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[…] Toastmasters Club��New Member Orientation and Pathways Overview��November 2024 (with new Base Camp)�

V4.1 11/19/24�Patty Wyatt, Jim Jameson

(Generic)

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What is Toastmasters?

Began in 1924, in the basement of a YMCA , in Santa Ana, CA
A worldwide nonprofit educational organization that empowers people to become more effective communicators and leaders
A network of over 270,000 members in more than 14,400 clubs across 148 countries!
The most effective provider of dynamic, high-value, experiential communication and leadership skills development in the world

toastmasters.org

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The Toastmasters club experience

Hands-on / Learn-by-doing
Peer support / no instructor!
Access to a mentor (to assist with Goals, Speeches, Encouragement!)
Receive feedback and evaluations in a supportive environment
Weekly practice where you will:
Fill meeting roles
Give prepared or impromptu speeches
Take on volunteer leadership tasks

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… Club Officers – 2024

Officer	Position	Email

(Generic)

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Club Meetings are Key!

Meeting Roles are like pieces of a puzzle -- when roles are effectively carried out:

Meetings are FUN
Meetings WORK!
It all fits together!

S.@A.

Table Topics

Evaluator

Greeter

Word

Speaker

General Evaluator

Ah! Counter

Toastmaster

Three Parts to every meeting:

Prepared Speeches
Table Topics
Evaluations

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How Do I Get Started in this Club?

Find Club Web Site / Reference Links

Receive email invite; Log into two important websites (update your profile, etc.):

Club Site – Get club news, sign up for roles and speeches (must opt-in first)� (Note: You will receive a weekly email announcing each week’s meeting and opportunities for roles)
Toastmasters International (TI) Site – Do Pathways Projects, get credit!

Request a Mentor (see VPE) – Select Path/Set goals! (optional but suggested for new members)

Sign up for Pathways and choose your Path (TI Website)

Sign up for meeting roles and participate in meetings (Club Site)

Start working on your Icebreaker Speech (perhaps with your Mentor)

(Generic)

The learning doesn’t stop at the club. Active members receive a subscription to the Toastmaster magazine, which is filled with guidance on public speaking, leadership, featured articles on fellow Toastmasters and much more. Toastmasters offers the opportunity to compete in a speech contest, which culminates in finalists competing in the World Championship of Public Speaking®. This contest is held at the Toastmasters International Convention, which also features education sessions and a chance to cast your club’s vote on important business matters at the Annual Business Meeting. We also provides district conferences, where you can meet fellow Toastmasters in the area and connect with them. There’s also a lot of helpful resources for you to access if you visit the Toastmasters website.

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Example�Club Website�(using Free Toast Host)

Sign up for Roles

The learning doesn’t stop at the club. Active members receive a subscription to the Toastmaster magazine, which is filled with guidance on public speaking, leadership, featured articles on fellow Toastmasters and much more. Toastmasters offers the opportunity to compete in a speech contest, which culminates in finalists competing in the World Championship of Public Speaking®. This contest is held at the Toastmasters International Convention, which also features education sessions and a chance to cast your club’s vote on important business matters at the Annual Business Meeting. We also provides district conferences, where you can meet fellow Toastmasters in the area and connect with them. There’s also a lot of helpful resources for you to access if you visit the Toastmasters website.

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Signing Up for Meeting Roles

Go to the Club web site (if using Free Toast Host)
Log in as a member
Go to “Meeting Agendas”
Choose “View Another Agenda” (if for a future meeting)
Select a meeting date
Click on “Sign up” for a role

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Meeting Roles

Other Role ‘How To’ Resources

- Role ‘cheat sheet’ card on table

- “The Navigator” Document

The next 14 slides provide details on each role. Click here to skip to the next section.

