Public speaking is an art. Leadership is an art. The best way to learn public speaking and leadership skills is with Toastmasters International. Perfection in public speaking comes from continual practise in the midst of fellow members. Leadership skills are perfected from continual performance of leadership tasks.
Toastmasters International was set up in Santa Ana, California, USA in 1924. It was envisaged as a platform to learn public speaking skills. Since then its educational system has grown and developed into an eclectic system of learning with specialisations tailored to suit professional needs. Originally the skills sets were taught in a single linear program all enveloped in each title a Toastmaster earns. You started as a TM or Toastmaster. Then you moved on from CC or Competent Communicator right up to DTM or Distinguished Toastmaster. At each level or stage there was one project speech. But since 2018, this has all changed.
In 2018 Toastmasters International created a new learning program called Pathways. The learning program caters for
specific needs. The learning program has ten modules to choose from. Each learning program has a
series of speeches which constitute a project. Each project must be completed
successfully and verified by the club. Then it must be confirmed by Toastmasters International. It is a serious matter as verification
can be made by an employer about what skills set a Toastmaster has acquired.
Look at the diagram below;
 |
| Pathways |
Each learning path has its own set of individualised projects. Each path has five levels. The first three levels are the same for whichever path one chooses. The remaining two are specific to each path. All learning materials are made available on-line.
Now what does this mean to you the working person or student? It means that you can choose a path that meets a specific need that you have. You may want to know about how to present. Presentation skills are required in many professions. I am a teacher,tutor and lecturer. I have to present classes where I have to stand in front of an audience of people whose ages range from 8 to 80. Imagine that? Coaching and persuading are skills educators need. A friend and fellow Toastmaster is a training manager with a pharmaceutical company. He finds the coaching path to be useful in making him a better coach. Another friend and fellow Toastmaster was a Chartered Accountant and a corporate trainer and is still a trainer as well as a speaker. He found the leadership and coaching paths to be useful. Students will certainly do well by choosing the presentation mastery and dynamic visionary paths.
Below are useful links for you:
Links:
1. Toastmasters International : https://www.toastmasters.org/
2. Toastmasters International - Pathways: https://www.toastmasters.org/pathways-overview
3. Toastmasters International magazine: https://www.toastmasters.org/Magazine/listing/archive/all
5.Toastmasters International Pathways: file: https://www.toastmasters.org/Education/Pathways/Volunteers/Ambassadors/~/media/0984DE5D6A7C4E2D906B77B8D762AAE6.ashx
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment