SBTMWhat is Pathways? Step-by-step speech training at Toastmasters
Pathways is Toastmasters International's step-by-step education program. You pick a "path" that suits you and work through projects from Level 1 to Level 5. In each project you give a speech and get feedback from fellow members, so your skills grow one step at a time.
Which paths are there?
There are 6 current paths (as listed on the official Toastmasters site, October 2026).
- Dynamic Leadership: A leadership path: know your leadership and communication style, then negotiation, managing change and leading in any situation.
- Engaging Humor: A humor path: find your own sense of humor, connect with an audience through humor, and use it even in impromptu speeches.
- Motivational Strategies: A motivation path: start with listening and emotional intelligence, then motivate others and build a team.
- Persuasive Influence: A path for persuasion and influence: listening, conflict resolution and leading in difficult situations.
- Presentation Mastery: A presentation path: body language, persuasive speaking, handling a difficult audience and preparing to speak professionally.
- Visionary Communication: A vision path: plan your communication, communicate change and develop your vision.
Level 1 is the same in every path
The first level, "Mastering Fundamentals", has the same four projects whichever path you choose.
- Ice Breaker: your first speech, 4-6 minutes
- Writing a Speech with Purpose: 5-7 minutes
- Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language: 5-7 minutes
- Evaluation and Feedback: a first speech, a second speech that applies the feedback (5-7 minutes), and a step where you become the evaluator
Levels of the Presentation Mastery path
Levels 3-5 have required projects plus electives you choose from. The levels of the other paths and their elective lists are on the official site and in the Pathways tab of our app.
| Level | Required projects | Electives |
|---|---|---|
| 1 · Mastering Fundamentals | Ice Breaker / Writing a Speech with Purpose / Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language / Evaluation and Feedback | none |
| 2 · Learning Your Style | Understanding Your Communication Style / Effective Body Language / Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring | none |
| 3 · Increasing Knowledge | Persuasive Speaking | choose 2 of 14 |
| 4 · Building Skills | Managing a Difficult Audience | choose 1 of 7 |
| 5 · Demonstrating Expertise | Prepare to Speak Professionally / Reflect on Your Path | choose 1 of 5 |
Electives
- Level 3 (choose 2 of 14): Active Listening, Connect with Storytelling, Connect with Your Audience, Creating Effective Visual Aids, Deliver Social Speeches, 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, Researching and Presenting
- Level 4 (choose 1 of 7): Building a Social Media Presence, Create a Podcast, Manage Online Meetings, Manage Projects Successfully, Public Relations Strategies, Question-and-Answer Session, Write a Compelling Blog
- Level 5 (choose 1 of 5): Ethical Leadership, High Performance Leadership, Leading in Your Volunteer Organization, Lessons Learned, Moderate a Panel Discussion
How it works in our club
SBTM meets on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month and has prepared speeches at each meeting. A speaker chooses the path, level and project in the app, and the speech time is set automatically. Every speech has an evaluator who shares what worked and one thing to try next time.
If you are new, start with the Ice Breaker. In this series we look at the Level 1 projects one by one.
Official page: Toastmasters Pathways