Toastmaster – MC / Chairs meeting & keeps on track!
Table Topics Master – leads impromptu speaking
Grammarian / Ah counter – tracks filler words and grammar errors
Timer – times speaking assignments and provides reports
Speakers – Deliver prepared speech projects
Evaluators – evaluate Speakers with positive peer feedback
General Evaluator- introduce report providers and meeting evaluation
Word Master – provide word with definition

The learning doesn’t stop at the club. Active members receive a subscription to the Toastmaster magazine, which is filled with guidance on public speaking, leadership, featured articles on fellow Toastmasters and much more. Toastmasters offers the opportunity to compete in a speech contest, which culminates in finalists competing in the World Championship of Public Speaking®. This contest is held at the Toastmasters International Convention, which also features education sessions and a chance to cast your club’s vote on important business matters at the Annual Business Meeting. We also provides district conferences, where you can meet fellow Toastmasters in the area and connect with them. There’s also a lot of helpful resources for you to access if you visit the Toastmasters website.

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Pledge / Inspiration

Stand and lead the club in Pledge when called on by the SAA
Next, provide a very short reading (one or two sentences) of inspiration.
Inspiration can be something you find based on the theme of the meeting or just something you like
SAA also has booklets you can select from

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Vote Counter

Empty the ballot basket when it comes to you after Speeches, Table Topics, and Evaluations
Count the votes
You don’t vote unless you need to break a tie; you don’t let anyone know if there was a tie
During the Evaluation section of the meeting, you announce the winners and hand out the ribbons

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Word Master

Pick a WORD for the meeting
Provide large printout for frame at front of meeting; provide small printouts for members.
Include: word, pronunciation, definition(s), sample sentence
Count how many times each member uses the word and report at end of meeting

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Listener

Listen carefully throughout meeting
Take notes on interesting points
Quiz club during the Evaluation section of meeting

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Timer

Before the meeting, check the stopwatch, timer light, and cards
Time all speeches, table topics, and evaluations
Speeches: check with each speaker
Table topics: 1-2 minutes (green at 1 min, yellow at 1:30, and red at 2 min)
Evaluations: 2-3 minutes (green at 2 min, yellow at 2.30, and red at 3 min)
Stand and give reports when requested

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Ah Counter

Listen carefully to all members through meeting
Note use of filler words like um, er, ah, etc.
Give a report during the Evaluation section of the meeting

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Grammarian

Listen carefully to all members throughout meeting
Note any uses of poor grammar or other language issues
Also note any special or colorful phrases used
Give a report during the Evaluation section of the meeting

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Toastmaster

IN WEEK BEFORE MEETING:

Pick the theme for the meeting
Make sure all roles are filled

JUST BEFORE THE MEETING:

Print a few copies of the agenda for guests (around 4)
Introduce helpers and speakers
Timer’s report / voting
Pass meeting to Table Topics Master

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Table Topics Master

Create three to five questions based on the meeting theme
Introduce the question / read the question
Choose the member to respond
Evaluators are always exempt
Request Timer’s report / pass the ballot basket
Introduce the General Evaluator

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General Evaluator

Toastmaster will have ask for helper reports
Observe and take notes on meeting
Introduce the Evaluators
Ask for Timer’s report
Remind everyone to vote
Request helper reports per agenda
Give overview of the meeting
Introduce the Presiding Officer

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Speaker

Pick a topic you like
Prepare your speech and introduction
Before the meeting, check in with your evaluator, the Toastmaster, and the Timer
Relax
Give your speech
After the meeting, review with your evaluator
NOTE: You always get credit for doing a speech, even if you don’t qualify for voting

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Table Topics

Relax and have fun
You need to speak at least one full minute to qualify for voting
You can answer the question that is asked or veer off to a topic of your choice
The goal is to practice speaking on the spur of the moment

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Evaluator

Before the meeting, meet with the speaker
Listen and watch
Relax
Give your evaluation
After the meeting, take a few minutes with the speaker

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Lectern Courtesy

Always shake hands with the other person when approaching or leaving the lectern
Ideally, the person arriving crosses in front of the person leaving the lectern
Don’t leave the lectern until the other person arrives

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WHY TM? The Benefits of Toastmasters Club Meetings

