Toastmasters International (TI) is a nonprofit educational organization. It helps its members learn communication and leadership skills through clubs like ours all over the world. The organization itself was founded in 1932, however, the first 'unofficial' Toastmasters meeting dates back to March 24, 1905. This was organized by the founder of Toastmasters, Ralph Smedley.

Currently, Toastmasters serves over 360,000 members in 145 countries through 16,000+ clubs. Town & Gown Toastmasters is one of those clubs located in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

The word "Toastmaster" was chosen by Ralph Smedley and refers to one who delivers a toast at an occasion such as a banquet.

The Pathways Program

This is the online interative method of learning communication and leadership skills that you would use as a member of a club. The program is available online and consists of 11 paths available to you. The program was built around 5 core competencies and each path covers a select few competencies.

The five core competencies are:

• Public Speaking

• Interpersonal Communication

• Strategic Leadership

• Management

• Confidence

As a member, you can select a free path when you join Toastmasters. This path can be of your choice or you can take an assessment that recommends one for you. Subsequent paths are $20 USD each.

What does all this mean?

Each path comprises of 5 levels. Each level comprises of a few projects. And each project refers to a prepared speech. You start from Level 1 - Project 1 which is a simple icebreaker speech. As you progress, you move on to the next project and onto the next level and so on. Remember, all this is self-paced. You decide when you wish to start working on your next project!