Education Programs FAQ

Base Camp Transition and Pathways Updates

1. Why did Toastmasters change the provider for the learning management system (Base Camp)?

Following the rollout of the Pathways learning experience, members voiced significant challenges with using the online system where content was housed, also known as Base Camp, and challenges with navigating the paths and projects themselves.

For the first several years following the Pathways rollout, we worked with the learning management system (LMS) provider to make enhancements wherever possible. However, it was ultimately determined that the best way to address the greatest challenges faced by members was to engage a new LMS provider.

The new and improved Base Camp launched in October 2024 with enhancements designed to provide:

An easier time navigating the system, launching paths, and working through projects.
Automatic submissions of level and path completions for recognition in Club Central.
The ability to access Pathways on a mobile device.
A system and content that are accessible to members who use assistive technology, such as screen readers.
The ability to share educational accomplishments directly to social media.

2. How do I log into the new Base Camp?

Your login for Base Camp remains the same. Log into the Toastmasters website using your email address and password. Once you log in, click the “Go to Base Camp” card from My Home or the Learning Hub. This will send you directly to the new platform.

3. When the new Base Camp launched, Toastmasters International updated the Pathways product offering. Why did this change take place?

The Pathways product offering was revised to include six paths, rather than 11. The list of paths below reflects content that is available for purchase. Members who were working in other paths prior to the transition still have access to their content and will continue to be supported in completing these paths.

Dynamic Leadership
Engaging Humor
Motivational Strategies
Presentation Mastery
Persuasive Influence
Visionary Communication

The decision to launch the new platform with the paths listed here was based on several factors, including feedback from members. Since Pathways rolled out, many members have shared that they find the number of path options to be overwhelming when beginning their Toastmasters journey.

Additionally, there is a new offering in development, called explorations, to provide members—many of whom have requested new content—with options outside of the 11 paths that have been available to them for years. These offerings will be short learnings comprised of approximately three projects each.

Adjusting the number of paths offered also lays a foundation for more comprehensive content changes that are coming to the education program in the future. Based on feedback and input from current and prospective members, the Toastmasters Education Team is reviewing and considering new content delivery options including, but not limited to, the inclusion of explorations in our education program. This strategic adjustment to the education program presents more opportunities to look at creative and unique content delivery options for the future.

When deciding which paths would be available for purchase with the launch of the new platform, Toastmasters International reviewed data including path enrollment, path completion rates, and level completion rates. We also considered the unique projects available in each path, and the specialized reasons members might pursue a given path. Ultimately, the final list of paths was selected with input from the Board of Directors to ensure a path offering that is strong, provides a diverse range of topics, and will encourage member engagement with the education program.

4. What are the long-term goals for the Toastmasters education program? What new content will be added?

At the direction of the Board of Directors, World Headquarters is currently exploring the future of the Toastmasters education program. The revisions coming with the launch of the new platform are designed to set a foundation for more regular content additions and updates.

The goal of Toastmasters education will always be to support the club experience and help members improve public speaking and leadership skills. The team discussing the future of Toastmasters education is considering feedback related to Pathways, current educational trends, and Toastmasters' core competencies of Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, Strategic Leadership, Management, and Confidence.

Following the launch of the new learning management system, release schedules detailing planned updates and additions to the education program will be available on a regular basis. While specifics related to long-term future delivery and content offerings are still in development, two new explorations, including completely new projects, will be available for members sooner.

5. I am working in a path that is no longer available for purchase. What do I need to know about completing this path?

Members who purchased Effective Coaching, Innovative Planning, Leadership Development, Strategic Relationships, or Team Collaboration prior to the rollout of the new system can still complete and receive credit for work in these paths.

Members working on this content will see a path card when they log into Base Camp that allows them to access their path and projects. They will notice that the project content and navigation are identical to that in the prior system. Members working in these paths should note that, because the projects were not updated, they are not mobile friendly like the rest of the system. Members will also want to take care to view these projects in full screen.

Projects in these paths can still be completed using the Assess Your Skills—After activity. Level and path completions have been upgraded, which means that members will use the tools included in their path to send a request to the Base Camp manager. When the Base Camp manager approves the request, it will reflect in the member’s path on Base Camp and be automatically submitted in Club Central.

6. Toastmasters updated the languages available for purchase as fully interactive paths on Base Camp. Why did this change take place?