How Can I Participate?	WIIFM (What’s In it for Me?)	WIIFO (What’s In it for Others?)
1. Attend Meetings!	Networking, Camaraderie, Enjoyment of speeches, Learning from others	Your presence supports and affirms your fellow toastmasters. The audience is a very important role!
2 Fulfill Short Meeting Roles	Practice and gain comfort with a brief easy speaking role, requiring little or no preparation.	These roles support the flow of the meeting and provide valuable feedback to all participants.
3 Perform Longer Roles	Grow important skills by leading one aspect of a meeting. Gain confidence and a feeling of accomplishment.	The ‘glue’ – these roles are essential to a successful meeting and to ensure great value for everyone present.
4 Give a Speech!	Practice a variety of speaking skills in a safe & supportive environment (and receive valuable/affirming feedback)!	Our audience enjoys the speeches and they learn – both from the speech content and the experience/feedback.
5 Serve as Club Officer/Mentor	Learn & practice leadership skills (in a safe/supportive environment)	Help other members learn and grow, ensuring continuity & effectiveness of the club mission.

How Can I Participate?	WIIFM (What’s In it for Me?)
1. Attend Meetings!	Networking, Camaraderie, Enjoyment of speeches, Learning from others
2 Fulfill Short Meeting Roles	Practice and gain comfort with a brief easy speaking role, requiring little or no preparation.
3 Perform Longer Roles	Grow important skills by leading one aspect of a meeting. Gain confidence and a feeling of accomplishment.
4 Give a Speech!	Practice a variety of speaking skills in a safe & supportive environment (and receive valuable/affirming feedback)!
5 Serve as Club Officer/Mentor	Learn & practice leadership skills (in a safe/supportive environment)

How Can I Participate?
1. Attend Meetings!
2 Fulfill Short Meeting Roles
3 Perform Longer Roles
4 Give a Speech!
5 Serve as Club Officer/Mentor

Jim Jameson 2019

JimJameson83@gmail.com 10/2020

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Learning doesn’t stop at the club level!

Subscription to the Toastmaster magazine
Speech contests at each level
International Convention
District conferences
Access to helpful resources at www.toastmasters.org

“The idea of getting in front of a group, not as Mrs. Fields but as Debbi, made my knees shake. But the Toastmasters group understood. Here’s a place where you can learn, grow, develop – and where other people are doing and feeling the same thing.”

Debbi Fields Rose

Founder, Mrs. Field’s Cookies

The learning doesn’t stop at the club. Active members receive a subscription to the Toastmaster magazine, which is filled with guidance on public speaking, leadership, featured articles on fellow Toastmasters and much more. Toastmasters offers the opportunity to compete in a speech contest, which culminates in finalists competing in the World Championship of Public Speaking®. This contest is held at the Toastmasters International Convention, which also features education sessions and a chance to cast your club’s vote on important business matters at the Annual Business Meeting. We also provides district conferences, where you can meet fellow Toastmasters in the area and connect with them. There’s also a lot of helpful resources for you to access if you visit the Toastmasters website.

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Welcome to Toastmasters!

Your potential is limited only by how many excuses you have!

The learning doesn’t stop at the club. Active members receive a subscription to the Toastmaster magazine, which is filled with guidance on public speaking, leadership, featured articles on fellow Toastmasters and much more. Toastmasters offers the opportunity to compete in a speech contest, which culminates in finalists competing in the World Championship of Public Speaking®. This contest is held at the Toastmasters International Convention, which also features education sessions and a chance to cast your club’s vote on important business matters at the Annual Business Meeting. We also provides district conferences, where you can meet fellow Toastmasters in the area and connect with them. There’s also a lot of helpful resources for you to access if you visit the Toastmasters website.

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Part 2��Education Update:�Introducing Pathways�

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Get Started on Pathways as Soon as You Can!

Why?

Understand the Education Program
Help Other Members
Set a Great Example!

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WHY Are We Here – In a Toastmasters Club?

What are our GOALS (Individually and/or Collectively)?

To learn and practice new skills
To meet and interact with people
To express yourself or share your message
To help others do these things

Pathways provides a framework to help people meet goals and measure progress!

