizing your preferred communication style and understanding how your style impacts your interactions with others.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to learn about different communication styles and identify your primary style.

Overview: Complete the Discover Your Communication Style questionnaire to help you identify your style. Deliver a 5 to 7 minute speech at a club meeting about your communication style and its impact on your professional and/or personal relationships. If you are uncomfortable discussing your communication style, you may speak about the communication styles you have encountered and how they impact you. Your speech should not be a report of the content of this project.

Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring

This project introduces the value of mentorship and the Toastmasters view of mentors and proteges.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to clearly define how Toastmasters envisions mentoring.

Overview: Write and present a 5- to 7-minute speech about a time when you were a protege. Share the impact and importance of having a mentor. This speech is not a report on the content of this project. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Level 3 Projects for Dynamic Leadership

Level 3 has one required project. You must also complete a minimum of two electives. Following is a description of the required project, including the project assignment. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 3, visit the Level 3 Electives section of this web page.

Negotiate the Best Outcome

This project focuses on identifying negotiation styles, engaging in mutually beneficial discussions, and finding and building common ground.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to learn about different types of negotiation and the strategies that can be used when negotiating.

Overview: Develop a 5- to 7-minute speech about a past or upcoming negotiation in your life. The negotiation must be one that you have participated in or will participate in. You may choose to reflect on the strategies you used or those that you believe would be the most beneficial in the future. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Level 4 Projects for Dynamic Leadership

Level 4 has one required project. You must also complete a minimum of one elective. Following is a description of the required project, including the project assignment. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 4, visit the Level 4 Electives section of this web page.

Manage Change

This project focuses on how to plan for change, develop a communication plan, and identify obstacles to success.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice developing a change management plan.

Overview: Create a change management plan for a real or hypothetical situation. You may create a plan that is based on a past change or a future change that is happening in your personal, Toastmasters, or professional life. Share your change management plan with your club in a 5 to 7 minute speech. Your speech may be humorous or informational. It is not a report on what you learned from the project, but an overview of your plan and how it will benefit you and the group the change affects.

Level 5 Projects for Dynamic Leadership

Level 5 has two required projects. You must also complete a minimum of one elective. Following are descriptions of the required projects, including the project assignments. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 5, visit the Level 5 Electives section of this web page.

Lead in Any Situation

This project focuses on leadership and recognizing the need to adapt your style based on the situation and the people you lead.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to apply the skills needed to successfully lead in a volunteer or other organization.

Overview: For at least six months, take on a leadership role in Toastmasters at any level, within another volunteer organization, or in your career. While serving in our role, ask your peers to complete a 360-degree evaluation. Present an 8 to 10 minute speech about your experience as a leader. Your speech may be humorous, informational, or any type that appeals to you. The speech is not a report on the content of this project, but a reflection of your experience and/or the impact of the 360-degree evaluation.

Reflect on Your Path

This project is designed to give you an opportunity to share your experience at the end of your path.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to reflect on your growth during the completion of an entire path.

Overview: At a club meeting, present a 10 to 12 minute speech to share your experience completing your path. Use this as an opportunity to reflect on how far you have come, summarize the skills you have learned and developed, and to celebrate your achievements. Your speech can be humorous, informational, or any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Effective Coaching

Effective Coaching helps you build your skills as a positive communicator and leader. The projects on this path focus on understanding and building consensus, contributing to the development of others by coaching and establishing strong public speaking skills. Each project emphasizes the importance of effective interpersonal communication. This path culminates in a "High Performance Leadership" project of your design.

The following sections include descriptions of the projects and assignments on the Effective Coaching path, organized by level.

Level 1 Projects for Effective Coaching

Level 1 has four required projects and no electives. Following are descriptions of each required project, including the project assignments.

Ice Breaker

This foundational project is designed to introduce you to your club and the skills you need to begin your Toastmasters journey.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to introduce yourself to the club and learn the basic structure of a public speech.

Overview: Write and deliver a speech about any topic to introduce yourself to your club. Your speech may be humorous, informational, or any other style that appeals to you.

Writing a Speech with Purpose

This project addresses topic selection strategies, how to define the purpose of your speech, and methods for producing a well-organized speech.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to learn or review basic methods for writing a speech and to present a well-organized speech on any topic.

Overview: Select a topic that appeals to you. It can be anything. Be sure your topic is narrow enough to be an effective 5- to 7-minute speech. Clearly define your topic and consider your goal for your speech. Before you organize your speech, clearly define your purpose. Practice your speech and continue to refine its organization. Present your speech at a club meeting.

Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language

This project focuses on the fundamentals of delivering a speech—vocal variety and body language.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice using vocal variety or body language to enhance a speech.

Overview: Learn or review the importance of vocal variety and body language. Present a 5- to 7-minute speech on any topic at a club meeting. The primary focus of the evaluation is your vocal variety or your body language and gestures. You will identify the skills you are working on for your evaluator before you deliver your speech and be evaluated on those skills. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Evaluation and Feedback

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice applying feedback and serve as a speech evaluator during a club meeting.

Overview: This project includes two 5- to 7-minute speeches. Choose any topic for your first Evaluation and Feedback speech. After your speech, carefully review your feedback.

At a future club meeting, present your second Evaluation and Feedback speech. You may create a new speech, revise your first Evaluation and Feedback speech, or present your first Evaluation and Feedback speech again if you are focusing on feedback you received on how you delivered your first Evaluation and Feedback speech.

Your second speech should reflect some or all of the feedback you received after your first Evaluation and Feedback speech.

Finally, after you have completed both speeches, serve as an evaluator at a club meeting and deliver constructive feedback about another member’s presentation.

Level 2 Projects for Effective Coaching

Level 2 has three required projects and no electives. Following are descriptions of each required project, including the project assignments.

Understanding Your Leadership Style

This project is designed to introduce the different styles of leadership and help you identify your preferred style.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to identify your primary leadership style or styles.

Overview: Complete the Discover Your Leadership Style questionnaire. Consider how your leadership style impacts the people around you and how you can adjust it to more effectively lead people with styles different from your own. Deliver a 5- to 7-minute speech at a club meeting to share some aspect of your leadership style or leadership styles in general. You may choose to discuss your style preferences when working with others, your style and how you can adapt it to situations or leadership styles in general and how they impact a group.

Understanding Your Communication Style

This project focuses on recognizing your preferred communication style and understanding how your style impacts your interactions with others.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to learn about different communication styles and identify your primary style.

Overview: Complete the Discover Your Communication Style questionnaire to help you identify your style. Deliver a 5 to 7 minute speech at a club meeting about your communication style and its impact on your professional and/or personal relationships. If you are uncomfortable discussing your communication style, you may speak about the communication styles you have encountered and how they impact you. Your speech should not be a report of the content of this project.

Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring

This project introduces the value of mentorship and the Toastmasters view of mentors and proteges.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to clearly define how Toastmasters envisions mentoring.

Overview: Write and present a 5- to 7-minute speech about a time when you were a protege. Share the impact and importance of having a mentor. This speech is not a report on the content of this project. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Level 3 Projects for Effective Coaching

Level 3 has one required project. You must also complete a minimum of two electives. Following is a description of the required project, including the project assignment. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 3, visit the Level 3 Electives section of this web page.

Reaching Consensus

This project focuses on reaching consensus and the importance of including all group members in the decision-making process.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to work with a group to practice reaching consensus on any topic.

You have two options for completing your assignment.

Overview for assignment option 1: Apply the techniques described in the project to practice leading a group of people to a consensus at a club meeting in 20 minutes. Choose a topic that will offer you and your group a challenge, but avoid topics that you know are unlikely to reach consensus in the timeframe. Note: It is ok if you cannot reach consensus in 20 minutes. Then, give a 2- to 3-minute closing statement on the experience or the decision.

Overview for assignment option 2: With the vice president education's approval, lead a non-Toastmasters group to a consensus. Prepare a 5- to 7-minute speech about the experience to give to the club. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content. Finally, submit your signed Project Completion Form to the vice president education.

Level 4 Projects for Effective Coaching

Level 4 has one required project. You must also complete a minimum of one elective. Following is a description of the required project, including the project assignment. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 4, visit the Level 4 Electives section of this web page.

Improvement Through Positive Coaching

This project focuses on how your actions can positively affect others and how to nurture relationships and assist an individual in reaching a goal.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to develop and apply skills for coaching a fellow member or a person outside of Toastmasters who can benefit from your expertise.

Overview: Outside of club meetings, coach an individual through a project. Speak with your vice president education to develop a plan for coaching a club member versus an individual outside of Toastmasters. After your coaching commitment, present a 5 to 7 minute speech at a club meeting about your experience as a coach.

Level 5 Projects for Effective Coaching

Level 5 has two required projects. You must also complete a minimum of one elective. Following are descriptions of the required projects, including the project assignments. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 5, visit the Level 5 Electives section of this web page.

High Performance Leadership

The focus of this project is to design and complete a project with well-defined goals, lead a team, and be accountable to a guidance committee.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to apply your leadership and planning knowledge to develop a project plan, organize a guidance committee, and implement your plan with the help of a team.

Overview: Select a project to complete with a team of at least three other members. Form a guidance committee and meet at least five times through the duration of the project. Deliver a 5 to 7 minute speech at a club meeting to introduce your plan and vision. After you implement the plan, deliver a second 5 to 7 minute speech at a club meeting to share your experience developing and completing your plan.

Reflect on Your Path

This project is designed to give you an opportunity to share your experience at the end of your path.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to reflect on your growth during the completion of an entire path.

Overview: At a club meeting, present a 10 to 12 minute speech to share your experience completing your path. Use this as an opportunity to reflect on how far you have come, summarize the skills you have learned and developed, and to celebrate your achievements. Your speech can be humorous, informational, or any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Engaging Humor

Engaging Humor helps you build your skills as a humorous and engaging public speaker. The projects on this path focus on understanding your sense of humor and how that sense of humor translates to engaging audience members. The projects contribute to developing an understanding of how to effectively use humor in a speech, including challenging situations and impromptu speeches. This path culminates in an extended humorous speech that will allow you to apply what you learned.

The following sections include descriptions of the projects and assignments on the Engaging Humor path, organized by level.

Level 1 Projects for Engaging Humor

Level 1 has four required projects and no electives. Following are descriptions of each required project, including the project assignments.

Ice Breaker

This foundational project is designed to introduce you to your club and the skills you need to begin your Toastmasters journey.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to introduce yourself to the club and learn the basic structure of a public speech.

