The Toastmasters Pathways learning experience was developed around the five core competencies identified by the Board of Directors.
FIVE CORE COMPETENCIES
It is important to note that each member using Base Camp will have the opportunity to select from many electives to extend their learning. With the addition of electives, members have the flexibility to cover all core competencies within each path.
Confidence is unique because it cannot be taught, but is gained in every path.
11 PATHS
The primary core competencies represented in each path are listed in order of emphasis next to the path name.
DYNAMIC LEADERSHIP
This path 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.
*Not available in non-English printed materials.
Five Levels
Mastering Fundamentals
- Ice Breaker
- Evaluation and Feedback
- Researching and Presenting
Learning Your Style
- Understanding Your Leadership Style
- Understanding Your Communication Style
- Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring
Increasing Knowledge
- Negotiate the Best Outcome
Level 3 Elective Projects (choose 2)
- Deliver Social Speeches
- Using Presentation Software
- Connect with Storytelling
- Creating Effective Visual Aids
- Using Descriptive Language
- Connect with Your Audience
- Make Connections Through Networking
- Focus on the Positive
- Inspire Your Audience
- Prepare for an Interview
- Understanding Vocal Variety
- Effective Body Language
- Active Listening
- Know Your Sense of Humor
Building Skills
- Manage Change
Level 4 Elective Projects (choose 1)
- Create a Podcast
- Building a Social Media Presence
- Managing a Difficult Audience
- Write a Compelling Blog
- Manage Online Meetings
- Question-and-Answer Session
- Public Relations Strategies
- Manage Projects Successfully
Demonstrating Expertise
- Lead in Any Situation
Path Completion
- Reflect on Your Path
Level 5 Elective Projects (choose 1)
- Lessons Learned
- Moderate a Panel Discussion
- Ethical Leadership
- High Performance Leadership
- Leading in Your Volunteer Organization
- Prepare to Speak Professionally
EFFECTIVE COACHING
This path 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.
*Not available in printed materials.
Five Levels
Mastering Fundamentals
- Ice Breaker
- Evaluation and Feedback
- Researching and Presenting
Learning Your Style
- Understanding Your Leadership Style
- Understanding Your Communication Style
- Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring
Increasing Knowledge
- Reaching Consensus
Level 3 Elective Projects (choose 2)
- Deliver Social Speeches
- Using Presentation Software
- Connect with Storytelling
- Creating Effective Visual Aids
- Using Descriptive Language
- Connect with Your Audience
- Make Connections Through Networking
- Focus on the Positive
- Inspire Your Audience
- Prepare for an Interview
- Understanding Vocal Variety
- Effective Body Language
- Active Listening
- Know Your Sense of Humor
Building Skills
- Improvement Through Positive Coaching
Level 4 Elective Projects (choose 1)
- Create a Podcast
- Building a Social Media Presence
- Managing a Difficult Audience
- Write a Compelling Blog
- Manage Online Meetings
- Question-and-Answer Session
- Public Relations Strategies
- Manage Projects Successfully
Demonstrating Expertise
- High Performance Leadership
Path Completion
- Reflect on Your Path
Level 5 Elective Projects (choose 1)
- Lessons Learned
- Moderate a Panel Discussion
- Ethical Leadership
- Ethical Leadership
- Leading in Your Volunteer Organization
- Prepare to Speak Professionally
ENGAGING HUMOR
This path helps you build your skills as an accomplished public speaker. The projects on this path focus on learning how an audience responds to different types of humor and improving your ability to deliver a message with humor. The projects contribute to developing an understanding of effective public speaking technique, speech writing, speech delivery, and using humorous stories. This path culminates in an extended speech that will allow you to apply what you learned.