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Your Toastmasters/Pathways Vision

JimJameson83@gmail.com 10/2020

⎕ Learning ⎕ Creating ⎕ Belonging ⎕ Doing ⎕ Serving

Why did you join TM?

What kind of speaker do you want to be?

What topics do you want to talk about?

What kind of leader do you want to be?

⎕ Inspiring ⎕ Entertaining ⎕ Persuasive ⎕ Educational

⎕ Motivational ⎕ Storyteller ⎕ Mentor ⎕ Mediator

⎕ Profession ⎕ Hobbies ⎕ Family ⎕ Travel

⎕ Stories ⎕ Research ⎕ People ⎕ Experiences

⎕ Manager ⎕ Coach/Mentor ⎕ Team Lead ⎕ Thought Leader

⎕ Entrepreneur ⎕ Diplomat ⎕ Influencer ⎕ Peer Advisor

Communication

+

Leadership

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Your TM/Pathways Journey

Plan my �JOURNEY

How?

Path / Topics

Pick my�PROJECTS

What?

Knowledge / Skills

See my�RESULTS

Where?

Abilities

Find my �GOALS

Why?

Competencies

JimJameson83@gmail.com 10/2020

Communication

+

Leadership

Think of Pathways as a Travel Guide, not a Road Map!�(ideas for what you CAN do, not what you SHOULD do)

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What is Pathways? A Simple Definition

JimJameson83@gmail.com 10/2020

A flexible learning framework,

providing a selectable set of experiences (Projects/Speeches)

Projects are grouped in broad themes (Paths)

Projects and Paths can be customized as needed � to address a variety of communication & leadership goals

Communication

+

Leadership

Pathways (content) ≠ Base Camp (website)

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What is Pathways?

Five Core Competencies �and 11* different Paths

(A different mix in each path!)

*October 2024 Update:� > Six Continuing Paths

> Five Legacy Paths *

Each Path has 15 Projects (in 5 Levels)

Project = Something to learn + something to do + something to talk about (Read, Write, Speak)
Paths have four Elective Projects (to customize!)

*

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Pathways Levels and Projects

Knowledge 🡪 Skills 🡪 Abilities

Knowledge = Something you know. Skill = Something you can do. Ability = A result you can produce using the Knowledge and Skills.

Level 1 Mastering Fundamentals	Level 2 Learning Your Style	Level 3 Increasing Knowledge	Level 4 Building Skills	Level 5 Demonstrating Expertise
“Ice Breaker” “Writing a Speech with Purpose” “Introduction to Vocal Variety and Body Language” “Evaluation and Feedback”	Two required projects + “Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring”	One Required Project + at least two elective projects + Serve as Topicsmaster, Toastmaster and Evaluator by the end of Level 3	One required project + at least one elective project	One required project + at least one elective project + Path Completion: “Reflect on Your Path”

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Paths - Grouped by Levels of Leadership

George Marshall, gdmarshall@gmail.com

* These are “Legacy Paths” – Retain old look and feel. Still can be used but no longer purchased.

1 - Public Speaking

Presentation Mastery
Engaging Humor

2 - Light Leadership

Leadership Development *
Motivational Strategies
Visionary Communication

3 - Moderate Leadership

Dynamic Leadership
Strategic Relationships *
Team Collaboration *

4 - Strong Leadership

Effective Coaching *
Innovative Planning *
Persuasive Influence

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The updated Paths & Projects Catalog (v6) – a great resource!

(For “new” Paths)

Project

Path Contents�(All projects on each Level, �including required and electives.)