Overview: Write and deliver a speech about any topic to introduce yourself to your club. Your speech may be humorous, informational, or any other style that appeals to you.

Writing a Speech with Purpose

This project addresses topic selection strategies, how to define the purpose of your speech, and methods for producing a well-organized speech.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to learn or review basic methods for writing a speech and to present a well-organized speech on any topic.

Overview: Select a topic that appeals to you. It can be anything. Be sure your topic is narrow enough to be an effective 5- to 7-minute speech. Clearly define your topic and consider your goal for your speech. Before you organize your speech, clearly define your purpose. Practice your speech and continue to refine its organization. Present your speech at a club meeting.

Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language

This project focuses on the fundamentals of delivering a speech—vocal variety and body language.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice using vocal variety or body language to enhance a speech.

Overview: Learn or review the importance of vocal variety and body language. Present a 5- to 7-minute speech on any topic at a club meeting. The primary focus of the evaluation is your vocal variety or your body language and gestures. You will identify the skills you are working on for your evaluator before you deliver your speech and be evaluated on those skills. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Evaluation and Feedback

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice applying feedback and serve as a speech evaluator during a club meeting.

Overview: This project includes two 5- to 7-minute speeches. Choose any topic for your first Evaluation and Feedback speech. After your speech, carefully review your feedback.

At a future club meeting, present your second Evaluation and Feedback speech. You may create a new speech, revise your first Evaluation and Feedback speech, or present your first Evaluation and Feedback speech again if you are focusing on feedback you received on how you delivered your first Evaluation and Feedback speech.

Your second speech should reflect some or all of the feedback you received after your first Evaluation and Feedback speech.

Finally, after you have completed both speeches, serve as an evaluator at a club meeting and deliver constructive feedback about another member’s presentation.

Level 2 Projects for Engaging Humor

Level 2 has three required projects and no electives. Following are descriptions of each required project, including the project assignments.

Know Your Sense of Humor

This project focuses on understanding what makes you laugh and how to share that with an audience.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to begin developing a collection of humorous stories and to present a speech that includes humor.

Overview: Give a 5 to 7 minute speech on a topic of your choosing. Your speech should include at least one anecdote or story intended to entertain or bring humor into your presentation.

Connect with Your Audience

This project focuses on different audience types and how to address them effectively.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice the skills needed to connect with an unfamiliar audience.

Overview: Develop a 5- to 7-minute speech on a topic that is unfamiliar to the majority of your audience. Because you deliver this speech in your Toastmasters club, you are familiar with the audience members' preferences and personalities. Selecting a topic that is new or unfamiliar to your club members will allow you to practice adapting as you present. As you speak, monitor the audience's reaction to your topic and adapting as necessary to maintain engagement.

Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring

This project introduces the value of mentorship and the Toastmasters view of mentors and proteges.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to clearly define how Toastmasters envisions mentoring.

Overview: Write and present a 5- to 7-minute speech about a time when you were a protege. Share the impact and importance of having a mentor. This speech is not a report on the content of this project. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Level 3 Projects for Engaging Humor

Level 3 has one required project. You must also complete a minimum of two electives. Following is a description of the required project, including the project assignment. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 3, visit the Level 3 Electives section of this web page.

Engage Your Audience with Humor

This project focuses on using humor to enhance the message you deliver in your speech.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is for you to determine your style of humor and apply it to a speech that centers around a central message.

Overview: Give a 5 to 7 minute speech on your point of view and what makes things funny to you. Your speech should include at least one anecdote or story intended to entertain or bring humor into your presentation.

Level 4 Projects for Engaging Humor

Level 4 has one required project. You must also complete a minimum of one elective. Following is a description of the required project, including the project assignment. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 4, visit the Level 4 Electives section of this web page.

The Power of Humor In an Impromptu Speech

This project focuses on developing strategies for adding humor to any speech, especially impromptu speeches.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is for you to develop your method for giving impromptu speeches and practice adapting rehearsed stories during a presentation.

Overview: You will deliver two 2 to 3 minute speeches. When you are ready to begin the first of your speeches, the Toastmaster of the Day will select a topic from the Impromptu Speech Topics resource. Your speech must last 2 to 3 minutes and include at least one anecdote that is related to the topic. When the first speech is complete, give a second 2 to 3 minute speech on a new topic. Both topics should be selected at random and without your prior knowledge.

Level 5 Projects for Engaging Humor

Level 5 has two required projects. You must also complete a minimum of one elective. Following are descriptions of the required projects, including the project assignments. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 5, visit the Level 5 Electives section of this web page.

Deliver Your Message with Humor

This project focuses on creating a keynote-length speech that effectively delivers a message and humor to an audience.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice developing and presenting a longer humorous speech.

Overview: Write and present an 18 to 22 minute keynote-style humorous speech. You may choose to use visual aids if they fit your speech and your style. If you receive advanced approval from the vice president education, you may present your speech to a non-Toastmasters audience.

Reflect on Your Path

This project is designed to give you an opportunity to share your experience at the end of your path.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to reflect on your growth during the completion of an entire path.

Overview: At a club meeting, present a 10 to 12 minute speech to share your experience completing your path. Use this as an opportunity to reflect on how far you have come, summarize the skills you have learned and developed, and to celebrate your achievements. Your speech can be humorous, informational, or any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Innovative Planning

Innovative Planning helps you build your skills as a public speaker and leader. The projects on this path focus on developing a strong connection with audience members when you present, speech writing and speech delivery. The projects contribute to building an understanding of the steps to manage a project, as well as creating innovative solutions. This path culminates in a "High Performance Leadership" project of your design.

Level 1 Projects for Innovative Planning

Level 1 has four required projects and no electives. Following are descriptions of each required project, including the project assignments.

Ice Breaker

This foundational project is designed to introduce you to your club and the skills you need to begin your Toastmasters journey.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to introduce yourself to the club and learn the basic structure of a public speech.

Overview: Write and deliver a speech about any topic to introduce yourself to your club. Your speech may be humorous, informational, or any other style that appeals to you.

Writing a Speech with Purpose

This project addresses topic selection strategies, how to define the purpose of your speech, and methods for producing a well-organized speech.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to learn or review basic methods for writing a speech and to present a well-organized speech on any topic.

Overview: Select a topic that appeals to you. It can be anything. Be sure your topic is narrow enough to be an effective 5- to 7-minute speech. Clearly define your topic and consider your goal for your speech. Before you organize your speech, clearly define your purpose. Practice your speech and continue to refine its organization. Present your speech at a club meeting.

Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language

This project focuses on the fundamentals of delivering a speech—vocal variety and body language.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice using vocal variety or body language to enhance a speech.

Overview: Learn or review the importance of vocal variety and body language. Present a 5- to 7-minute speech on any topic at a club meeting. The primary focus of the evaluation is your vocal variety or your body language and gestures. You will identify the skills you are working on for your evaluator before you deliver your speech and be evaluated on those skills. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Evaluation and Feedback

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice applying feedback and serve as a speech evaluator during a club meeting.

Overview: This project includes two 5- to 7-minute speeches. Choose any topic for your first Evaluation and Feedback speech. After your speech, carefully review your feedback.

At a future club meeting, present your second Evaluation and Feedback speech. You may create a new speech, revise your first Evaluation and Feedback speech, or present your first Evaluation and Feedback speech again if you are focusing on feedback you received on how you delivered your first Evaluation and Feedback speech.

Your second speech should reflect some or all of the feedback you received after your first Evaluation and Feedback speech.

Finally, after you have completed both speeches, serve as an evaluator at a club meeting and deliver constructive feedback about another member’s presentation.

Level 2 Projects for Innovative Planning

Level 2 has three required projects and no electives. Following are descriptions of each required project, including the project assignments.

Understanding Your Leadership Style

This project is designed to introduce the different styles of leadership and help you identify your preferred style.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to identify your primary leadership style or styles.

Overview: Complete the Discover Your Leadership Style questionnaire. Consider how your leadership style impacts the people around you and how you can adjust it to more effectively lead people with styles different from your own. Deliver a 5- to 7-minute speech at a club meeting to share some aspect of your leadership style or leadership styles in general. You may choose to discuss your style preferences when working with others, your style and how you can adapt it to situations or leadership styles in general and how they impact a group.

Connect with Your Audience

This project focuses on different audience types and how to address them effectively.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice the skills needed to connect with an unfamiliar audience.

Overview: Develop a 5- to 7-minute speech on a topic that is unfamiliar to the majority of your audience. Because you deliver this speech in your Toastmasters club, you are familiar with the audience members' preferences and personalities. Selecting a topic that is new or unfamiliar to your club members will allow you to practice adapting as you present. As you speak, monitor the audience's reaction to your topic and adapting as necessary to maintain engagement.

Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring

This project introduces the value of mentorship and the Toastmasters view of mentors and proteges.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to clearly define how Toastmasters envisions mentoring.

Overview: Write and present a 5- to 7-minute speech about a time when you were a protege. Share the impact and importance of having a mentor. This speech is not a report on the content of this project. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Level 3 Projects for Innovative Planning

Level 3 has one required project. You must also complete a minimum of two electives. Following is a description of the required project, including the project assignment. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 3, visit the Level 3 Electives section of this web page.

Present a Proposal

This project introduces how to select key information to present in a proposal to build a case with supporting evidence and realistic solutions.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice developing and presenting a proposal.

Develop a proposal to improve any area of your life. It may involve your personal or professional life, or your Toastmasters club. If your proposal involves your club, speak with the appropriate officer. For example, if you have a proposal to increase club membership, discuss it with the vice president membership. In a 5- to 7-minute speech at a club meeting, present your entire proposal or aspects of it.

Level 4 Projects for Innovative Planning

Level 4 has one required project. You must also complete a minimum of one elective. Following is a description of the required project, including the project assignment. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 4, visit the Level 4 Electives section of this web page.

Manage Projects Successfully

This project focuses on skills needed to effectively manage a project, develop rapport with stakeholders, and cultivate strong relationships with a team.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice developing a plan, building a team, and fulfilling the plan with the help of your team.

Overview: Form a team of three to four people and choose a project. Create a plan for your project and present the plan to your club. You may choose to schedule a 2 to 3 minute report or a 5 to 7 minute speech. Complete your project with your team. Finally, present a 5 to 7 minute speech about the experience. This speech may be humorous, informational, or any type of speech that appeals to you. It should not be a report about the content of this project, but a reflection of your experience applying what you learned.