Five Levels
Mastering Fundamentals
- Ice Breaker
- Evaluation and Feedback
- Researching and Presenting
Learning Your Style
- Know Your Sense of Humor
- Connect With Your Audience
- Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring
Increasing Knowledge
- Engage Your Audience with Humor
Level 3 Elective Projects (choose 2)
- Deliver Social Speeches
- Using Presentation Software
- Connect with Storytelling
- Creating Effective Visual Aids
- Using Descriptive Language
- Connect with Your Audience
- Make Connections Through Networking
- Focus on the Positive
- Inspire Your Audience
- Prepare for an Interview
- Understanding Vocal Variety
- Effective Body Language
- Active Listening
Building Skills
- The Power of Humor in an Impromptu Speech
Level 4 Elective Projects (choose 1)
- Create a Podcast
- Building a Social Media Presence
- Write a Compelling Blog
- Manage Online Meetings
- Question-and-Answer Session
- Public Relations Strategies
- Manage Projects Successfully
- Managing a Difficult Audience
Demonstrating Expertise
- Deliver Your Message with Humor
Path Completion
- Reflect on Your Path
Level 5 Elective Projects (choose 1)
- Lessons Learned
- Moderate a Panel Discussion
- Ethical Leadership
- High Performance Leadership
- Leading in Your Volunteer Organization
- Prepare to Speak Professionally
INNOVATIVE PLANNING
This path 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.
*Not available in printed materials.
Five Levels
Mastering Fundamentals
- Ice Breaker
- Evaluation and Feedback
- Researching and Presenting
Learning Your Style
- Understanding Your Leadership Style
- Connect With Your Audience
- Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring
Increasing Knowledge
- Present a Proposal
Level 3 Elective Projects (choose 2)
- Deliver Social Speeches
- Using Presentation Software
- Connect with Storytelling
- Creating Effective Visual Aids
- Using Descriptive Language
- Make Connections Through Networking
- Focus on the Positive
- Inspire Your Audience
- Prepare for an Interview
- Understanding Vocal Variety
- Effective Body Language
- Active Listening
- Know Your Sense of Humor
Building Skills
- Manage Projects Successfully
Level 4 Elective Projects (choose 1)
- Create a Podcast
- Building a Social Media Presence
- Managing a Difficult Audience
- Write a Compelling Blog
- Manage Online Meetings
- Question-and-Answer Session
- Public Relations Strategies
Demonstrating Expertise
- High Performance Leadership
Path Completion
- Reflect on Your Path
Level 5 Elective Projects (choose 1)
- Lessons Learned
- Moderate a Panel Discussion
- Ethical Leadership
- Leading in Your Volunteer Organization
- Prepare to Speak Professionally
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
This path 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.
Five Levels
Mastering Fundamentals
- Ice Breaker
- Evaluation and Feedback
- Researching and Presenting
Learning Your Style
- Managing Time
- Understanding Your Leadership Style
- Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring
Increasing Knowledge
- Planning and Implementing
Level 3 Elective Projects (choose 2)
- Deliver Social Speeches
- Using Presentation Software
- Connect with Storytelling
- Creating Effective Visual Aids
- Using Descriptive Language
- Connect with Your Audience
- Make Connections Through Networking
- Focus on the Positive
- Inspire Your Audience
- Prepare for an Interview
- Understanding Vocal Variety
- Effective Body Language
- Active Listening
- Know Your Sense of Humor
Building Skills
- Manage Projects Successfully
Level 4 Elective Projects (choose 1)
- Create a Podcast
- Building a Social Media Presence
- Managing a Difficult Audience
- Write a Compelling Blog
- Manage Online Meetings
- Question-and-Answer Session
- Public Relations Strategies
- Manage Projects Successfully
Demonstrating Expertise
- High Performance Leadership
Path Completion
- Reflect on Your Path
Level 5 Elective Projects (choose 1)
- Lessons Learned
- Moderate a Panel Discussion
- Ethical Leadership
- High Performance Leadership
- Leading in Your Volunteer Organization
- Prepare to Speak Professionally
MOTIVATIONAL STRATEGIES
This path 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.
*Not available in printed materials.