< Easy Navigation

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A Typical Path – 5 Levels and 15 Projects

R

E

Project �Frames

🡨 Subject

🡨 Skill

🡨 Task

R

E

The 4 Elective projects 🡪

The 3 unique Required projects that define each Path’s “DNA” 🡪

L1

L2

L3

L4

L5

Path �Completion

Fundamentals

Style

Knowledge

Skills

Abilities

*

Paths before 2021 have 14 projects

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Paths are defined by 3 unique required projects in L3 L4 L5

JimJameson83@gmail.com 10/2024

See Paths & Projects Catalog for project descriptions: �https://d57tm.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/PathwaysV5.pdf

R

P	Path	Level 3 Required Project	Level 4 Required Project	Level 5 Required Project
EH	ENGAGING �HUMOR	Engage Your Audience with Humor	Power of Humor in an Impromptu Speech	Deliver Your Message with Humor
PM	PRESENTATION MASTERY	Persuasive Speaking	Managing a Difficult Audience	Prepare to Speak Professionally
LD	* LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT	Planning and Implementing *	Leading Your Team *	Manage Successful Events *
MS	MOTIVATIONAL STRATEGIES	Understanding Emotional Intelligence	Motivate Others	Team Building
VC	VISIONARY COMMUNICATION	Develop a Communication Plan	Communicate Change	Develop Your Vision
DL	DYNAMIC LEADERSHIP	Negotiate the Best Outcome	Manage Change	Lead in Any Situation
SR	* STRATEGIC RELATIONSHIPS	Make Connections Through Networking	Public Relations Strategies	Leading in Your Volunteer Organization
TC	* TEAM COLLABORATION	Successful Collaboration *	Motivate Others *	Lead in Any Situation
EC	* EFFECTIVE COACHING	Reaching Consensus *	Improvement Through Positive Coaching *	High Performance Leadership
IP	* INNOVATIVE PLANNING	Present a Proposal *	Manage Projects Successfully	High Performance Leadership
PI	PERSUASIVE INFLUENCE	Understanding Conflict Resolution	Leading in Difficult Situations	High Performance Leadership

1 - Public Speaking

2 - Light Leadership

3 - Moderate Leadership

4 - Strong Leadership

Path Groupings

* Legacy Paths �(& Deprecated Projects)

* These are “Legacy Paths” – Retain old look & feel. Still can be used, but can no longer be purchased.

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A Quick Tour of a Popular Path (Levels 1-3)

* Choose any two of the � 14 Level 3 electives

Level	Project Title (Presentation Mastery Path)
1	Icebreaker
1	Writing a Speech with Purpose
1	Vocal Variety & Body Language
1	Evaluation & Feedback (2 sp +Eval)


2	Know Your Communication Style
2	Effective Body Language
2	Mentoring (as a Mentee)


3	Persuasive Speaking
3	Level 3 Elective * [e.g. Visual Aids]
3	Level 3 Elective * [e.g. Inspire Your Audience]

Deliver Social Speeches	Connect with Your Audience	Understanding Vocal Variety
Using Presentation Software	Make Connections via Networking	Active Listening
Connect with Storytelling	Focus on the Positive	Know Your Sense of Humor
Creating Effective Visual Aids	Inspire Your Audience	Researching and Presenting
Using Descriptive Language	Prepare for an Interview

* Level 3 - Elective Choices (14):

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Customizing PW Projects to Achieve YOUR Goals

Each project has a broad objective -- customize it to meet YOUR needs.
Projects can be pursued in any order, across any Path you own. It’s often better to chose your topic first then find a project that will fit.
Additional goals or skills can be added to any project and timing is flexible – just tell your evaluator. [It’s your Path and your Journey!]

Projects teach specific knowledge. They use the assigned speeches to practice related skills. �Most also include activities to improve overall abilities -- to apply learnings in YOUR work and life.

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The Road to DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster)

New Member

District Officer

Club Mentor or Club Coach

Club Sponsor or Speechcraft or �Youth Leadership Program

Club Officer-12 mo.

DTM

DTM¹�PROJECT�“Capstone”

Communications:

Two Paths

Leadership:

Four Assignments

¹Email educationprogram@toastmasters.org after completing Level 3 of your second, different Path to ask that the DTM Project be added to your transcript.