Level 5 Projects for Innovative Planning

Level 5 has two required projects. You must also complete a minimum of one elective. Following are descriptions of the required projects, including the project assignments. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 5, visit the Level 5 Electives section of this web page.

High Performance Leadership

The focus of this project is to design and complete a project with well-defined goals, lead a team, and be accountable to a guidance committee.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to apply your leadership and planning knowledge to develop a project plan, organize a guidance committee, and implement your plan with the help of a team.

Overview: Select a project to complete with a team of at least three other members. Form a guidance committee and meet at least five times through the duration of the project. Deliver a 5 to 7 minute speech at a club meeting to introduce your plan and vision. After you implement the plan, deliver a second 5 to 7 minute speech at a club meeting to share your experience developing and completing your plan.

Reflect on Your Path

This project is designed to give you an opportunity to share your experience at the end of your path.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to reflect on your growth during the completion of an entire path.

Overview: At a club meeting, present a 10 to 12 minute speech to share your experience completing your path. Use this as an opportunity to reflect on how far you have come, summarize the skills you have learned and developed, and to celebrate your achievements. Your speech can be humorous, informational, or any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Leadership Development

Leadership Development helps you build your skills as an effective communicator and leader. The projects on this path focus on learning how to manage time, as well as how to develop and implement a plan. Public speaking and leading a team are emphasized in all projects. This path culminates in the planning and execution of an event that will allow you to apply everything you learned.

The following sections include descriptions of the projects and assignments on the Leadership Development path, organized by level.

Level 1 Projects for Leadership Development

Level 1 has four required projects and no electives. Following are descriptions of each required project, including the project assignments.

Ice Breaker

This foundational project is designed to introduce you to your club and the skills you need to begin your Toastmasters journey.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to introduce yourself to the club and learn the basic structure of a public speech.

Overview: Write and deliver a speech about any topic to introduce yourself to your club. Your speech may be humorous, informational, or any other style that appeals to you.

Writing a Speech with Purpose

This project addresses topic selection strategies, how to define the purpose of your speech, and methods for producing a well-organized speech.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to learn or review basic methods for writing a speech and to present a well-organized speech on any topic.

Overview: Select a topic that appeals to you. It can be anything. Be sure your topic is narrow enough to be an effective 5- to 7-minute speech. Clearly define your topic and consider your goal for your speech. Before you organize your speech, clearly define your purpose. Practice your speech and continue to refine its organization. Present your speech at a club meeting.

Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language

This project focuses on the fundamentals of delivering a speech—vocal variety and body language.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice using vocal variety or body language to enhance a speech.

Overview: Learn or review the importance of vocal variety and body language. Present a 5- to 7-minute speech on any topic at a club meeting. The primary focus of the evaluation is your vocal variety or your body language and gestures. You will identify the skills you are working on for your evaluator before you deliver your speech and be evaluated on those skills. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Evaluation and Feedback

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice applying feedback and serve as a speech evaluator during a club meeting.

Overview: This project includes two 5- to 7-minute speeches. Choose any topic for your first Evaluation and Feedback speech. After your speech, carefully review your feedback.

At a future club meeting, present your second Evaluation and Feedback speech. You may create a new speech, revise your first Evaluation and Feedback speech, or present your first Evaluation and Feedback speech again if you are focusing on feedback you received on how you delivered your first Evaluation and Feedback speech.

Your second speech should reflect some or all of the feedback you received after your first Evaluation and Feedback speech.

Finally, after you have completed both speeches, serve as an evaluator at a club meeting and deliver constructive feedback about another member’s presentation.

Level 2 Projects for Leadership Development

Level 2 has three required projects and no electives. Following are descriptions of each required project, including the project assignments.

Managing Time

This project is designed to help you manage your time, discover time management techniques, and employ them in your speeches and daily life.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to observe your own time management patterns.

Overview: Develop a 5- to 7-minute speech on any topic. As you develop your speech, record the time required for each task in order to help you determine how you can improve your time management strategies. Present your speech at a club meeting. Finally, submit the Project Completion Form to your vice president education.

Understanding Your Leadership Style

This project is designed to introduce the different styles of leadership and help you identify your preferred style.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to identify your primary leadership style or styles.

Overview: Complete the Discover Your Leadership Style questionnaire. Consider how your leadership style impacts the people around you and how you can adjust it to more effectively lead people with styles different from your own. Deliver a 5- to 7-minute speech at a club meeting to share some aspect of your leadership style or leadership styles in general. You may choose to discuss your style preferences when working with others, your style and how you can adapt it to situations or leadership styles in general and how they impact a group.

Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring

This project introduces the value of mentorship and the Toastmasters view of mentors and proteges.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to clearly define how Toastmasters envisions mentoring.

Overview: Write and present a 5- to 7-minute speech about a time when you were a protege. Share the impact and importance of having a mentor. This speech is not a report on the content of this project. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Level 3 Projects for Leadership Development

Level 3 has one required project. You must also complete a minimum of two electives. Following is a description of the required project, including the project assignment. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 3, visit the Level 3 Electives section of this web page.

Planning and Implementing

This project is designed to help you develop realistic plans to meet your objectives and to successfully monitor a project to completion.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice developing a plan and bringing that plan to fruition.

Overview: Select any small-scale project, such as a family party, a short trip, a themed Toastmasters meeting, or any other event or project that requires planning. Develop and implement the plan, with or without help from others. At a club meeting, deliver a 2- to 3-minute report or a 5- to 7-minute speech about your experience. Submit the Project Completion Form to your vice president education to confirm you completed all planning resources.

Level 4 Projects for Leadership Development

Level 4 has one required project. You must also complete a minimum of one elective. Following is a description of the required project, including the project assignment. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 4, visit the Level 4 Electives section of this web page.

Leading Your Team

This project is designed to help you accomplish a task while leading a small group and give you the opportunity to practice basic skills of leadership.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to lead a small team to the completion of a project.

Overview: Build a team of two to four people and lead your team to the completion of a project of your design. After you accomplish the project, present a 5 to 7 minute speech about you or your experience leading your team. Your speech may be humorous, informational, or any other format that appeals to you.

Level 5 Projects for Leadership Development

Level 5 has two required projects. You must also complete a minimum of one elective. Following are descriptions of the required projects, including the project assignments. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 5, visit the Level 5 Electives section of this web page.

Manage Successful Events

This project is designed to give you tools to coordinate an event. It includes steps for managing the unexpected, leading a team, and creating positive outcomes.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice planning, organizing, and implementing an event.

Overview: Plan, coordinate, and complete an event of your choosing. Tools for planning all aspects of an event are included in this project. After you complete the event, present a 5 to 7 minute speech in your club. Share the impact of the planning process, your team, and the organization for which the event was held. Your speech may be humorous, informational, or any style that appeals to you. It is not a report on the content of this project.

If you want to coordinate a non-Toastmasters event, it will need to be approved by the vice president education.

Reflect on Your Path

This project is designed to give you an opportunity to share your experience at the end of your path.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to reflect on your growth during the completion of an entire path.

Overview: At a club meeting, present a 10 to 12 minute speech to share your experience completing your path. Use this as an opportunity to reflect on how far you have come, summarize the skills you have learned and developed, and to celebrate your achievements. Your speech can be humorous, informational, or any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Motivational Strategies

Motivational Strategies helps you build your skills as a powerful and effective communicator. The projects focus on learning strategies for building connections with the people around you, understanding motivation and successfully leading small groups to accomplish tasks. This path culminates in a comprehensive team-building project that brings all of your skills together, including public speaking.

The following sections include descriptions of the projects and assignments on the Motivational Strategies path, organized by level.

Level 1 Projects for Motivational Strategies

Level 1 has four required projects and no electives. Following are descriptions of each required project, including the project assignments.

Ice Breaker

This foundational project is designed to introduce you to your club and the skills you need to begin your Toastmasters journey.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to introduce yourself to the club and learn the basic structure of a public speech.

Overview: Write and deliver a speech about any topic to introduce yourself to your club. Your speech may be humorous, informational, or any other style that appeals to you.

Writing a Speech with Purpose

This project addresses topic selection strategies, how to define the purpose of your speech, and methods for producing a well-organized speech.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to learn or review basic methods for writing a speech and to present a well-organized speech on any topic.

Overview: Select a topic that appeals to you. It can be anything. Be sure your topic is narrow enough to be an effective 5- to 7-minute speech. Clearly define your topic and consider your goal for your speech. Before you organize your speech, clearly define your purpose. Practice your speech and continue to refine its organization. Present your speech at a club meeting.

Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language

This project focuses on the fundamentals of delivering a speech—vocal variety and body language.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice using vocal variety or body language to enhance a speech.

Overview: Learn or review the importance of vocal variety and body language. Present a 5- to 7-minute speech on any topic at a club meeting. The primary focus of the evaluation is your vocal variety or your body language and gestures. You will identify the skills you are working on for your evaluator before you deliver your speech and be evaluated on those skills. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Evaluation and Feedback

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice applying feedback and serve as a speech evaluator during a club meeting.

Overview: This project includes two 5- to 7-minute speeches. Choose any topic for your first Evaluation and Feedback speech. After your speech, carefully review your feedback.

At a future club meeting, present your second Evaluation and Feedback speech. You may create a new speech, revise your first Evaluation and Feedback speech, or present your first Evaluation and Feedback speech again if you are focusing on feedback you received on how you delivered your first Evaluation and Feedback speech.

Your second speech should reflect some or all of the feedback you received after your first Evaluation and Feedback speech.

Finally, after you have completed both speeches, serve as an evaluator at a club meeting and deliver constructive feedback about another member’s presentation.

Level 2 Projects for Motivational Strategies

Level 2 has three required projects and no electives. Following are descriptions of each required project, including the project assignments.

Understanding Your Communication Style

This project focuses on recognizing your preferred communication style and understanding how your style impacts your interactions with others.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to learn about different communication styles and identify your primary style.

Overview: Complete the Discover Your Communication Style questionnaire to help you identify your style. Deliver a 5 to 7 minute speech at a club meeting about your communication style and its impact on your professional and/or personal relationships. If you are uncomfortable discussing your communication style, you may speak about the communication styles you have encountered and how they impact you. Your speech should not be a report of the content of this project.

Active Listening

This project covers the difference between hearing and listening, and steps for exploring the ways listening helps build strong, lasting connections.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to demonstrate your ability to listen to what others say.

Overview: At a club meeting, fulfill the role of Topicsmaster. As Topicsmaster, comment on each speaker's Table Topics speech to demonstrate your active listening skills. For example, you might say, "Thank you. That was a compelling opinion on the benefits of gardening. I understand you feel strongly that everyone needs to spend some time doing something they love."

Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring

This project introduces the value of mentorship and the Toastmasters view of mentors and proteges.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to clearly define how Toastmasters envisions mentoring.

Overview: Write and present a 5- to 7-minute speech about a time when you were a protege. Share the impact and importance of having a mentor. This speech is not a report on the content of this project. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Level 3 Projects for Motivational Strategies

Level 3 has one required project. You must also complete a minimum of two electives. Following is a description of the required project, including the project assignment. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 3, visit the Level 3 Electives section of this web page.

Understanding Emotional Intelligence

This project addresses elements of emotional intelligence. It is designed to help you understand your own emotions and the emotions of others.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to cultivate an understanding of how your emotions impact your relationships. It is also designed to help you identify how other's emotions impact your emotional state.

Overview: For a minimum of two weeks, keep a journal about your emotions and how they impact you and others. Discuss the impact of tracking your emotions in a 5- to 7-minute speech at a club meeting. Note: You are not required to share the intimacies of your experience. Finally, give your signed Project Completion Form to your vice president education to indicate you completed your journal.

Level 4 Projects for Motivational Strategies

Level 4 has one required project. You must also complete a minimum of one elective. Following is a description of the required project, including the project assignment. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 4, visit the Level 4 Electives section of this web page.

Motivate Others

This project focuses on how people are motivated. It is designed to help you build your leadership skills by effectively motivating team members.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice the skills needed to motivate team members through the completion of a project.

Overview: Build a team of three to four people to help you create and complete a project to benefit your club. Use the information in the project to develop motivational strategies for each team member. After the project, you may choose to ask team members and at least one club officer to complete a 360-degree evaluation to give you feedback on your communication and leadership. Deliver a 5 to 7 minute speech at a club meeting about your experience. Your speech is not a report on the content of this project.

Level 5 Projects for Motivational Strategies

Level 5 has two required projects. You must also complete a minimum of one elective. Following are descriptions of the required projects, including the project assignments. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 5, visit the Level 5 Electives section of this web page.

Team Building

This project addresses the benefits of team building. It is designed to help you build a sense of collaboration and trust within a team completing a project.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice the skills needed to build a cohesive team and host an event.

Overview: Build and work with a small team to design and host a team-building event, either in your Toastmasters club or another environment. Any non-Toastmasters event must be approved by your club's vice president education and attended by a member of your club leadership team. Before the event, deliver a 2 to 3 minute report at a club meeting to share your plans. After the event, deliver a 5 to 7 minute speech to your club. The content of the speech is up to you, but needs to be about your event, the impact of leading on you and your team, or the impact of building a team on you as a leader.

Reflect on Your Path

This project is designed to give you an opportunity to share your experience at the end of your path.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to reflect on your growth during the completion of an entire path.

Overview: At a club meeting, present a 10 to 12 minute speech to share your experience completing your path. Use this as an opportunity to reflect on how far you have come, summarize the skills you have learned and developed, and to celebrate your achievements. Your speech can be humorous, informational, or any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Persuasive Influence

Persuasive Influence helps you build your skills as an innovative communicator and leader. The projects on this path focus on how to negotiate a positive outcome together with building strong interpersonal communication and public speaking skills. Each project emphasizes developing leadership skills to use in complex situations, as well as creating innovative solutions to challenges. This path culminates in a "High Performance Leadership" project of your design.

The following sections include descriptions of the projects and assignments on the Persuasive Influence path, organized by level.

Level 1 Projects for Persuasive Influence

Level 1 has four required projects and no electives. Following are descriptions of each required project, including the project assignments.

Ice Breaker

This foundational project is designed to introduce you to your club and the skills you need to begin your Toastmasters journey.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to introduce yourself to the club and learn the basic structure of a public speech.

Overview: Write and deliver a speech about any topic to introduce yourself to your club. Your speech may be humorous, informational, or any other style that appeals to you.

Writing a Speech with Purpose

This project addresses topic selection strategies, how to define the purpose of your speech, and methods for producing a well-organized speech.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to learn or review basic methods for writing a speech and to present a well-organized speech on any topic.

Overview: Select a topic that appeals to you. It can be anything. Be sure your topic is narrow enough to be an effective 5- to 7-minute speech. Clearly define your topic and consider your goal for your speech. Before you organize your speech, clearly define your purpose. Practice your speech and continue to refine its organization. Present your speech at a club meeting.

Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language

This project focuses on the fundamentals of delivering a speech—vocal variety and body language.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice using vocal variety or body language to enhance a speech.

Overview: Learn or review the importance of vocal variety and body language. Present a 5- to 7-minute speech on any topic at a club meeting. The primary focus of the evaluation is your vocal variety or your body language and gestures. You will identify the skills you are working on for your evaluator before you deliver your speech and be evaluated on those skills. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Evaluation and Feedback

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice applying feedback and serve as a speech evaluator during a club meeting.

Overview: This project includes two 5- to 7-minute speeches. Choose any topic for your first Evaluation and Feedback speech. After your speech, carefully review your feedback.

At a future club meeting, present your second Evaluation and Feedback speech. You may create a new speech, revise your first Evaluation and Feedback speech, or present your first Evaluation and Feedback speech again if you are focusing on feedback you received on how you delivered your first Evaluation and Feedback speech.

Your second speech should reflect some or all of the feedback you received after your first Evaluation and Feedback speech.

Finally, after you have completed both speeches, serve as an evaluator at a club meeting and deliver constructive feedback about another member’s presentation.

Level 2 Projects for Persuasive Influence

Level 2 has three required projects and no electives. Following are descriptions of each required project, including the project assignments.

Understanding Your Leadership Style

This project is designed to introduce the different styles of leadership and help you identify your preferred style.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to identify your primary leadership style or styles.

Overview: Complete the Discover Your Leadership Style questionnaire. Consider how your leadership style impacts the people around you and how you can adjust it to more effectively lead people with styles different from your own. Deliver a 5- to 7-minute speech at a club meeting to share some aspect of your leadership style or leadership styles in general. You may choose to discuss your style preferences when working with others, your style and how you can adapt it to situations or leadership styles in general and how they impact a group.

Active Listening

This project covers the difference between hearing and listening, and steps for exploring the ways listening helps build strong, lasting connections.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to demonstrate your ability to listen to what others say.

Overview: At a club meeting, fulfill the role of Topicsmaster. As Topicsmaster, comment on each speaker's Table Topics speech to demonstrate your active listening skills. For example, you might say, "Thank you. That was a compelling opinion on the benefits of gardening. I understand you feel strongly that everyone needs to spend some time doing something they love."

Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring

This project introduces the value of mentorship and the Toastmasters view of mentors and proteges.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to clearly define how Toastmasters envisions mentoring.

Overview: Write and present a 5- to 7-minute speech about a time when you were a protege. Share the impact and importance of having a mentor. This speech is not a report on the content of this project. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Level 3 Projects for Persuasive Influence

Level 3 has one required project. You must also complete a minimum of two electives. Following is a description of the required project, including the project assignment. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 3, visit the Level 3 Electives section of this web page.

Understanding Conflict Resolution

This project is designed to introduce conflict resolution strategies and provide an opportunity to resolve a conflict scenario within an activity.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to develop or enhance your understanding of the steps and strategies to address conflict.

Overview: Complete the conflict resolution scenario activity in the project. Prepare a 5 to 7 minute speech to discuss how you manage conflict, how you can develop a stronger strategy, and your best attributes in a conflict situation. You may also share the impact of the activity. Your speech may be humorous, informational, or any style that appeals to you. This speech is not a report on or a critique of the content of this project.

Level 4 Projects for Persuasive Influence

Level 4 has one required project. You must also complete a minimum of one elective. Following is a description of the required project, including the project assignment. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 4, visit the Level 4 Electives section of this web page.

Leading in Difficult Situations

This project focuses on the fundamentals of managing challenges, analyzing difficult situations, and identifying best strategies for overcoming adversity.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice strategies for adjusting to unexpected changes to a finalized plan.

Overview: Design and complete a project plan for any event or set of goals. Your plan may be real or hypothetical. Add as many details to your plan as possible for the best success of this project. In a 5 to 7 minute speech at a club meeting, share your plan. Distribute copies of the Plan Disruption Ideas resource to club members and allow them 2 to 3 minutes to discuss possible disruptions to your plan. Listen and present impromptu solutions to the disruptions introduced by club members. The total time to complete this project in a club meeting is 15 to 20 minutes.

Level 5 Projects for Persuasive Influence

Level 5 has two required projects. You must also complete a minimum of one elective. Following are descriptions of the required projects, including the project assignments. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 5, visit the Level 5 Electives section of this web page.

High Performance Leadership

The focus of this project is to design and complete a project with well-defined goals, lead a team, and be accountable to a guidance committee.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to apply your leadership and planning knowledge to develop a project plan, organize a guidance committee, and implement your plan with the help of a team.

Overview: Select a project to complete with a team of at least three other members. Form a guidance committee and meet at least five times through the duration of the project. Deliver a 5 to 7 minute speech at a club meeting to introduce your plan and vision. After you implement the plan, deliver a second 5 to 7 minute speech at a club meeting to share your experience developing and completing your plan.

Reflect on Your Path

This project is designed to give you an opportunity to share your experience at the end of your path.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to reflect on your growth during the completion of an entire path.

Overview: At a club meeting, present a 10 to 12 minute speech to share your experience completing your path. Use this as an opportunity to reflect on how far you have come, summarize the skills you have learned and developed, and to celebrate your achievements. Your speech can be humorous, informational, or any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Presentation Mastery

Presentation Mastery helps you build your skills as an accomplished public speaker. The projects on this path focus on learning how an audience responds to you and improving your connection with audience members. The projects contribute to developing an understanding of effective public speaking technique, including speech writing and speech delivery. This path culminates in an extended speech that will allow you to apply what you learned.

The following sections include descriptions of the projects and assignments on the Presentation Mastery path, organized by level.

Level 1 Projects for Presentation Mastery

Level 1 has four required projects and no electives. Following are descriptions of each required project, including the project assignments.

Ice Breaker

This foundational project is designed to introduce you to your club and the skills you need to begin your Toastmasters journey.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to introduce yourself to the club and learn the basic structure of a public speech.

Overview: Write and deliver a speech about any topic to introduce yourself to your club. Your speech may be humorous, informational, or any other style that appeals to you.