Five Levels
Mastering Fundamentals
- Ice Breaker
- Evaluation and Feedback
- Researching and Presenting
Learning Your Style
- Understanding Your Communication Style
- Active Listening
- Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring
Increasing Knowledge
- Understanding Emotional Intelligence
Level 3 Elective Projects (choose 2)
- Deliver Social Speeches
- Using Presentation Software
- Connect with Storytelling
- Creating Effective Visual Aids
- Using Descriptive Language
- Connect with Your Audience
- Make Connections Through Networking
- Focus on the Positive
- Inspire Your Audience
- Prepare for an Interview
- Understanding Vocal Variety
- Effective Body Language
- Know Your Sense of Humor
Building Skills
- Motivate Others
Level 4 Elective Projects (choose 1)
- Create a Podcast
- Building a Social Media Presence
- Managing a Difficult Audience
- Write a Compelling Blog
- Manage Online Meetings
- Question-and-Answer Session
- Public Relations Strategies
- Manage Projects Successfully
Demonstrating Expertise
- Team Building
Path Completion
- Reflect on Your Path
Level 5 Elective Projects (choose 1)
- Lessons Learned
- Moderate a Panel Discussion
- Ethical Leadership
- High Performance Leadership
- Leading in Your Volunteer Organization
- Prepare to Speak Professionally
PERSUASIVE INFLUENCE
This path 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.
*Not available in printed materials.
Five Levels
Mastering Fundamentals
- Ice Breaker
- Evaluation and Feedback
- Researching and Presenting
Learning Your Style
- Understanding Your Leadership Style
- Active Listening
- Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring
Increasing Knowledge
- Understanding Conflict Resolution
Level 3 Elective Projects (choose 2)
- Deliver Social Speeches
- Using Presentation Software
- Connect with Storytelling
- Creating Effective Visual Aids
- Using Descriptive Language
- Connect with Your Audience
- Make Connections Through Networking
- Focus on the Positive
- Inspire Your Audience
- Prepare for an Interview
- Understanding Vocal Variety
- Effective Body Language
- Know Your Sense of Humor
Building Skills
- Leading in Difficult Situations
Level 4 Elective Projects (choose 1)
- Create a Podcast
- Building a Social Media Presence
- Managing a Difficult Audience
- Write a Compelling Blog
- Manage Online Meetings
- Question-and-Answer Session
- Public Relations Strategies
- Manage Projects Successfully
Demonstrating Expertise
- High Performance Leadership
Path Completion
- Reflect on Your Path
Level 5 Elective Projects (choose 1)
- Lessons Learned
- Moderate a Panel Discussion
- Ethical Leadership
- Leading in Your Volunteer Organization
- Prepare to Speak Professionally
PRESENTATION MASTERY
This path 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.
Five Levels
Mastering Fundamentals
- Ice Breaker
- Evaluation and Feedback
- Researching and Presenting
Learning Your Style
- Understanding Your Leadership Style
- Effective Body Language
- Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring
Increasing Knowledge
- Persuasive Speaking
Level 3 Elective Projects (choose 2)
- Deliver Social Speeches
- Using Presentation Software
- Connect with Storytelling
- Creating Effective Visual Aids
- Using Descriptive Language
- Connect with Your Audience
- Make Connections Through Networking
- Focus on the Positive
- Inspire Your Audience
- Prepare for an Interview
- Understanding Vocal Variety
- Effective Body Language
- Know Your Sense of Humor
Building Skills
- Managing a Difficult Audience
Level 4 Elective Projects (choose 1)
- Create a Podcast
- Building a Social Media Presence
- Write a Compelling Blog
- Managing Online Meetings
- Question-and-Answer Session
- Public Relations Strategies
- Manage Projects Successfully
Demonstrating Expertise
- Prepare to Speak Professionally
Path Completion
- Reflect on Your Path
Level 5 Elective Projects (choose 1)
- Lessons Learned
- Moderate a Panel Discussion
- Ethical Leadership
- High Performance Leadership
- Leading in Your Volunteer Organization
STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS
This path helps you build your skills as a leader in communication. The projects on this path focus on understanding diversity, 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.
*Not available in non-English printed materials.
