The ability to communicate effectively is one of the most important skills recruiters look for in potential job candidates. You may find it intimidating to speak in front of a group but you know, and your interest in Toastmasters attests to it, that expressing yourself clearly and confidently is essential in order to be successful in both your career and personal life.

The underlying philosophy of the Toastmaster Program is to teach communication and leadership skills by member participation, initially in the various functions comprising a typical club meeting or contest, and progressing from there to area, division and district events, taking on leadership roles in organizing functions, leading seminars and workshops or serving on the various executive committees. Newcomers learn by observing more senior members carrying out their tasks and subsequently taking on roles themselves. Initially, it may be a minor role but with the encouragement of fellow members and assigned mentors, soon progress to speaking engagements.

Speaking techniques are taught by self-study of Toastmaster Manuals, practice in presentation, and adaptation of suggestions made by fellow members. The 'basic' program as well as all advanced specialty programs are based on a series of projects, each designed to teach a specific skill and each building on previously learned material.

In the next few sections you will find the details making up the educational program, namely an outline of the projects you must complete to get to the first level CTM (Competent Toastmaster): a summary of the advanced manuals covering seventy (70) speech assignments; a diagram indicating how you proceed from CTM to DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster), which is the highest level you can otain; and the specific requirements you must complete to go from CTM to ATM-B, ATM-S, ATM-G, CL, AL, And DTM.