Writing a Speech with Purpose

This project addresses topic selection strategies, how to define the purpose of your speech, and methods for producing a well-organized speech.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to learn or review basic methods for writing a speech and to present a well-organized speech on any topic.

Overview: Select a topic that appeals to you. It can be anything. Be sure your topic is narrow enough to be an effective 5- to 7-minute speech. Clearly define your topic and consider your goal for your speech. Before you organize your speech, clearly define your purpose. Practice your speech and continue to refine its organization. Present your speech at a club meeting.

Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language

This project focuses on the fundamentals of delivering a speech—vocal variety and body language.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice using vocal variety or body language to enhance a speech.

Overview: Learn or review the importance of vocal variety and body language. Present a 5- to 7-minute speech on any topic at a club meeting. The primary focus of the evaluation is your vocal variety or your body language and gestures. You will identify the skills you are working on for your evaluator before you deliver your speech and be evaluated on those skills. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Evaluation and Feedback

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice applying feedback and serve as a speech evaluator during a club meeting.

Overview: This project includes two 5- to 7-minute speeches. Choose any topic for your first Evaluation and Feedback speech. After your speech, carefully review your feedback.

At a future club meeting, present your second Evaluation and Feedback speech. You may create a new speech, revise your first Evaluation and Feedback speech, or present your first Evaluation and Feedback speech again if you are focusing on feedback you received on how you delivered your first Evaluation and Feedback speech.

Your second speech should reflect some or all of the feedback you received after your first Evaluation and Feedback speech.

Finally, after you have completed both speeches, serve as an evaluator at a club meeting and deliver constructive feedback about another member’s presentation.

Level 2 Projects for Presentation Mastery

Level 2 has three required projects and no electives. Following are descriptions of each required project, including the project assignments.

Understanding Your Communication Style

This project focuses on recognizing your preferred communication style and understanding how your style impacts your interactions with others.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to learn about different communication styles and identify your primary style.

Overview: Complete the Discover Your Communication Style questionnaire to help you identify your style. Deliver a 5 to 7 minute speech at a club meeting about your communication style and its impact on your professional and/or personal relationships. If you are uncomfortable discussing your communication style, you may speak about the communication styles you have encountered and how they impact you. Your speech should not be a report of the content of this project.

Effective Body Language

This project focuses on how to recognize body language used when speaking publicly and how to use gestures to enhance speech content.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to deliver a speech with awareness of your intentional and unintentional body language, as well as to learn, practice, and refine how you use nonverbal communication when delivering a speech.

Overview: Prepare a 5- to 7-minute speech on a topic that lends itself to expression through your movement and gestures. Video record your presentation and get feedback from your mentor or another reviewer before speaking to your club. If you do not have access to a recording device, perform your speech in front of a mirror and make adjustments before your scheduled speech. Present your speech at a club meeting.

Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring

This project introduces the value of mentorship and the Toastmasters view of mentors and proteges.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to clearly define how Toastmasters envisions mentoring.

Overview: Write and present a 5- to 7-minute speech about a time when you were a protege. Share the impact and importance of having a mentor. This speech is not a report on the content of this project. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Level 3 Projects for Presentation Mastery

Level 3 has one required project. You must also complete a minimum of two electives. Following is a description of the required project, including the project assignment. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 3, visit the Level 3 Electives section of this web page.

Persuasive Speaking

This project focuses on helping you to develop and support a viewpoint, and identify the most appropriate type of persuasive speech for your topic.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to understand the types of persuasive speeches and deliver a persuasive speech at a club meeting.

Overview: Choose any topic that lends itself to speaking persuasively and prepare a speech. Present your 5- to 7-minute speech at a club meeting. If your vice president education approves a non-club event or group, your evaluator must be present for your speech.

Level 4 Projects for Presentation Mastery

Level 4 has one required project. You must also complete a minimum of one elective. Following is a description of the required project, including the project assignment. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 4, visit the Level 4 Electives section of this web page.

Managing a Difficult Audience

This project covers common behaviors of difficult audience members and how to address each behavior in a calm, effective, and professional way.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice the skills needed to address audience challenges when you present outside of your Toastmasters club.

Overview: Prepare a 5 to 7 minute speech on a topic of your choosing. You may write a new speech or use a speech you presented previously. You will be evaluated on the way you manage audience disruptions, not the content of your speech. Before your club meeting, send the Role Play Assignments resource to the Toastmaster and vice president education. As you present your speech, respond to different types of difficult audience members that disrupt you. The process of speaking and responding to audience members will take 12 to 15 minutes.

Level 5 Projects for Presentation Mastery

Level 5 has two required projects. You must also complete a minimum of one elective. Following are descriptions of the required projects, including the project assignments. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 5, visit the Level 5 Electives section of this web page.

Prepare to Speak Professionally

This project is designed to help you define the attributes of professional speakers and apply that understanding to your own skills as a speaker.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice developing and presenting a longer speech.

Overview: Write and present an 18 to 22 minute keynote-style speech. Exemplify the point of view or message you would convey as a professional-level speaker. You may choose to use visual aids if they fit your speech and your style. Your speech may be humorous, informational, or any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content. If you receive advance approval from the vice president education, you may present your speech to a non-Toastmasters group.

Reflect on Your Path

This project is designed to give you an opportunity to share your experience at the end of your path.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to reflect on your growth during the completion of an entire path.

Overview: At a club meeting, present a 10 to 12 minute speech to share your experience completing your path. Use this as an opportunity to reflect on how far you have come, summarize the skills you have learned and developed, and to celebrate your achievements. Your speech can be humorous, informational, or any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Strategic Relationships

Strategic Relationships helps you build your skills as a leader in communication. The projects on this path focus on understanding others, building personal and/or professional connections with a variety of people and developing a public relations strategy. Communicating well interpersonally and as a public speaker is emphasized in each project. The path culminates in a project to apply your skills as a leader in a volunteer organization. 

The following sections include descriptions of the projects and assignments on the Strategic Relationships path, organized by level.

Level 1 Projects for Strategic Relationships

Level 1 has four required projects and no electives. Following are descriptions of each required project, including the project assignments.

Ice Breaker

This foundational project is designed to introduce you to your club and the skills you need to begin your Toastmasters journey.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to introduce yourself to the club and learn the basic structure of a public speech.

Overview: Write and deliver a speech about any topic to introduce yourself to your club. Your speech may be humorous, informational, or any other style that appeals to you.

Writing a Speech with Purpose

This project addresses topic selection strategies, how to define the purpose of your speech, and methods for producing a well-organized speech.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to learn or review basic methods for writing a speech and to present a well-organized speech on any topic.

Overview: Select a topic that appeals to you. It can be anything. Be sure your topic is narrow enough to be an effective 5- to 7-minute speech. Clearly define your topic and consider your goal for your speech. Before you organize your speech, clearly define your purpose. Practice your speech and continue to refine its organization. Present your speech at a club meeting.

Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language

This project focuses on the fundamentals of delivering a speech—vocal variety and body language.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice using vocal variety or body language to enhance a speech.

Overview: Learn or review the importance of vocal variety and body language. Present a 5- to 7-minute speech on any topic at a club meeting. The primary focus of the evaluation is your vocal variety or your body language and gestures. You will identify the skills you are working on for your evaluator before you deliver your speech and be evaluated on those skills. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Evaluation and Feedback

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice applying feedback and serve as a speech evaluator during a club meeting.

Overview: This project includes two 5- to 7-minute speeches. Choose any topic for your first Evaluation and Feedback speech. After your speech, carefully review your feedback.

At a future club meeting, present your second Evaluation and Feedback speech. You may create a new speech, revise your first Evaluation and Feedback speech, or present your first Evaluation and Feedback speech again if you are focusing on feedback you received on how you delivered your first Evaluation and Feedback speech.

Your second speech should reflect some or all of the feedback you received after your first Evaluation and Feedback speech.

Finally, after you have completed both speeches, serve as an evaluator at a club meeting and deliver constructive feedback about another member’s presentation.

Level 2 Projects for Strategic Relationships

Level 2 has three required projects and no electives. Following are descriptions of each required project, including the project assignments.

Understanding Your Leadership Style

This project is designed to introduce the different styles of leadership and help you identify your preferred style.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to identify your primary leadership style or styles.

Overview: Complete the Discover Your Leadership Style questionnaire. Consider how your leadership style impacts the people around you and how you can adjust it to more effectively lead people with styles different from your own. Deliver a 5- to 7-minute speech at a club meeting to share some aspect of your leadership style or leadership styles in general. You may choose to discuss your style preferences when working with others, your style and how you can adapt it to situations or leadership styles in general and how they impact a group.

Active Listening

This project covers the difference between hearing and listening, and steps for exploring the ways listening helps build strong, lasting connections.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to demonstrate your ability to listen to what others say.

Overview: At a club meeting, fulfill the role of Topicsmaster. As Topicsmaster, comment on each speaker's Table Topics speech to demonstrate your active listening skills. For example, you might say, "Thank you. That was a compelling opinion on the benefits of gardening. I understand you feel strongly that everyone needs to spend some time doing something they love."

Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring

This project introduces the value of mentorship and the Toastmasters view of mentors and proteges.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to clearly define how Toastmasters envisions mentoring.

Overview: Write and present a 5- to 7-minute speech about a time when you were a protege. Share the impact and importance of having a mentor. This speech is not a report on the content of this project. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Level 3 Projects for Strategic Relationships

Level 3 has one required project. You must also complete a minimum of two electives. Following is a description of the required project, including the project assignment. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 3, visit the Level 3 Electives section of this web page.

Make Connections Through Networking

This project focuses on how to network effectively and understanding the importance of being a professional ally to people in your network.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to develop and practice a personal strategy for building connections through networking.

Overview: Prepare for and attend a networking event. After the event, present a 5- to 7-minute speech to your club. Your speech can include a story or stories about your experience, a description of what you learned, or a discussion on the benefits of networking. Your speech may be personal to you or informational about networking. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content. If you attend a non-Toastmasters event, you must give your vice president education a signed Project Completion Form.

Level 4 Projects for Strategic Relationships

Level 4 has one required project. You must also complete a minimum of one elective. Following is a description of the required project, including the project assignment. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 4, visit the Level 4 Electives section of this web page.

Public Relations Strategies

This project focuses on how to promote awareness of an organization, formulate a public relations strategy, and use various public relations tactics.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice the skills needed to effectively use public relations strategies for any group or situation.

