The educational program is the heart of a Toastmasters Club. It is the means through which you develop your
communication and leadership skills and achieve your goal of becoming a better communicator.
The Toastmasters educational program 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 receives a basic manual when inducted into
the Club. Included 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 organise 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 (Catalogue #223 in 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 Adva