While preparing to transition all Pathways content to a new platform, World Headquarters reviewed engagement with all available translated languages and provided data to the Board of Directors related to the cost to translate each language, the cost to update each language for the transition to the new platform, and the number of members engaged with paths in each language.

After considering these factors, the Board of Directors determined that it would be best to invest in ease of navigation and access to the platform where Pathways content is housed. However, it is a priority to continue supporting members in all 10 languages that Pathways was originally translated into—as well as those added recently through the District Translation Program—using the many resources available to us as an organization.

Languages with the highest level of engagement are available for sale as fully interactive, updated paths on Base Camp. This includes Arabic, English, French, German, Spanish, and Simplified Chinese.

Languages with lower engagement, including Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Tamil, and Traditional Chinese, transitioned into support through the District Translation Program. This means that, for content updates, Districts can establish District Translation teams, with support and approval from World Headquarters. As engagement increases in these languages, the Board of Directors may consider transitioning them away from the District Translation Program. If you would like to work with your District and World Headquarters to translate Pathways or other Toastmasters items into a language that is currently unavailable, please contact districttranslations@toastmasters.org for more information.

7. I am currently working in or prefer to work in my paths in Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Tamil, or Traditional Chinese. Will I still be able to work in these languages?

Members who purchased a path in one of these languages prior to the rollout of the new learning management system (LMS) can still complete and receive credit for work in these paths. Progress made in these paths prior to the launch of the new system was transferred into an English version of the same path. Members will use the English version of this path to track project completions, request path and level completion approvals, and ensure credit is awarded in Club Central.

However, members do not need to use the English content in the digital path they were assigned. Full-project PDFs of original Pathways projects launched in 2017 are available on Base Camp in the Resources section in Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Tamil, and Traditional Chinese. These PDFs can be accessed by selecting the Translated Project PDF category, and the subcategory for the desired language. This is the process used for all languages available as part of the District Translation Program.

Additionally, members who have not purchased paths in Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Tamil, and Traditional Chinese but would like to work in one of these languages can still do so following the process used for the District Translation Program. To do so, members would purchase a digital path in Arabic, English, French, German, Spanish, or Simplified Chinese and use the translated materials from the Resources page to support them in working through their path in the language of their choice.

The District Translation Program allows members to work with their District to translate Toastmasters copyrighted materials, including Pathways, into their requested language on a volunteer basis. If you would like to work with your District and World Headquarters to translate Pathways or other Toastmasters items into a language that is currently unavailable, please contact districttranslations@toastmasters.org for more information.

8. What are the new explorations? Why were these topics selected?

The first two explorations that will be available to members are each comprised of three projects. These explorations will include new projects and focus on the topics of inclusive leadership and presenting yourself online.

These topics were approved by the Board of Directors based on feedback from members, as well as professional trends.

As leaders in a global organization, it is critical that we understand how to be inclusive of all people. Projects in the exploration focused on inclusive leadership will help members recognize and address unconscious bias, build cultural intelligence, and learn how to nurture supportive relationships.

Since 2020 and the start of the pandemic, members and prospective members have been requesting content that will help them present themselves well in the digital age. The projects in the exploration focused on presenting yourself online will help members learn how to look and sound their best online, manage meetings in the digital space, and conduct hybrid meetings.

9. What credentials and Distinguished Club Program (DCP) credit will I get for completing projects in the explorations?

A plan for individual credentials and DCP credit for work in explorations is still in development. A system will be put in place to ensure that members and clubs are recognized for work completed in these explorations. More information will be made available before the exploration launch.

Level 1 Update

10. An updated Level 1 with new projects was released on October 27, 2021. I purchased my path before this date. What Level 1 projects do I have access to on Base Camp?

If you are working in any of the paths and languages listed below, you automatically received the updated Level 1 when the new Base Camp launched, regardless of when your path was purchased. This means that your Level 1 includes the following projects: the Ice Breaker, Writing a Speech with Purpose, Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language, and Evaluation and Feedback. Researching and Presenting is now an elective in Level 3.

Dynamic Leadership (English, Arabic, French, German, Simplified Chinese, or Spanish)
Effective Coaching (English)
Engaging Humor (English, Arabic, French, German, Simplified Chinese, or Spanish)
Innovative Planning (English)
Leadership Development (English)
Motivational Strategies (English, Arabic, French, German, Simplified Chinese, or Spanish)
Persuasive Influence (English, Arabic, French, German, Simplified Chinese, or Spanish)
Presentation Mastery (English, Arabic, French, German, Simplified Chinese, or Spanish)
Strategic Relationships (English)
Team Collaboration (English)
Visionary Communication (English, Arabic, French, German, Simplified Chinese, or Spanish)

If you are working in any of the paths and languages listed below, you will have the original Level 1, without the updated projects, just as you had prior to the Base Camp transition. This means that your Level 1 includes the Ice Breaker, Evaluation and Feedback, and Researching and Presenting.

Effective Coaching (Arabic, French, German, Simplified Chinese, or Spanish)
Innovative Planning (Arabic, French, German, Simplified Chinese, or Spanish)
Leadership Development (Arabic, French, German, Simplified Chinese, or Spanish)
Strategic Relationships (Arabic, French, German, Simplified Chinese, or Spanish)
Team Collaboration (Arabic, French, German, Simplified Chinese, or Spanish)

11. I was transitioned from the original Level 1 projects to the updated Level 1 projects. What do I need to know?

If you completed Level 1 before the transition to the new Base Camp and had a club officer submit the level completion in Club Central before the transition, all four Level 1 projects were marked complete when in your path on Base Camp. If you would like to view the content in the new Level 1 projects, you can still do so!

If you did not complete Level 1 before the transition or your level completion was not submitted in Club Central, only the projects you submitted in the old Base Camp will show as complete. The original Level 1 included the Researching and Presenting project, while the upgraded Level 1 does not. If you completed this project but your Level 1 is not complete, you can manually transition credit for this project in one of two ways:

Mark the Writing a Speech with Purpose project complete in the upgraded Level 1. This will allow you to transfer your Level 1 completion in the original Level 1 to a Level 1 project.
Mark the Researching and Presenting project complete in the Level 3 elective section of your path. While this project is no longer included at Level 1, it is an elective project in your path. This will allow you to transfer your credit to the same project and complete the new Level 1 projects that were not in the original version of your path.

Whichever of the two options you select above, you can simply mark the project complete, but make sure your Base Camp manager knows what you decided to do so they can keep this in mind when approving your level completions.

12. I am a club officer. What do I need to do to support members who received the upgraded Level 1 in the new Base Camp?

Members who didn’t complete the original Level 1 may still have completed the Researching and Presenting project in their path. If that’s the case, they’ll be transferring the credit for this project, as outlined in the above question/response. Make sure they let you know when they do this, so you won’t have any questions when approving their level completion. If a member submits a level completion and you don’t remember them completing the speech for either the Researching or Presenting Level 3 elective or the Level 1 Writing a Speech with Purpose project, ask if they are transitioning credit from an original Level 1 completion.

Base Camp

13. How will I know when Base Camp has planned outages or when updates will take place?

The Pathways Updates page provides a list of planned technical updates and user experience enhancements, along with a list of previously released changes.

14. Which browsers are best for accessing Base Camp?

For best performance, we recommend accessing Base Camp on the following browsers:

Chrome (version 100 or later)
Firefox

Base Camp also supports the most recent versions of:

Microsoft Edge
Safari (version 15 or later)
Chrome for Android
Safari for iOS

15. I updated my information on Toastmasters.org. When will this update be reflected on Base Camp?

Updates made on the Toastmasters website take up to 24 hours before they are reflected on Base Camp. This includes updates to your profile, contact information, email consents, membership status, and leadership roles.

16. How do I use the new speech log feature in my projects on Base Camp? Is this required?

Each project in your path includes a speech log, which invites you to input details for your speech, including the title, date, and evaluator. Speech logs are found on the Complete Your Project page of each project in the fully updated digital paths.

The speech logs are not required. You can give speeches, receive evaluations, and complete projects without completing speech logs.

However, speech logs provide you with a few benefits, including:

The option to email your evaluator a fully digitized version of your evaluation resource, along with notes on anything you would like them to consider when completing your evaluation
A record of your completed speeches along with dates and other details on your Achievements page

17. Who are Base Camp managers, and what is their role?

Base Camp managers are club officers who confirm project and level completions and support members on Base Camp. Most often your Vice President Education (VPE) will be the primary Base Camp manager for your club. Any club officer can fill these responsibilities if the VPE is not available.

