It is divided into two tracks -- a
communication track and a leadership
track. The communication track is the major
part of the system -- almost all new members join Toastmasters for the benefits
this track offers. Some become involved in the leadership track. The tracks are
not mutually exclusive. You may participate in both tracks at the same time if
you wish.
Communication Track
The core of the communication track is the Communication and Leadership
Program manual (also called the "basic manual"), which contains 10
speech projects. Every new member is sent a basic manual within 48 hours after
his/her application for Membership (Form 400) is received at World Headquarters.
(Included in the material sent with the basic manual are three other manuals: Your
Speaking Voice, Effective Speech Evaluation, and Gestures: Your Body Speaks.)
The CTM Award
The basic manual helps develop your speaking skills one step at a time. Every
project builds upon what you have learned in the preceding project. As you
complete the projects you'll learn the importance of sincerity in speaking, how
to effectively organize a presentation, how to use body language and voice to
convey your message, word choice and props, persuasive speaking, and how to
inspire others.
Your first goal as a member is to complete this manual. When you do, you are
eligible for Competent Toastmaster (CTM) recognition. When you finish all 10
projects, complete the CTM application in the back of the manual), have the
Vice President Education sign it, and send it to World Headquarters. You'll
receive a CTM certificate and, if this is your first CTM award, two Advanced
Communication and Leadership Program manuals free of charge. If you wish, World
Headquarters will send your employer a letter about your accomplishment.
Advanced Program
After receiving CTM recognition you can enter the Advanced Communication and
Leadership Program, where you can refine and enhance your basic skills. This
program consists of 15 manuals, each containing five speech projects. Many of
the manuals are career-oriented; several are not. You choose the manuals you
want to complete and the skills you want to learn.
When you work in the advanced
manuals you are eligible for several awards:
Advanced Toastmaster Bronze (ATM-B) Award
To be eligible for this award, you must have:
Advanced Toastmaster Silver (ATM-S) Award
To be eligible for this award, you must have:
Advanced Toastmaster Gold (ATM-G) Award
To be eligible for this award, members must have:
- Achieved new Advanced Toastmaster Silver award or achieved Able
Toastmaster Bronze award
- Completed two additional advanced manuals (may not be those completed for
previous awards)
- Conducted a Success/Leadership
Program (45K Word) , Success/Communication Program
(35K Word). Success/Leadership or Success/Communication programs may not be those
completed for Able Toastmaster Bronze award) or a Youth Leadership Program
- Coached a new member with the first three speech projects
By the time you earn the Advanced Toastmaster Gold award, you will have
completed six of the available Advanced Communication and Leadership Program
manuals and will have learned many valuable advanced speaking skills.
To apply for any of the Advanced Toastmaster awards, complete the appropriate
section of the Advanced Toastmaster Award application in the back of each advanced manual
