By: Gillian Sheldon, DTM, Scott Schafer, Jeannette Kreher Heberling, DTM
The Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program (YLP) equips young people tools for a successful future: the confidence to communicate, the courage to lead, and the ability to inspire others. Leadership doesn’t begin when someone takes on a title — it begins when they find their voice!!
In a world where digital communication often replaces face-to-face interaction, YLP helps youth rediscover the power of presence, purpose, and persuasion.
What Is the Youth Leadership Program?The Youth Leadership Program is a short, interactive workshop series — usually 6 to 8 sessions — designed for students and youth groups aged 14 to 18 (sometimes younger). Led by experienced Toastmasters club, the program introduces participants to:
- Public speaking fundamentals
- Effective listening
- Feedback evaluation that encourages feedforward growth
- Impromptu speaking (Table Topics)
- Meeting leadership roles
How It Works:
A Toastmasters club partners with a school, after-school programs, youth organization, community centers, youth ministries, Scouts or community group.
Each session includes a combination of:
- Short lessons on communication and leadership
- Speeches from participants
- Table Topics practice
- Peer and mentor feedback
By the final session, participants have developed and delivered multiple speeches — often culminating in a celebratory showcase or graduation ceremony where parents, teachers, and mentors observe their growth.
Benefits of the Youth Leadership Program
Youth participants gain confidence, leadership experience, communication skills, and a sense of empowerment as they realize their voices matter.
Toastmaster’s clubs strengthen community impact, develop member leadership skills, and expand outreach through meaningful partnerships.
Why It Matters
Youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow — they are the influencers of today. When Toastmasters invest in youth, they invest in the future. As the saying goes, “When you teach a young person to speak, you teach them to believe.”