The central duties of the Base Camp manager include:

Verifying level completions
Verifying path completions
Tracking member progress

18. Who has Base Camp manager access?

All club officers can access the Base Camp manager dashboard, with no separate login required. If you are a club officer, when you log into Base Camp, you will see the option to access the Base Camp manager dashboard in the upper right corner. Here, you’ll be able to view pending completion requests, as well as reports on the progress of members in your club.

19. Which Base Camp managers are responsible for approving requests?

All club officers will receive on-screen notifications when an action (such as an approval) needs to be taken. However, it is typically the responsibility of the Vice President Education (VPE) to approve completion requests. The President and Secretary are typically the ones supporting these tasks if the VPE is unable to fulfill them. With this in mind, emails about pending requests will be sent to the VPE President, and Secretary.

If you are not the VPE, speak with other officers in your club before approving requests and make sure you know who is taking on these responsibilities and when you may be needed to offer support. Additionally, keep in mind that you will not be able to approve your own requests and should ensure another officer from your club does this for you.

20. I am a Base Camp manager. When viewing the Recent Activity report for my club, I am not finding all activity that I would expect reflected here. Why is this happening?

The Recent Activity report does not include any activity that took place prior to the Base Camp transition. All path enrollments, paths recently started, level completions, and path completions that take place after October 23, 2024, will be reflected here.

Working in Pathways

21. How will I know which path is right for me?

When you select your path, you will have the option to take an online assessment of your skills, interests, and goals. Once you've finished, the assessment will recommend the three paths that best match your responses.

If you don't want to work in a recommended path or prefer not to take the assessment, you can review a description of each path and select the one you prefer.

22. How many projects are in a path?

Every path has required and elective projects. Path recognition is achieved when a member completes 15 projects across all five levels—a combination of 11 required projects and four elective projects chosen from a comprehensive list covering various subjects. Most projects include at least one speech that will receive an evaluation. Though members are required to complete four elective projects, they have the option to complete as many as they would like.

23. Where can I find the evaluation resources for Pathways projects?

Fully digitized versions of Pathways evaluation resources are available on the Evaluation Feedback section of the Feedback page on Base Camp. You can send a digital evaluation form directly to your assigned evaluator from this page or complete a form for your assigned speaker. Evaluations completed using these fully digitized forms are saved directly on Base Camp for speakers to reference later.

If you are working in an updated path on Base Camp (Dynamic Leadership, Engaging Humor, Motivational Strategies, Persuasive Influence, Presentation Mastery, or Visionary Communication), you can also send the digitized evaluation to your assigned evaluator by completing the speech log included in your project. In addition to emailing your evaluator, this will also save your speech details to the Speech Log section of your Achievements page.

If you prefer a fillable, printable PDF version of your evaluation resources, these are available on the Resources page on Base Camp, as well as the Toastmasters Resource Library.

24. Can I complete projects and levels in any order I choose?

Projects in Pathways build in complexity across levels. The levels in each path are designed to be completed sequentially. For example, you may learn about organizing a small event in Level 4 of your path. At Level 5, you may then work on developing and implementing a larger event. The sequential order, the time to complete projects, and the opportunity to apply what you learn throughout your path, are by design.

Should you decide that it is appropriate for you as a learner, you may complete projects in the order of your choice. Please note that level completions must be submitted in order. This means that, even if you complete all projects in a higher level, you will not be able to submit the completion and get credit until you have completed all prior levels.

25. I completed Level 2 in my path, but I skipped Level 1. How can I submit for my Level 2 award recognition?

While you can complete projects in the order of your choice (see the previous question), level completions must be submitted in chronological order for recognition purposes.

You can complete all projects in Level 2 but cannot submit the Level 2 completion request until you have completed Level 1. Similarly, to receive recognition for Level 3, you must have completed Levels 1 and 2, and so on through your path.

26. How do I complete my path and receive a certificate of proficiency or a proficient badge?

To complete the last project in your path, you must first complete Levels 1 through 5 and have each approved by your Base Camp manager.

Once these levels are marked complete, you are ready for the final project, "Reflect on Your Path." After finishing this project, you will submit a Path Completion Approval request to your Base Camp manager. As soon as they have approved your request, your path will be complete—and your completion will be reflected in Club Central and on the Achievement Board of My Home!

Upon completion of a full path, you will receive a digital badge on Base Camp, along with a certificate of proficiency that can be downloaded or printed. Physical badges are also available for purchase in the Toastmasters Online Store.