Overview: Create a public relations plan for a real or hypothetical group or situation. If it involves your club, it must be hypothetical unless you communicate with the vice president public relations and club president. Share your plan in a 5 to 7 minute speech at a club meeting. This speech is not a report on the content of this project, but an example of how you will or might apply what you learned.

Level 5 Projects for Strategic Relationships

Level 5 has two required projects. You must also complete a minimum of one elective. Following are descriptions of the required projects, including the project assignments. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 5, visit the Level 5 Electives section of this web page.

Leading in Your Volunteer Organization

This project focuses on the skills required to lead in a volunteer organization and the importance of recognition and reward in motivating volunteers.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to apply the skills needed to successfully lead in a volunteer organization.

Overview: Serve in a leadership role in Toastmasters or another volunteer organization for at least six months. You may complete this project based on your employment, but a volunteer organization is preferable. Ask members of the organization to complete a 360-degree evaluation of your leadership skills. Create a succession plan to aid in the transition after you leave your position of leadership. After your six-month term, deliver a 5 to 7 minute speech at a club meeting to reflect on your personal experience.

If you plan to fulfill a leadership role in a non-Toastmasters organization, you must receive advance permission from your vice president education.

Reflect on Your Path

This project is designed to give you an opportunity to share your experience at the end of your path.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to reflect on your growth during the completion of an entire path.

Overview: At a club meeting, present a 10 to 12 minute speech to share your experience completing your path. Use this as an opportunity to reflect on how far you have come, summarize the skills you have learned and developed, and to celebrate your achievements. Your speech can be humorous, informational, or any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Team Collaboration

Team Collaboration helps you build your skills as a collaborative leader. The projects on this path focus on active listening, motivating others and collaborating with a team. Each project contributes to building interpersonal communication and public speaking skills. This path culminates in a project focused on applying your leadership skills.

The following sections include descriptions of the projects and assignments on the Team Collaboration path, organized by level.

Level 1 Projects for Team Collaboration

Level 1 has four required projects and no electives. Following are descriptions of each required project, including the project assignments.

Ice Breaker

This foundational project is designed to introduce you to your club and the skills you need to begin your Toastmasters journey.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to introduce yourself to the club and learn the basic structure of a public speech.

Overview: Write and deliver a speech about any topic to introduce yourself to your club. Your speech may be humorous, informational, or any other style that appeals to you.

Writing a Speech with Purpose

This project addresses topic selection strategies, how to define the purpose of your speech, and methods for producing a well-organized speech.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to learn or review basic methods for writing a speech and to present a well-organized speech on any topic.

Overview: Select a topic that appeals to you. It can be anything. Be sure your topic is narrow enough to be an effective 5- to 7-minute speech. Clearly define your topic and consider your goal for your speech. Before you organize your speech, clearly define your purpose. Practice your speech and continue to refine its organization. Present your speech at a club meeting.

Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language

This project focuses on the fundamentals of delivering a speech—vocal variety and body language.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice using vocal variety or body language to enhance a speech.

Overview: Learn or review the importance of vocal variety and body language. Present a 5- to 7-minute speech on any topic at a club meeting. The primary focus of the evaluation is your vocal variety or your body language and gestures. You will identify the skills you are working on for your evaluator before you deliver your speech and be evaluated on those skills. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Evaluation and Feedback

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice applying feedback and serve as a speech evaluator during a club meeting.

Overview: This project includes two 5- to 7-minute speeches. Choose any topic for your first Evaluation and Feedback speech. After your speech, carefully review your feedback.

At a future club meeting, present your second Evaluation and Feedback speech. You may create a new speech, revise your first Evaluation and Feedback speech, or present your first Evaluation and Feedback speech again if you are focusing on feedback you received on how you delivered your first Evaluation and Feedback speech.

Your second speech should reflect some or all of the feedback you received after your first Evaluation and Feedback speech.

Finally, after you have completed both speeches, serve as an evaluator at a club meeting and deliver constructive feedback about another member’s presentation.

Level 2 Projects for Team Collaboration

Level 2 has three required projects and no electives. Following are descriptions of each required project, including the project assignments.

Understanding Your Leadership Style

This project is designed to introduce the different styles of leadership and help you identify your preferred style.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to identify your primary leadership style or styles.

Overview: Complete the Discover Your Leadership Style questionnaire. Consider how your leadership style impacts the people around you and how you can adjust it to more effectively lead people with styles different from your own. Deliver a 5- to 7-minute speech at a club meeting to share some aspect of your leadership style or leadership styles in general. You may choose to discuss your style preferences when working with others, your style and how you can adapt it to situations or leadership styles in general and how they impact a group.

Active Listening

This project covers the difference between hearing and listening, and steps for exploring the ways listening helps build strong, lasting connections.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to demonstrate your ability to listen to what others say.

Overview: At a club meeting, fulfill the role of Topicsmaster. As Topicsmaster, comment on each speaker's Table Topics speech to demonstrate your active listening skills. For example, you might say, "Thank you. That was a compelling opinion on the benefits of gardening. I understand you feel strongly that everyone needs to spend some time doing something they love."

Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring

This project introduces the value of mentorship and the Toastmasters view of mentors and proteges.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to clearly define how Toastmasters envisions mentoring.

Overview: Write and present a 5- to 7-minute speech about a time when you were a protege. Share the impact and importance of having a mentor. This speech is not a report on the content of this project. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Level 3 Projects for Team Collaboration

Level 3 has one required project. You must also complete a minimum of two electives. Following is a description of the required project, including the project assignment. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 3, visit the Level 3 Electives section of this web page.

Successful Collaboration

The focus of this project is the benefit of collaboration, building an environment of trust, and encouraging creative debate within a group.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to introduce or review strategies for working in a collaborative group.

Overview: Work with a small team and collaborate to make decisions. Your goal is to apply the collaboration strategies you learned to a small-scale project, such as planning a club meeting. Deliver a 5- to 7-minute speech at a club meeting about your experience with the collaboration process. Your speech is not a report on the content of this project. This speech is about you, your learning, and your perceptions of the experience.

Level 4 Projects for Team Collaboration

Level 4 has one required project. You must also complete a minimum of one elective. Following is a description of the required project, including the project assignment. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 4, visit the Level 4 Electives section of this web page.

Motivate Others

This project focuses on how people are motivated. It is designed to help you build your leadership skills by effectively motivating team members.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice the skills needed to motivate team members through the completion of a project.

Overview: Build a team of three to four people to help you create and complete a project to benefit your club. Use the information in the project to develop motivational strategies for each team member. After the project, you may choose to ask team members and at least one club officer to complete a 360-degree evaluation to give you feedback on your communication and leadership. Deliver a 5 to 7 minute speech at a club meeting about your experience. Your speech is not a report on the content of this project.

Level 5 Projects for Team Collaboration

Level 5 has two required projects. You must also complete a minimum of one elective. Following are descriptions of the required projects, including the project assignments. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 5, visit the Level 5 Electives section of this web page.

Lead in Any Situation

This project focuses on leadership and recognizing the need to adapt your style based on the situation and the people you lead.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to apply the skills needed to successfully lead in a volunteer or other organization.

Overview: For at least six months, take on a leadership role in Toastmasters at any level, within another volunteer organization, or in your career. While serving in our role, ask your peers to complete a 360-degree evaluation. Present an 8 to 10 minute speech about your experience as a leader. Your speech may be humorous, informational, or any type that appeals to you. The speech is not a report on the content of this project, but a reflection of your experience and/or the impact of the 360-degree evaluation.

Reflect on Your Path

This project is designed to give you an opportunity to share your experience at the end of your path.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to reflect on your growth during the completion of an entire path.

Overview: At a club meeting, present a 10 to 12 minute speech to share your experience completing your path. Use this as an opportunity to reflect on how far you have come, summarize the skills you have learned and developed, and to celebrate your achievements. Your speech can be humorous, informational, or any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Visionary Communication

Visionary Communication helps you build your skills as a strategic communicator and leader. The projects on this path focus on developing your skills for sharing information with a group, planning communications and creating innovative solutions. Speech writing and speech delivery are emphasized in each project. This path culminates in the development and launch of a long-term personal or professional vision.

The following sections include descriptions of the projects and assignments on the Visionary Communication path, organized by level.

Level 1 Projects for Visionary Communication

Level 1 has four required projects and no electives. Following are descriptions of each required project, including the project assignments.

Ice Breaker

This foundational project is designed to introduce you to your club and the skills you need to begin your Toastmasters journey.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to introduce yourself to the club and learn the basic structure of a public speech.

Overview: Write and deliver a speech about any topic to introduce yourself to your club. Your speech may be humorous, informational, or any other style that appeals to you.

Writing a Speech with Purpose

This project addresses topic selection strategies, how to define the purpose of your speech, and methods for producing a well-organized speech.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to learn or review basic methods for writing a speech and to present a well-organized speech on any topic.

Overview: Select a topic that appeals to you. It can be anything. Be sure your topic is narrow enough to be an effective 5- to 7-minute speech. Clearly define your topic and consider your goal for your speech. Before you organize your speech, clearly define your purpose. Practice your speech and continue to refine its organization. Present your speech at a club meeting.

Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language

This project focuses on the fundamentals of delivering a speech—vocal variety and body language.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice using vocal variety or body language to enhance a speech.

Overview: Learn or review the importance of vocal variety and body language. Present a 5- to 7-minute speech on any topic at a club meeting. The primary focus of the evaluation is your vocal variety or your body language and gestures. You will identify the skills you are working on for your evaluator before you deliver your speech and be evaluated on those skills. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Evaluation and Feedback

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice applying feedback and serve as a speech evaluator during a club meeting.

Overview: This project includes two 5- to 7-minute speeches. Choose any topic for your first Evaluation and Feedback speech. After your speech, carefully review your feedback.

At a future club meeting, present your second Evaluation and Feedback speech. You may create a new speech, revise your first Evaluation and Feedback speech, or present your first Evaluation and Feedback speech again if you are focusing on feedback you received on how you delivered your first Evaluation and Feedback speech.

Your second speech should reflect some or all of the feedback you received after your first Evaluation and Feedback speech.

Finally, after you have completed both speeches, serve as an evaluator at a club meeting and deliver constructive feedback about another member’s presentation.

Level 2 Projects for Visionary Communication

Level 2 has three required projects and no electives. Following are descriptions of each required project, including the project assignments.

Understanding Your Leadership Style

This project is designed to introduce the different styles of leadership and help you identify your preferred style.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to identify your primary leadership style or styles.

