Since 1924, Toastmasters International has been recognised as the leading organisation dedicated to communication and leadership skill development. Through its worldwide network of clubs, each week Toastmasters helps more than a quarter million men and women of every ethnicity, education level and profession build their competence in communication so they can gain the confidence to lead others.
By regularly giving speeches, gaining feedback, leading teams and guiding others to achieve their goals in a supportive atmosphere, leaders emerge. They learn to tell their stories. They listen and answer. They plan and lead. They give feedback — and accept it. They find their path to leadership.
Toastmasters International Vision – To be the first-choice provider of dynamic, high-value, experiential communication and leadership skills development.
Toastmaster International Mission – We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.
How Does it Work?
Members of toastmasters learn communication and leadership skills by working their way through a structured programme called Pathways. This digital system contains a library of resources to help members develop their skills.
There are currently 11 different pathways covering over 300 different competencies. Pathways include Presentation Mastery, Dynamic Leadership, Team Collaboration and Engaging Humour. Members choose the educational Pathway that best suits their needs.
Each pathway is divided into five levels, with a number of projects in each level:
Level 1: Mastering Fundamentals
Level 2: Learning Your Style
Level 3: Increasing Knowledge
Level 4: Building Skills
Level 5: Demonstrating Expertise
Each project has specific objectives so that members learn core skills to build their confidence in delivering speeches and skills specific to their chosen pathway. Speech projects include effective body language, connect with storytelling and inspire your audience, amongst many many more. Members receive verbal and written feedback on every speech delivered.
Members also build practical, transferable skills such as time management, critical thinking, delegation and facilitation by taking on various roles at meetings and within the club. For every role taken on, you can get structured feedback to help you appreciate your strengths and focus on areas for improvement. The club is run by members, so there are always opportunities to get involved, help out and learn something new.