Communication

+

Leadership

Awards and Recognition

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A Quick Look at��Pathways Navigation and �the NEW Base Camp� �(An overview of the October 2024 changes)�

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Pathways versus Base Camp

JimJameson83@gmail.com 10/2020

Pathways is a flexible learning framework,

- providing a selectable set of experiences (Projects/Speeches), �- which are grouped in broad themes (Paths)

Base Camp is a new, highly interactive website through which we use the Pathways framework and associated learning tools (Paths & Projects)

Pathways (content) ≠ Base Camp (website)

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New Base Camp is much easier to use! Here is a �great way to get started: � �Watch This Video!�

NEW Base Camp

October 2024

https://www.toastmasters.org/education/base-camp-videos

Or for detailed written instructions see the new Pathways User Guide and the Base Camp Manager Guide at the bottom of this page (under Tutorials):

�https://app.basecamp.toastmasters.org/dashboard/resources.

Also near the bottom of this page is an excellent 60-minute webinar!

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Your TI “My Home” Page��(No change inn 10/2024!)

Club Admin for officers

To select a new path, or find other learning resources

www.toastmasters.org/myhome/ �(Bookmark this page!)

See all my awards!

Go To Base Camp �(same as before)

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Choose a Path��(no changes – works just as before from the My Home page.)

NEW Base Camp

October 2024

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Select a Path to Enroll in Pathways (or buy an additional Path) -- Same as before!

Log in to TM Site and go to My Home

To choose a Path:

JimJameson83@gmail.com 1/2024

www.toastmasters.org/myhome/

https://www.toastmasters.org/start-pathways/select-your-preference?

Skip or answer questions

(first Path is free)

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Pathways Related Navigation – The Big Picture

NEW Base Camp October 2024

select a new path,

TI - My Home Page www.toastmasters.org/myhome/

Learning Dashboard�(shows all paths)

Path Overview�(all Levels & projects)

Project

(w/new navigator)

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New Base Camp Home Page:�The Learning Dashboard� �(Base Camp Home Page always opens here, �showing all Paths and Learning opportunities)

NEW Base Camp

October 2024

Clicking on this logo will always bring you back to this Home page!

Evals!

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Evaluations��(To Give or Receive!)��Downloadable PDF evaluation forms are still located here, just as before the update: �https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/resource-library?c={01B94FC3-FC65-4308-8CB2-6193718ED156}

NEW Base Camp

October 2024

Send form to Evaluator

Send completed form to Speaker

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Mark a�Project�Complete!

NEW Base Camp

October 2024

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Your Pathways Journey

Plan my �JOURNEY

How?

Path / Topics

Pick my�PROJECTS

What?

Knowledge / Skills

See my�RESULTS

Where?

Abilities

Find my �GOALS

Why?

Competencies

JimJameson83@gmail.com 10/2020

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Some Additional Resources:

Link to D25 Pathways Resource Page: https://www.d25toastmasters.org/resources/#pathways-resources

”The Navigator” (a great TM overview)! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mMdHDkOG2oCB4oDhP8wl_0AaJbUEoPw-/view?usp=sharing

D57 Paths & Projects Catalog: V6! https://www.d25toastmasters.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/PathwaysV6-compressed.pdf New!

Pathways Path Tracking Spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/file/d/1r6Rl9ez5rLyPeTJ9-fjUaFcsw0kPndwC/view?usp=sharing (new)

TI Club & Pathways Resources (new): https://www.toastmasters.org/leadership-central/club-officer-tools/online-club-charter-resources [Has full PDFs for all L1 projects!]

TI Base Camp Videos (new - excellent): https://www.toastmasters.org/education/base-camp-videos [Has 15-minute intro and full webinar!]

TI – Full Base Camp Manuals (new): https://app.basecamp.toastmasters.org/dashboard/resources [See Tutorial section at bottom]

TI Information Pages: Pathways Update Details Pathways 2024 FAQ [For latest info!]

Many thanks to George Marshall (D57) for inspiration and for some of the material in this presentation! [+ bonus slides below]

Compiled by: Jim Jameson March 2020

This presentation

Download the latest version of the new Base Camp presentation at this link: PPT

Quick Reference Guide