27. If I don't meet all the objectives of my project, can I still get credit for it?

Yes. Toastmasters is not a pass/fail program. However, keep in mind that you get out of the program what you put into it. Focusing on meeting objectives, including time goals, will help you get the most from your Toastmasters learning.

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28. Do I need to have both a written and verbal evaluation to receive project credit?

For most projects, yes. However, please read through each project carefully to ensure that you are fulfilling the requirements appropriately.

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29. A member in my club is currently working in a printed path. How do they get credit for completing paths and levels?

Pathways content was available for purchase in a printed format until July 1, 2023. Members who purchased a path in this format can continue working and receiving credit in their path. If you are a club officer and a member in your club is currently using printed materials, level and path completions must be processed by World HeadquartersComplete the Level Completion Verification form and submit to educationprogram@toastmasters.org.

30. Does Pathways offer accessible educational materials for individuals who are visually impaired?

All digital English paths currently available for sale are WCAG 2.1 compliant and have been tested with most major screen readers. The system itself is also accessible and screen reader friendly. Members who us assistive technology simply need to purchase a digital path in English. To do so, please call the Club Quality and Member Support Team at 720-439-5050.

For more information, including details on support for members working in paths that were not updated in the new Base Camp, please visit the Accessible Pathways page.

Recognition and Awards

31. What types of recognition can I receive?

You will earn a digital badge and certificate each time you complete a level in a Pathways path. Badges and certificates can be shared directly to social media.

When you complete a path, you receive the accolade of Proficient, signifying your demonstrated expertise. You can also complete the Pathways Mentor Program and earn the title Pathways Mentor.

Those looking for more to achieve can explore the Distinguished Toastmaster award (DTM) and the Distinguished Club Program (DCP). Visit the Achievement + Awards page for more information.

32. How can I earn the Distinguished Toastmaster award (DTM)? What are the requirements?

The DTM is the highest level of educational achievement in Toastmasters. The requirements for this prestigious award can be found on the Distinguished Toastmaster page and the Distinguished Toastmaster Award Application.

33. How can I access the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) project?

Members can receive access to the DTM project on Base Camp once they have completed one path and Levels 1, 2, and 3 in a second, unique path. To receive this project, email educationprogram@toastmasters.org.

34. How do education credentials work?

A member's name will display in the club roster and other Toastmasters International resources, followed by an acronym representing their current educational achievement(s). Depending on which program the member has completed work in, this may show different information:

Traditional education program award credentials are written as follows:

Communication award credential followed by Leadership award credential

Pathways award credentials are written as follows:

Only the most recently achieved award will show
Any Pathways award credential overwrites a traditional education program award credential (both Communication and Leadership)
DTM overwrites all education award credentials, whether traditional program or Pathways

Here is an example:

Pat Smith completes Level 1 in Motivational Strategies, their name will now reflect as Pat Smith, MS1
When Pat completes the Motivational Strategies path, their name will reflect as Pat Smith, MS5
Pat Smith MS5 begins a new path, Team Collaboration, and completes Level 1, their name will reflect as Pat Smith, TC1
After completing all requirements, Pat Smith then submits for their DTM, their name will reflect as Pat Smith, DTM
Regardless of any further education awards completed by Pat after their DTM, their name will continue to reflect as Pat Smith, DTM

35. How do I apply for an education award online?

All you need to do is submit your level or path completion request on Base Camp. If you belong to more than one club, take care to select the club to which you would like to give credit when submitting your request. When your Base Camp manager approves a level or path completion, the award is automatically submitted to Club Central. Please note that club officers may not approve their own completions on Base Camp; if you are a club officer, have a different officer in your club approve your completion requests.

36. Are my achievements in the previous education programs still recognized?

Yes. All educational achievements will remain part of your record with Toastmasters International. Competent Communication (CC), Competent Leadership (CL), and other awards earned in previous education programs will always be recognized by the organization.

37. Do I have to complete a full year in a District leadership role to get District leadership credit to apply for an education award?

You must complete your District leadership role for it to count toward a District leadership requirement for an education award. Terms begin July 1 and June 30 of the next year. Vacancies filled after September 1 will not count toward District leadership recognition. If you live in a locality with no District, an exception may be granted, but this must be submitted to World Headquarters for review before being processed. If you have any questions related to applying leadership credit toward an education award, contact educationprogram@toastmasters.org.

