Pathways learning experience
11 paths · 5 levels · self-paced · learn in your language.
How it works
Choose a path, grow level by level
Pathways is Toastmasters' education program. You pick a path that matches your goals, then complete projects across five levels — practicing each one as a speech at our meetings.
As you progress through Pathways, you practice and improve your communication and leadership skills. Every project concludes with a speech you give at a club meeting. Pathways is a journey of possibilities.
L1→L2→L3→L4→L5
Finish a level for a badge; finish a path to earn the "Proficient" designation.
At a glance
- Paths
- 6
- Levels
- 5 per path
- Projects
- 15 (11 required + 4 elective)
- Languages
- incl. Simplified Chinese
- Pace
- Self-paced (~2 yrs)
Explore the 6 paths
Find the path that fits your goal
Every path builds five core competencies: Public Speaking · Interpersonal Communication · Strategic Leadership · Management · Confidence
Presentation MasteryPMBuild your skills as an accomplished public speaker — focus on how an audience responds to you and on improving your connection with them. Culminates in an extended speech.
L1Master the Fundamentals
- Ice Breaker
- Writing a Speech with Purpose
- Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language
- Evaluation and Feedback
L2Learn Your Style
- Understanding Your Communication Style
- Effective Body Language
- Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring
L3Increase Knowledge
- Persuasive Speaking
- + choose 2 from the shared elective pool
L4Build Skills
- Managing a Difficult Audience
- + choose 1 from the shared elective pool
L5Demonstrate Expertise
- Prepare to Speak Professionally
- Reflect on Your Path
- + choose 1 from the shared elective pool
Dynamic LeadershipDLBuild your skills as a strategic leader — leadership and communication styles, the effect of conflict, and how to defuse and direct it. Culminates in a leadership-application project.
L1Master the Fundamentals
- Ice Breaker
- Writing a Speech with Purpose
- Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language
- Evaluation and Feedback
L2Learn Your Style
- Understanding Your Leadership Style
- Understanding Your Communication Style
- Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring
L3Increase Knowledge
- Negotiate the Best Outcome
- + choose 2 from the shared elective pool
L4Build Skills
- Manage Change
- + choose 1 from the shared elective pool
L5Demonstrate Expertise
- Lead in Any Situation
- Reflect on Your Path
- + choose 1 from the shared elective pool
Visionary CommunicationVCBuild your skills as a strategic communicator and leader — sharing information with a group, planning communications, and creating innovative solutions. Culminates in launching a long-term vision.
L1Master the Fundamentals
- Ice Breaker
- Writing a Speech with Purpose
- Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language
- Evaluation and Feedback
L2Learn Your Style
- Understanding Your Leadership Style
- Understanding Your Communication Style
- Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring
L3Increase Knowledge
- Develop a Communication Plan
- + choose 2 from the shared elective pool
L4Build Skills
- Communicate Change
- + choose 1 from the shared elective pool
L5Demonstrate Expertise
- Develop Your Vision
- Reflect on Your Path
- + choose 1 from the shared elective pool
Motivational StrategiesMSBuild your skills as a powerful and effective communicator — building connections, understanding motivation, and leading small groups. Culminates in a comprehensive team-building project.
L1Master the Fundamentals
- Ice Breaker
- Writing a Speech with Purpose
- Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language
- Evaluation and Feedback
L2Learn Your Style
- Understanding Your Communication Style
- Active Listening
- Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring
L3Increase Knowledge
- Understanding Emotional Intelligence
- + choose 2 from the shared elective pool
L4Build Skills
- Motivate Others
- + choose 1 from the shared elective pool
L5Demonstrate Expertise
- Team Building
- Reflect on Your Path
- + choose 1 from the shared elective pool
Persuasive InfluencePIBuild your skills as an innovative communicator and leader — negotiating positive outcomes, strong interpersonal communication, and leading in complex situations. Culminates in a High Performance Leadership project.
L1Master the Fundamentals
- Ice Breaker
- Writing a Speech with Purpose
- Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language
- Evaluation and Feedback
L2Learn Your Style
- Understanding Your Leadership Style
- Active Listening
- Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring
L3Increase Knowledge
- Understanding Conflict Resolution
- + choose 2 from the shared elective pool
L4Build Skills
- Leading in Difficult Situations
- + choose 1 from the shared elective pool
L5Demonstrate Expertise
- High Performance Leadership
- Reflect on Your Path
- + choose 1 from the shared elective pool
Engaging HumorEHBuild your skills as an accomplished public speaker — how an audience responds to humor and how to deliver a message with humor. Culminates in an extended humorous speech.
L1Master the Fundamentals
- Ice Breaker
- Writing a Speech with Purpose
- Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language
- Evaluation and Feedback
L2Learn Your Style
- Know Your Sense of Humor
- Connect with Your Audience
- Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring
L3Increase Knowledge
- Engage Your Audience With Humor
- + choose 2 from the shared elective pool
L4Build Skills
- The Power of Humor in an Impromptu Speech
- + choose 1 from the shared elective pool
L5Demonstrate Expertise
- Deliver Your Message With Humor
- Reflect on Your Path
- + choose 1 from the shared elective pool
How paths are organized
Five levels that build in complexity
L1Master the FundamentalsThe fundamentals of a successful speaker and evaluator — speech writing, basic delivery, and giving and receiving feedback.
L2Learn Your StyleIdentify your leadership and communication styles and preferences; an introduction to the Pathways Mentor Program.
L3Increase KnowledgeIncrease knowledge of skills specific to your path — one required project plus two electives that match your goals.
L4Build SkillsBuild the skills you need to succeed, exploring new challenges — one required project plus one elective.
L5Demonstrate ExpertiseApply everything you have learned to larger projects, and close your path with Reflect on Your Path.
Evaluation & scoring
Every speech gets constructive feedback
Each project is evaluated by a fellow member against criteria scored from 5 down to 1. A score of 3 means “Accomplished” — the goal is to learn and demonstrate the skill.
5Exemplary
4Excel
3Accomplished
2Emerging
1Developing
Recognition
Complete a level to earn a digital badge and a printable certificate on Base Camp.
Finish all five levels and Reflect on Your Path to earn the “Proficient” designation.
This page is an introduction. Official coursework lives on Toastmasters Base Camp.
Start your path with us
Visit a meeting to see Pathways in action, then choose your path when you join.