Overview: Complete the Discover Your Leadership Style questionnaire. Consider how your leadership style impacts the people around you and how you can adjust it to more effectively lead people with styles different from your own. Deliver a 5- to 7-minute speech at a club meeting to share some aspect of your leadership style or leadership styles in general. You may choose to discuss your style preferences when working with others, your style and how you can adapt it to situations or leadership styles in general and how they impact a group.

Understanding Your Communication Style

This project focuses on recognizing your preferred communication style and understanding how your style impacts your interactions with others.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to learn about different communication styles and identify your primary style.

Overview: Complete the Discover Your Communication Style questionnaire to help you identify your style. Deliver a 5 to 7 minute speech at a club meeting about your communication style and its impact on your professional and/or personal relationships. If you are uncomfortable discussing your communication style, you may speak about the communication styles you have encountered and how they impact you. Your speech should not be a report of the content of this project.

Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring

This project introduces the value of mentorship and the Toastmasters view of mentors and proteges.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to clearly define how Toastmasters envisions mentoring.

Overview: Write and present a 5- to 7-minute speech about a time when you were a protege. Share the impact and importance of having a mentor. This speech is not a report on the content of this project. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Level 3 Projects for Visionary Communication

Level 3 has one required project. You must also complete a minimum of two electives. Following is a description of the required project, including the project assignment. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 3, visit the Level 3 Electives section of this web page.

Develop a Communication Plan

This project focuses on how to formulate a central message and develop a communication plan for a target audience.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice developing a communication plan.

Overview: Develop a communication plan for any event or situation. The plan may be for a real or hypothetical need. At a club meeting, present a 5- to 7-minute speech about your experience. You may choose to speak about the planning process, the benefits of developing a plan, or the impact of your plan if you implemented it. Show your vice president education your completed plan to receive credit for this project.

Level 4 Projects for Visionary Communication

Level 4 has one required project. You must also complete a minimum of one elective. Following is a description of the required project, including the project assignment. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 4, visit the Level 4 Electives section of this web page.

Communicate Change

This project focuses on creating a communication plan by gathering evidence to support the need for change and communicating change with your audience.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice the skills needed to effectively communicate change to a group or organization.

Overview: Develop a plan for communicating a change to an audience affected by the change. At a club meeting, communicate the change in a 5 to 7 minute speech. You may speak about a real or hypothetical change that affects your club or another group in your life. This speech is not a report on the content of this project, but a speech about how you would or will communicate a real or hypothetical change.

Level 5 Projects for Visionary Communication

Level 5 has two required projects. You must also complete a minimum of one elective. Following are descriptions of the required projects, including the project assignments. To read the list of electives available to you at Level 5, visit the Level 5 Electives section of this web page.

Develop Your Vision

This project focuses on developing a vision for your work or personal life.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to develop a detailed vision for your personal life, professional life, or an organization.

Overview: Develop a vision and present it at a club meeting in a 5 to 7 minute speech. Establish a timeline for implementing your plan using the resources included in this project. Deliver another 5 to 7 minute speech at a later meeting to present your plan to bring your vision to fruition. Submit your signed Project Completion Form to the vice president education to show you completed all resources included in the project.

Reflect on Your Path

This project is designed to give you an opportunity to share your experience at the end of your path.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to reflect on your growth during the completion of an entire path.

Overview: At a club meeting, present a 10 to 12 minute speech to share your experience completing your path. Use this as an opportunity to reflect on how far you have come, summarize the skills you have learned and developed, and to celebrate your achievements. Your speech can be humorous, informational, or any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Elective Projects

Following are descriptions of all elective projects available in Pathways.

Level 3 Electives

Following are descriptions of the elective projects available to you at Level 3, including the project assignments. To move on to Level 4, you must complete at least two Level 3 electives. Some required projects are available to all members as elective projects, too. If a project is required on your path, it will not be available to you as an elective.

Deliver Social Speeches

This project addresses the skills needed to compose a speech for a social occasion including a toast, eulogy, and acceptance speech, and a speech praising an individual or group.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice delivering social speeches in front of your club members.

Overview: Develop two different social speeches, each 3 to 4 minutes, and present them at two separate club meetings. You may choose any two types of social speeches that appeal to you or that you would like to practice.

Using Presentation Software

This project addresses the use of presentation software, from identifying topics that benefit from the use of technology to effective slide design and presentation.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to introduce or review basic presentation software strategies for creating and using slides to support or enhance a speech.

Overview: Select a speech topic that lends well to a visual presentation using technology. Use the content of this project and your own research to help you develop your slides. Give a 5 to 7 minute speech using the slides you developed. Your speech can be humorous, demonstrative, or informational, and it may include stories or anecdotes.

Connect with Storytelling

This project addresses storytelling techniques and descriptive skills to help make every speech relatable and interesting.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice using a story within a speech or giving a speech that is a story.

Overview: Choose an established story, a story about your life, or a fictional tale of your own creation. Deliver the 5 to 7 minute speech at a club meeting. If your vice president education approves a non-club event, your evaluator should be a Toastmaster who attended the event.

Creating Effective Visual Aids

This project addresses effective methods for choosing the best visual aid for your presentation along with the creation and use of each type.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice selecting and using a variety of visual aids during a speech.

Overview: Choose a speech topic that lends itself well to using visual aids. Create at least one but no more than three visual aids to enhance your presentation. Deliver your 5- to 7-minute presentation at a club meeting.

Using Descriptive Language

This project addresses the difference between literal and figurative language along with how to determine when to use each to create vivid descriptions.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice writing a speech with an emphasis on adding language to increase interest and impact.

Overview: You may speak on any topic. Develop a 5 to 7 minute speech describing the topic in detail and present it at your club meeting. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

Connect with Your Audience

This project focuses on different audience types and how to address them effectively.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice the skills needed to connect with an unfamiliar audience.

Overview: Develop a 5- to 7-minute speech on a topic that is unfamiliar to the majority of your audience. Because you deliver this speech in your Toastmasters club, you are familiar with the audience members' preferences and personalities. Selecting a topic that is new or unfamiliar to your club members will allow you to practice adapting as you present. As you speak, monitor the audience's reaction to your topic and adapting as necessary to maintain engagement.

Make Connections Through Networking

This project focuses on how to network effectively and understanding the importance of being a professional ally to people in your network.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to develop and practice a personal strategy for building connections through networking.

Overview: Prepare for and attend a networking event. After the event, present a 5- to 7-minute speech to your club. Your speech can include a story or stories about your experience, a description of what you learned, or a discussion on the benefits of networking. Your speech may be personal to you or informational about networking. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content. If you attend a non-Toastmasters event, you must give your vice president education a signed Project Completion Form.

Focus on the Positive

This project addresses strategies for improving your personal interactions by understanding the impact of your attitudes and thoughts on daily interactions.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice being aware of your thoughts and feelings, as well as the impact of your responses on others.

Overview: Keep a daily record of your moods and attitudes for a minimum of two weeks, noting when you feel positive or negative, your successes and efforts, and three things for which you are grateful. Record and evaluate any changes in your behavior or the behavior of those around you. At a club meeting, share some aspect of your experience. You may choose to schedule a 2-to 3-minute report or a 5-to 7-minute speech. After completing your speech, submit your signed Project Completion Form to your vice president education to indicate you completed the journal.

Inspire Your Audience

This project addresses how to present a speech in an enthusiastic and inspiring fashion to establish a strong rapport with your audience.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice writing and delivering a speech that inspires others.

Overview: Select a topic with the intent of inspiring your audience and prepare a 5- to 7-minute speech for your club. Your speech can be persuasive, humorous, informational, or crafted in any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content.

If you receive prior approval from the vice president education, you may speak to a non-Toastmasters group. If you speak to a non-Toastmasters group, remember to invite your evaluator.

Prepare for an Interview

This project addresses the skills you need to identify and speak about personal strengths and present yourself well in an interview of any type.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice the skills needed to present yourself well in an interview.

Overview: Determine which type of interview you would like to practice, such as a job or expert interview. Prepare by reviewing your skills and abilities. Complete the resources in the project and give them to your interviewer before your presentation. You determine which member of your club interviews you, but your interviewer must be someone other than your evaluator. In a 5- to 7-minute role-play presentation at a club meeting, practice answering interview questions to promote your skills, abilities, and experience.

Understanding Vocal Variety

This project addresses the importance of vocal variety when giving a speech and provides activities to develop and nurture its use.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice using vocal variety to enhance a speech.

Overview: Learn or review the importance of vocal variety. Use the exercises in this project to improve your vocal variety skills. Then, present a 5- to 7-minute speech on any topic at a club meeting. The primary focus of the evaluation is your vocal variety.

Effective Body Language

This project focuses on how to recognize body language used when speaking publicly and how to use gestures to enhance speech content.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to deliver a speech with awareness of your intentional and unintentional body language, as well as to learn, practice, and refine how you use nonverbal communication when delivering a speech.

Overview: Prepare a 5- to 7-minute speech on a topic that lends itself to expression through your movement and gestures. Video record your presentation and get feedback from your mentor or another reviewer before speaking to your club. If you do not have access to a recording device, perform your speech in front of a mirror and make adjustments before your scheduled speech. Present your speech at a club meeting.

Active Listening

This project covers the difference between hearing and listening, and steps for exploring the ways listening helps build strong, lasting connections.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to demonstrate your ability to listen to what others say.

Overview: At a club meeting, fulfill the role of Topicsmaster. As Topicsmaster, comment on each speaker's Table Topics speech to demonstrate your active listening skills. For example, you might say, "Thank you. That was a compelling opinion on the benefits of gardening. I understand you feel strongly that everyone needs to spend some time doing something they love."

Know Your Sense of Humor

This project focuses on understanding what makes you laugh and how to share that with an audience.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to begin developing a collection of humorous stories and to present a speech that includes humor.

Overview: Give a 5 to 7 minute speech on a topic of your choosing. Your speech should include at least one anecdote or story intended to entertain or bring humor into your presentation.

Researching and Presenting

This project addresses topic selection strategies, suggestions for research and methods for producing a well-organized speech.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to learn or review basic research methods and present a well-organized, well-researched speech on any topic.

Overview: Select a topic that you are not already familiar with or that you wish to learn more about. Be sure your topic is narrow enough to be an effective 5- to 7-minute speech. Research the topic and begin organizing the information, as described in this project. Practice your speech and continue to refine its organization. Present your speech at a club meeting.

