Pathways learning experience
11 paths · 5 levels · self-paced · learn in your language.
The 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 MasteryPM Build 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.
L1 Master the Fundamentals
- Ice Breaker
- Writing a Speech with Purpose
- Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language
- Evaluation and Feedback
L2 Learn Your Style
- Understanding Your Communication Style
- Effective Body Language
- Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring
L3 Increase Knowledge
- Persuasive Speaking
- + choose 2 from the shared elective pool
L4 Build Skills
- Managing a Difficult Audience
- + choose 1 from the shared elective pool
L5 Demonstrate Expertise
- Prepare to Speak Professionally
- Reflect on Your Path
- + choose 1 from the shared elective pool
Dynamic LeadershipDL Build 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.
L1 Master the Fundamentals
- Ice Breaker
- Writing a Speech with Purpose
- Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language
- Evaluation and Feedback
L2 Learn Your Style
- Understanding Your Leadership Style
- Understanding Your Communication Style
- Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring
L3 Increase Knowledge
- Negotiate the Best Outcome
- + choose 2 from the shared elective pool
L4 Build Skills
- Manage Change
- + choose 1 from the shared elective pool
L5 Demonstrate Expertise
- Lead in Any Situation
- Reflect on Your Path
- + choose 1 from the shared elective pool
Visionary CommunicationVC Build 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.
L1 Master the Fundamentals
- Ice Breaker
- Writing a Speech with Purpose
- Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language
- Evaluation and Feedback
L2 Learn Your Style
- Understanding Your Leadership Style
- Understanding Your Communication Style
- Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring
L3 Increase Knowledge
- Develop a Communication Plan
- + choose 2 from the shared elective pool
L4 Build Skills
- Communicate Change
- + choose 1 from the shared elective pool
L5 Demonstrate Expertise
- Develop Your Vision
- Reflect on Your Path
- + choose 1 from the shared elective pool
Motivational StrategiesMS Build your skills as a powerful and effective communicator — building connections, understanding motivation, and leading small groups. Culminates in a comprehensive team-building project.
L1 Master the Fundamentals
- Ice Breaker
- Writing a Speech with Purpose
- Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language
- Evaluation and Feedback
L2 Learn Your Style
- Understanding Your Communication Style
- Active Listening
- Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring
L3 Increase Knowledge
- Understanding Emotional Intelligence
- + choose 2 from the shared elective pool
L4 Build Skills
- Motivate Others
- + choose 1 from the shared elective pool
L5 Demonstrate Expertise
- Team Building
- Reflect on Your Path
- + choose 1 from the shared elective pool
Persuasive InfluencePI Build 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.
L1 Master the Fundamentals
- Ice Breaker
- Writing a Speech with Purpose
- Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language
- Evaluation and Feedback
L2 Learn Your Style
- Understanding Your Leadership Style
- Active Listening
- Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring
L3 Increase Knowledge
- Understanding Conflict Resolution
- + choose 2 from the shared elective pool
L4 Build Skills
- Leading in Difficult Situations
- + choose 1 from the shared elective pool
L5 Demonstrate Expertise
- High Performance Leadership
- Reflect on Your Path
- + choose 1 from the shared elective pool
Engaging HumorEH Build 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.
L1 Master the Fundamentals
- Ice Breaker
- Writing a Speech with Purpose
- Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language
- Evaluation and Feedback
L2 Learn Your Style
- Know Your Sense of Humor
- Connect with Your Audience
- Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring
L3 Increase Knowledge
- Engage Your Audience With Humor
- + choose 2 from the shared elective pool
L4 Build Skills
- The Power of Humor in an Impromptu Speech
- + choose 1 from the shared elective pool
L5 Demonstrate 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
L1 Master the Fundamentals The fundamentals of a successful speaker and evaluator — speech writing, basic delivery, and giving and receiving feedback.
L2 Learn Your Style Identify your leadership and communication styles and preferences; an introduction to the Pathways Mentor Program.
L3 Increase Knowledge Increase knowledge of skills specific to your path — one required project plus two electives that match your goals.
L4 Build Skills Build the skills you need to succeed, exploring new challenges — one required project plus one elective.
L5 Demonstrate Expertise Apply 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 isn’t the highest score but 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 the Reflect on Your Path project to earn the “Proficient” designation — every required project and meeting role completed.
Start your path with us
Visit a meeting to see Pathways in action, then choose your path when you join.
Pathways learning experience
11 paths · 5 levels · self-paced · learn in your language.