Path Layouts Explained

This page describes how the paths in Pathways are laid out.

Common Framework for Every Path

Each path consists of 5 levels of training:

• Level 1 - Mastering Fundamentals
• Level 2 - Learning Your Style
• Level 3 - Increasing Knowledge
• Level 4 - Building Skills
• Level 5 - Demonstrating Expertice

Level 1 - Mastering Fundamentals (identical for every Path)

Level 1 consists of 4 required projects:

1. Ice Breaker: introduces you to your club and the skills you need to begin your Toastmasters journey
2. Writing a Speech with Purpose: This project focuses on strategies for selecting a topic, defining a purpose, and producing a well-written and organized speech.
3. Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language: Participants learn to recognize the impact of vocal variety and identify changes in pitch, tone, volume, and pace, as well as when and how to effectively use body language and gestures to enhance a presentation.
4. Evaluation and Feedback: This project, which comprises two speeches, teaches important skills: how to receive and act on constructive feedback. The requirement to serve as a speech evaluator will help members learn how to give the valuable gift of feedback to others.

Level 2 - Learning Your Style

Level 2 consists of 3 required projects. However, at this level the curriculum for each Path becomes unique.

Level 3 - Increasing Knowledge

Level 3 consists of 1 required project and 2 elective projects. At this level you begin to customize your learning experience to align with your personal goals.

The required Level 3 project for each Path is unique.

Below is a list of all the elective projects which occur in Level 3. Please note that the availability of these elective projects is not universal among the Paths. Usually you will have about a dozen of these to choose from:

Active Listening

Connect with Storytelling

Connect with Your Audience

Creating Effective Visual Aids

Deliver Social Speeches

Effective Body Language

Focus on the Positive

Inspire Your Audience

Know Your Sense of Humor

Make Connections Through Networking

Prepare for an Interview

Understanding Vocal Variety

Using Descriptive Language

Using Presentation Software

Level 4 - Building Skills

Level 4 consists of 1 required project and 1 elective project.

With just a single exception, the 1 required project for each Path is unique. The required Level 4 project for the Motivational Strategies and Team Collaboration paths is the same.

Below is a list of all the elective projects which occur in Level 4. Please note that the availability of these elective projects is not universal among the Paths. Usually you will have about half a dozen of these to choose from:

Building a Social Media Presence

Create a Podcast

Manage Online Meetings

Manage Projects Successfully

Managing a Difficult Audience

Public Relations Strategies

Question and Answer session

Write a Compelling Blog

Level 5 - Demonstrating Expertice

Level 5 consists of 2 required projects and 1 elective project.

The first required Level 5 project for each Path is unique and it is the first step of the Level.

The single elective project is the second step of this Level.

Below is a list of all the elective projects which occur in Level 5. Please note that the availability of these elective projects is not universal among the Paths. Usually you will have about half a dozen of these to choose from:

Ethical Leadership

High Performance Leadership

Leading in Your Volunteer Organization

Lessons Learned

Moderate a Panel Discussion

Prepare to Speak Professionally

Deliver Your Message with Humor



The last step of Level 5 is always the required project of Reflect on Your Path. It not only provides you with the opportunity to review and acknowledge your accomplishments, but your speech might help another club member choose their next path.