38. Can I repeat the same path for award credit?

Yes. If you have completed a path, you can purchase a second instance of that same path and earn level completion awards as you give speeches and progress along your path. The first instance of your path will be retained in your Completed section on Base Camp in case you would like to reference any of the information saved the first time you went through the path.

Please note, though, that if you wish to submit for recognition in the Distinguished Club Program, only one award type is accepted each program year, per member, per club. Additionally, please note that if you wish to complete a DTM award, you must complete two unique paths.

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39. Can I give and receive credit for two speeches done in one club meeting?

No, you may present and receive credit for only one speech per meeting.

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Pathways Costs

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40. What are the costs associated with Pathways?

Your new member fee covers the cost of your first path, and the cost for each additional path is 20 USD.

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42. I am a member of multiple clubs. Will I receive a new path for every club I join?

Membership dues cover your ongoing membership, as well as services provided to you, your club, and your District, but not additional educational materials. Each new member receives one free path, which belongs to the member, not the club. Additional paths must be purchased individually in Pathways.

43. Can I use a Toastmasters gift certificate to purchase a path?

No. Toastmasters International gift certificates are only for Toastmasters-branded merchandise. Pathways educational materials are not available for purchase using a gift certificate.

44. What is the return policy for educational materials?

The return policy can be found in the Conditions of Use page.

Please note that educational materials belong to the person for whom they were ordered; they are not transferable between members.

Speeches and Evaluations

45. Can I give speeches outside of my club for credit?

Yes. You can give speeches outside of the club environment for credit toward an educational award, as long as you receive prior approval from your Vice President Education (VPE) or another club officer.

When projects or speeches are completed outside of Toastmasters, the member and VPE should read the project assignment carefully to determine if an evaluation is required. If an evaluation is not explicitly required in the project, it is still recommended that the member have an evaluator present. However, if it is not possible to bring an evaluator into the setting outside of the club, the VPE may choose to approve the speech without an evaluation.

Speeches given at Toastmasters club meetings are considered to be in the club environment. Speeches given at any Toastmasters event that is not a club meeting are considered outside the club environment. This includes giving a speech as a test speaker in an evaluation contest or competing in a speech contest, if using the speech toward a Pathways project.

46. What are the limitations on speech topics?

Other than adhering to the requirements of your project, there are no limits on speech topics. However, please consider the following:

Members often hear from each other that speeches concerning politics, religion, and sex are forbidden by Toastmasters International because "such controversial subjects are not appropriate."

This is not true. Toastmasters International does not prohibit any speech topic, content, or language.

Toastmasters International recognizes that club members may learn much about the world around them from listening to others' speeches on a variety of subjects. This variety can add interest to club meetings and stimulate thoughts and ideas.

Toastmasters International also recognizes that clubs are comprised of diverse people and recommends that members be mindful of this diversity, using good taste and sensitivity when selecting speech topics, content, and language. Members should always consider the Toastmasters core values of integrity, respect, service, and excellence in all interactions with their club, including prepared and impromptu speeches.

While Toastmasters International has no organizational restrictions about speech topics, each club does have the right to limit speech subjects, content, and/or language, with the consensus of its members. Club officers should guide their members on observing good taste and sensitivity in the context of that particular club.

Club websites are useful vehicles that clubs can use to advise members and guests of any policies that have been decided. Presenting information on a club website helps maintain consistency as leadership changes. Additionally, it allows transparency and clarity for club members to review the established practices of their club periodically.

47. Do the evaluator and speaker both need to be present when the speech being evaluated is presented?

In-person/live speeches and evaluations are at the heart of the Toastmasters club experience. This remains true whether the club meeting is taking place onsite or online. The speaker receives a targeted evaluation shortly after giving their speech, along with feedback from all audience members. While audience reactions and nonverbal feedback are some of the reasons that speakers and evaluators must be present for speeches, there are additional reasons why this is critical to the club experience.

In-person/live speeches and evaluations provide a learning opportunity for the speaker, the evaluator, and other club members. Recording a speech and sharing it with the evaluator later would remove important opportunities for the entire club to develop. The evaluator learns from quickly listening to a live speech that cannot be paused, analyzing that speech, and putting together constructive feedback in a short amount of time. Additionally, the rest of the club learns from hearing the live evaluation and the feedback the evaluator developed in their limited amount of time. All evaluations should be presented verbally and in writing and are best presented in the moment of the learning opportunity.