The Toastmasters Educational Program is divided into 2 tracks : the communication track and the leadership track. Most new members join Toastmasters for the communication track which is the major part of the Toastmasters system.

Communication Track

Getting started - the CTM

When you join, you get the Communication and Leadership Program Manual ("basic manual") which has 10 speech projects. When you complete this manual, you earn the Competent Toastmaster (CTM) designation and receive a CTM certificate. If you wish, World Headquarters will send your employer a letter about your accomplishment. You can then enter the Advanced Communication and Leadership Program.

The Advanced Program - ATMs

The Advanced Communication and Leadership Program consists of 12 manuals, each containing 5 speech projects. The manuals are:

• The Entertaining Speaker
• Speaking to Inform
• Public Relations
• The Discussion Leader
• Speciality Speeches
• Speeches by Management
• The Professional Speaker
• The Professional Salesperson
• Technical Presentations
• Communication on Television
• Storytelling and Interpretive Reading

When you work on the Advanced Manuals, you become eligible for the Advance Toastmaster (ATM) Award

There are 3 levels of ATM:

The ATM Bronze Award:

• Have completed any 2 of the Advanced Manuals (10 speeches in all)

The ATM Silver Award:

• Have completed an additional 2 Advanced Manuals (not including the 2 manuals completed for the ATM Bronze Award)
• Have presented two programs from the Better Speaker Series and/or the The Successful Club Series

The ATM Gold Award:

• Have completed any of the 2 remaining six Advanced Manuals (not including the 4 manuals completed for the ATM Silver Award)
• Have conducted a Success/Leadership Program, Success/Communication Program or a Youth Leadership Program

Leadership Track

The Leadership Track is where you acquire and practice leadership skills serving as a Club Leader, Area Governor, District Governor, District Governor - Public Relations Officer; Lieutenant Governor Marketing or Education and Training, or eventually even be elected to the Toastmasters International Board of Directors and even to the Presidency of the Organisation

There are three levels in the Leadership track. 

Competent Leader (CL):

• Achieved Competent Toastmaster Award
• Served at least six months as a Club Officer and participated in the preparation of a Club Success Plan.
• While a Club Officer participated in District-sponsored Club officer-training program. Conducted any two programs from the Successful Club Series

Advanced Leader (AL):

• Achieved Competent Leader Award
• Served a complete term as a District officer (District Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Public Relations Officer, Secretary, Treasurer, Division Governor Area Governor)
• Completed the High Performance Leadership Program
• Served Successfully as a Club Sponsor, Mentor or Specialist

Distinguished Toastmaster Award (DTM):

• Achieve an ATM - Gold
• Achieved the Advanced Leader Award

When you achieve the DTM Award, you will receive a certificate presented by your Club President, your name will appear in the Toastmasters Magazine's Hall of Fame and if you wish, World Headquarter will send a letter to your employer about your achievement.

Other Educational Opportunities

• Speech Contest
• Success/Leadership Program : A series of modules designed to help you develop various communication and leadership skills, each conducted as seminar for your club, the general public or for a company. 11 modules are available including topics such as Parliamentary Procedure, meeting Management, Listening, Evaluation, Thinking, Leadership, Management and Training
• Youth Leadership Program: A course that helps young people under 18 years of age develop the communication and leadership skills they'll need to be successful adults
• Accredited Speaker Program: A special program to recognise those members who have professional-level speaking skills
• High Performance Leadership Program: Hands-on, skill-building program requires you to conduct a project of your choice in which you serve as leader. Reflecting your own goals, the project may be affiliated with your participation at Club, Area, Division and District, business or community level. The High Performance Leadership Manual walks you through the project's different phases, providing study material and activities to complete. It covers the six dimensions of leadership developing a vision and a mission, building a tea and creating an action plan, helping the team accomplish its mission and dealing with setbacks and analysing efforts
• District, Region and International Conference: Our District (#31 - BC) holds a conference twice a year. Regions conduct a conference each June and the International Convention is held every August. All conference offer educational program and other learning opportunities
• The Toastmaster Magazine is a great resource with lots of new ideas, tips and information
• Educational manuals, books and audio/video cassette tapes can be ordered from Toastmasters International. Ask our VP of Education to see the Supply Catalogue or to see videotapes of past speech contests