Five Levels
Mastering Fundamentals
- Ice Breaker
- Evaluation and Feedback
- Researching and Presenting
Learning Your Style
- Understanding Your Leadership Style
- Cross-Cultural Understanding
- Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring
Increasing Knowledge
- Make Connections Through Networking
Level 3 Elective Projects (choose 2)
- Deliver Social Speeches
- Using Presentation Software
- Connect with Storytelling
- Creating Effective Visual Aids
- Using Descriptive Language
- Connect with Your Audience
- Focus on the Positive
- Inspire Your Audience
- Prepare for an Interview
- Understanding Vocal Variety
- Effective Body Language
- Active Listening
- Know Your Sense of Humor
Building Skills
- Public Relations Strategies
Level 4 Elective Projects (choose 1)
- Create a Podcast
- Building a Social Media Presence
- Managing a Difficult Audience
- Write a Compelling Blog
- Managing Online Meetings
- Question-and-Answer Session
- Manage Projects Successfully
Demonstrating Expertise
- Leading in Your Volunteer Organization
Path Completion
- Reflect on Your Path
Level 5 Elective Projects (choose 1)
- Lessons Learned
- Moderate a Panel Discussion
- Ethical Leadership
- High Performance Leadership
- Prepare to Speak Professionally
TEAM COLLABORATION
This path 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.
*Not available in non-English printed materials.
Five Levels
Mastering Fundamentals
- Ice Breaker
- Evaluation and Feedback
- Researching and Presenting
Learning Your Style
- Understanding Your Leadership Style
- Active Listening
- Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring
Increasing Knowledge
- Successful Collaboration
Level 3 Elective Projects (choose 2)
- Deliver Social Speeches
- Using Presentation Software
- Connect with Storytelling
- Creating Effective Visual Aids
- Using Descriptive Language
- Connect with Your Audience
- Make Connections Through Networking
- Focus on the Positive
- Inspire Your Audience
- Prepare for an Interview
- Understanding Vocal Variety
- Effective Body Language
- Know Your Sense of Humor
Building Skills
- Motivate Others
Level 4 Elective Projects (choose 1)
- Create a Podcast
- Building a Social Media Presence
- Managing a Difficult Audience
- Write a Compelling Blog
- Managing Online Meetings
- Question-and-Answer Session
- Public Relations Strategies
- Manage Projects Successfully
Demonstrating Expertise
- Lead in Any Situation
Path Completion
- Reflect on Your Path
Level 5 Elective Projects (choose 1)
- Lessons Learned
- Moderate a Panel Discussion
- Ethical Leadership
- High Performance Leadership
- Leading in Your Volunteer Organization
- Prepare to Speak Professionally
VISIONARY COMMUNICATION
This path 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.
*Not available in printed materials.
Five Levels
Mastering Fundamentals
- Ice Breaker
- Evaluation and Feedback
- Researching and Presenting
Learning Your Style
- Understanding Your Leadership Style
- Understanding Your Communication Style
- Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring
Increasing Knowledge
- Develop a Communication Plan
Level 3 Elective Projects (choose 2)
- Deliver Social Speeches
- Using Presentation Software
- Connect with Storytelling
- Creating Effective Visual Aids
- Using Descriptive Language
- Connect with Your Audience
- Make Connections Through Networking
- Focus on the Positive
- Inspire Your Audience
- Prepare for an Interview
- Understanding Vocal Variety
- Effective Body Language
- Active Listening
- Know Your Sense of Humor
Building Skills
- Communicate Change
Level 4 Elective Projects (choose 1)
- Create a Podcast
- Building a Social Media Presence
- Managing a Difficult Audience
- Write a Compelling Blog
- Managing Online Meetings
- Question-and-Answer Session
- Public Relations Strategies
- Manage Projects Successfully
Demonstrating Expertise
- Lead in Any Situation
Path Completion
- Reflect on Your Path
Level 5 Elective Projects (choose 1)
- Lessons Learned
- Moderate a Panel Discussion
- Managing a Difficult Audience
- Write a Compelling Blog
- Leading in Your Volunteer Organization
- Prepare to Speak Professionally