Level 4 Electives

Following are descriptions of the elective projects available to you at Level 4, including the project assignments. To move on to Level 5, you must complete at least one Level 4 elective. Some required projects are available to all members as elective projects, too. If a project is required on your path, it will not be available to you as an elective.

Create a Podcast

This project addresses the skills you need to develop a podcast, create interesting content, or organize a cohesive program. You will learn how to record and upload it to the internet.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to introduce you to the skills needed to organize and present a podcast.

Overview: Use this project and your own research to create a podcast. Record a minimum of 60 minutes of content. You are free to divide the episodes as you choose. Each separate episode must be at least 10 minutes, but may be longer if it fits your topic and style. After you record all content, play a 5 to 10 minute segment in your club. Introduce the segment in a 2 to 3 minute speech.

Building a Social Media Presence

This project addresses how best to use different types of online communication. You will create and maintain an online profile to promote yourself or an organization.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to apply your understanding of social media to enhance an established or new social media presence.

Overview: Use this project and your own research to build a new social media presence or enhance an existing presence. You may focus on a personal goal (such as connecting with old friends or promoting a blog) or on a professional goal (such as promoting a business or organization). Use the tools you identify as best for you and your purpose. After you achieve your goal, deliver a 5 to 7 minute speech to your club about your results, experience, and the benefits of social media. Submit the Project Completion Form to your vice president education to receive credit for completing the project.

Managing a Difficult Audience

This project covers common behaviors of difficult audience members and how to address each behavior in a calm, effective, and professional way.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice the skills needed to address audience challenges when you present outside of your Toastmasters club.

Overview: Prepare a 5 to 7 minute speech on a topic of your choosing. You may write a new speech or use a speech you presented previously. You will be evaluated on the way you manage audience disruptions, not the content of your speech. Before your club meeting, send the Role Play Assignments resource to the Toastmaster and vice president education. As you present your speech, respond to different types of difficult audience members that disrupt you. The process of speaking and responding to audience members will take 12 to 15 minutes.

Write a Compelling Blog

This project addresses the basics of developing a compelling blog and successfully engaging a readership.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to review or introduce the skills needed to write and maintain a blog.

Overview: Post a minimum of eight blog posts in one month. Your blog may be new or one you have already established. You must receive approval from the vice president education to blog on behalf of your club. Deliver a 2 to 3 minute speech at a club meeting about the impact of your blogging experience. You may choose to have your blog evaluated by members of the club. Submit your signed Project Completion Form to the vice president education to receive credit for this project.

Manage Online Meetings

This project addresses how to effectively conduct online meetings and webinars, prepare and organize necessary visual aids, and lead with confidence.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice facilitating on online meeting or leading a webinar.

Overview: Conduct a 20 to 25 minute online meeting with fellow Toastmasters or a 20 to 25 minute webinar with visual aids for fellow Toastmasters. You determine the topic of your meeting or webinar. Research and use software that best fits your needs and geographic area. Invite your evaluator to participate in the online meeting or webinar. If you complete your assignment with non-Toastmasters, you must receive approval from the vice president education and invite your evaluator to attend.

Question-and-answer Session

This project addresses how to prepare to answer questions and provides information clearly, concisely, and with confidence.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to learn about and practice facilitating a question-and-answer session.

Overview: Select a topic of which you are particularly knowledgeable. Prepare and deliver a speech on this topic, followed by a question-and-answer session. Together, the speech and question-and-answer session must be 15 to 20 minutes. Use your time effectively to ensure both segments are completed.

Public Relations Strategies

This project focuses on how to promote awareness of an organization, formulate a public relations strategy, and use various public relations tactics.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice the skills needed to effectively use public relations strategies for any group or situation.

Overview: Create a public relations plan for a real or hypothetical group or situation. If it involves your club, it must be hypothetical unless you communicate with the vice president public relations and club president. Share your plan in a 5 to 7 minute speech at a club meeting. This speech is not a report on the content of this project, but an example of how you will or might apply what you learned.

Manage Projects Successfully

This project focuses on skills needed to effectively manage a project, develop rapport with stakeholders, and cultivate strong relationships with a team.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice developing a plan, building a team, and fulfilling the plan with the help of your team.

Overview: Form a team of three to four people and choose a project. Create a plan for your project and present the plan to your club. You may choose to schedule a 2 to 3 minute report or a 5 to 7 minute speech. Complete your project with your team. Finally, present a 5 to 7 minute speech about the experience. This speech may be humorous, informational, or any type of speech that appeals to you. It should not be a report about the content of this project, but a reflection of your experience applying what you learned.

Level 5 Electives

Following are descriptions of the elective projects available to you at Level 5, including the project assignments. To complete your path, you must complete at least one Level 5 elective. Some required projects are available to all members as elective projects, too. If a project is required on your path, it will not be available to you as an elective.

Lessons Learned

This project addresses how to identify the discussion points of a large group meeting, encourage a culture of contribution and voicing opinions, and facilitate productive discussion that yields results.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to learn about and apply the skills needed to run a lessons learned meeting during a project or after its completion.

Overview: Facilitate a lessons learned meeting for a team with which you are completing or have completed a project. This meeting is separate from your regular Toastmasters meeting. Organize and facilitate a discussion. Record the results into a document you and your team members can use to facilitate the current project or future projects. If you haven't already, give team members an opportunity to complete a 360-degree evaluation of you as a team leader. Finally, present a 5 to 7 minute speech in your club about the lessons learned meeting or your leadership experience.

Moderate a Panel Discussion

This project addresses the skills needed to successfully moderate a panel discussion and how to be an effective participant on a panel.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to apply your skills as a public speaker and leader to facilitate a panel discussion.

Overview: Plan and moderate a 20 to 40 minute panel discussion. The panel discussion can be on any topic and may take place at a club meeting or outside of Toastmasters with the approval of your vice president education. Toastmasters who participate as panelists do not receive credit in Toastmasters Pathways. When you have the opportunity, volunteer to act as a panelist for another member completing this project.

Ethical Leadership

This project addresses the importance of recognizing the effect of decisions that impact ethics, best practices for making ethical decisions, and developing an ethical framework.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to develop a clear understanding of your own ethical framework and create an opportunity for others to hear about and discuss ethics in your organization or community.

Overview: Define a framework of your personal ethics. This may require you to complete research beyond the contents of this project. Organize and moderate a 20 to 40 minute panel discussion about ethics, followed by a question-and-answer session. If you have never facilitated a panel discussion, review the "Moderate a Panel Discussion" elective project at Level 5.

You may also complete this assignment at an event outside of Toastmasters with approval from your club vice president education and at least one Toastmaster member in attendance.

High Performance Leadership

The focus of this project is to design and complete a project with well-defined goals, lead a team, and be accountable to a guidance committee.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to apply your leadership and planning knowledge to develop a project plan, organize a guidance committee, and implement your plan with the help of a team.

Overview: Select a project to complete with a team of at least three other members. Form a guidance committee and meet at least five times through the duration of the project. Deliver a 5 to 7 minute speech at a club meeting to introduce your plan and vision. After you implement the plan, deliver a second 5 to 7 minute speech at a club meeting to share your experience developing and completing your plan.

Leading in Your Volunteer Organization

This project focuses on the skills required to lead in a volunteer organization and the importance of recognition and reward in motivating volunteers.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to apply the skills needed to successfully lead in a volunteer organization.

Overview: Serve in a leadership role in Toastmasters or another volunteer organization for at least six months. You may complete this project based on your employment, but a volunteer organization is preferable. Ask members of the organization to complete a 360-degree evaluation of your leadership skills. Create a succession plan to aid in the transition after you leave your position of leadership. After your six-month term, deliver a 5 to 7 minute speech at a club meeting to reflect on your personal experience.

If you plan to fulfill a leadership role in a non-Toastmasters organization, you must receive advance permission from your vice president education.

Prepare to Speak Professionally

This project is designed to help you define the attributes of professional speakers and apply that understanding to your own skills as a speaker.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice developing and presenting a longer speech.

Overview: Write and present an 18 to 22 minute keynote-style speech. Exemplify the point of view or message you would convey as a professional-level speaker. You may choose to use visual aids if they fit your speech and your style. Your speech may be humorous, informational, or any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content. If you receive advance approval from the vice president education, you may present your speech to a non-Toastmasters group.

Pathways Mentor Program

The following sections include descriptions of the projects and assignments on the Pathways Mentor Program. You may begin in the mentor program after you complete Level 2.

Prepare to Mentor

This project focuses on helping you clarify your personal goals and interests as they relate to mentoring others.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to spend time learning about your goals, your interest in being a mentor, and your readiness to begin working with a protege.

Overview: Complete the self-evaluation resources included in this project. When you are ready, have a discussion with your vice president education about being a Toastmasters mentor. Submit the Project Completion Form to your vice president education to verify that you completed all forms included in this project.

Mentoring

This project focuses on facilitating a short-term mentoring assignment to help you build your skills as a mentor.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to apply your mentoring skills to a short-term mentoring assignment.

Overview: Work with a protege to complete a project. Your vice president education will help match you with a fellow Toastmaster who is interested in working with a mentor for a single project. Assist the protege in setting goals and developing a plan for completing his or her project. Use the forms included in this project to set goals, plan, and give and receive feedback. After your mentorship, deliver a 5- to 7-minute speech at a club meeting about your first experience as a Toastmasters mentor and what you learned from it.

Advanced Mentoring

This project is designed to support you as you accomplish a six-month term as a mentor.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to apply mentoring skills during a long-term mentoring commitment.

Overview: Fulfill the role of mentor for a fellow Toastmaster or other person for a period of six months. Communicate regularly with your protege, record meeting dates and times, and give and receive feedback both verbally and in writing. At the end of your commitment, present a 5 to 7 minute speech to your club about what you gained as a mentor. This speech is about you and your experience.

Distinguished Toastmaster Project

This project is designed to give you an opportunity to develop and fulfill a multifaceted project on your way to achieving your Distinguished Toastmaster award.

Purpose: The purpose of this project is to demonstrate your skills as a leader and a public speaker.

Overview: Plan and complete a project that benefits an organization. You may choose to revisit any previous Toastmasters Pathways project that contains information to help you complete your project. Develop a team and design a plan. Deliver a 5 to 7 minute speech at a club meeting to share your plan. Organize the project and lead your team to complete it. Ask members of your team, the organization, and a peer to complete a 360-degree evaluation of your leadership skills. Deliver an 8 to 10 minute speech at a club meeting to review your project, its outcomes, benefits, and the lessons you learned.