By: Gillian Sheldon, DTM, Scott Schafer, Jeannette Kreher Heberling, DTM
Starting a new Toastmasters club is one of the quickest ways to expand our mission—adding 20 new members to their ‘best self’ through personal and professional growth. And any member can make this a reality – with the right approach, tools, and mindset, you can turn interest into impact in just a few weeks.
DTM Project Access:
- You must finish one full path and Levels 1, 2, and 3 in a second path to unlock the DTM project in Base Camp.
- Email [email protected] to request the project materials, confirming your eligibility.
Leverage leadership opportunities. Serving as a club officer, area or division leader accelerates leadership development. Choose a role which align with your strengths and interests while also stretching your skills. Each leadership experience strengthens communication, decision-making, and team-building abilities.
Use mentorship strategically. Seek a mentors who has earned their DTM or have experience in areas you want to develop. Regular check-ins and accountability conversations help you stay focused and confident.
Use tools to stay organized:
- FreeToastHost and Toastmasters International provides reports for meeting roles, speeches, tracks Pathways completion and officer/district roles.
- Open Item 8003
- Create a Word, Excel or paper planner
- Pathways on the TI website
- Keep a leadership and speaking portfolio to document roles, reflections, and lessons learned
Serve with purpose. The DTM is built on service—beyond the club meeting. Supporting clubs, mentoring members and new clubs, organizing a Speechcraft or Youth Leadership Program, and sponsor new clubs to grow the mission and value of Toastmasters.
Pursuing your DTM builds advanced public speaking mastery while developing leadership through real-world service. The journey challenges you, grows you, and ultimately positions you as a role model who inspires others to begin their own Toastmasters path.
What will it take to get you on your DTM Path?