Pathways – Basic Overview� �By Jim Jameson�(and the D25 Pathways Team)

V14.2 JVJ 07/01/26

Disclaimer: This is NOT a presentation. It is mainly a reference document in PowerPoint format.

It’s presented as a quick “guided tour” to show the breadth of content and establish context. It is intended to be studied by individuals at their own pace, focusing on sections to meet specific needs.

�[This presentation was formerly known as “Pathways - A Quick Overview” or “Making Pathways Work for YOU!”]

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

Your Toastmasters/Pathways Vision

JimJameson83@gmail.com 10/2020

⎕ Learning ⎕ Creating ⎕ Belonging ⎕ Doing ⎕ Serving

1. Why did you join TM?

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• What kind of speaker do you want to be?

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• What topics do you want to talk about?

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• 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

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)

What is Pathways?

JimJameson83@gmail.com 10/2020

• A flexible learning framework,

providing a flexible set of experiences (Projects)

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• Projects are grouped in 6 broad themes (Paths)
• Engaging Humor
• Presentation Mastery
• Motivational Strategies
• Visionary Communication
• Dynamic Leadership
• Persuasive Influence

A PATH = 15 Projects in 5 Levels

Like a BINGO card?

Note: In addition to these six Current Paths there are two “Vintage Paths” with content selected from older Toastmasters Educational programs. � �There are also five “Legacy Paths” still in use by long term members but no longer available to buy.

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

(For “new” Paths)

Project Description

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

< Easy Navigation

Prepare to Choose a Path

JimJameson83@gmail.com 10/2020

Think about your topics – What do you want to talk about? e.g.

> Profession > Hobbies > Family > Travel

> Stories > Research > People > Experiences

Consider how you will use this Path’s theme

• Thematic -- Try to incorporate Path’s theme into every speech topic
• Eclectic -- Address Path’s theme only where required

But don’t overthink it -- pick a Path, and if you don’t like it:

• You have 30 days to change your mind and exchange it
• Or keep it and do it later; Or just do L1-3 (mostly the same in each path)

Path and Project Flexibility

JimJameson83@gmail.com 10/2020

• Project Purpose/Objectives are generic & flexible – adapt as needed!� (e.g. add skills or use ideas from other sources)
• Talk about your topic, not the speech objective/learning material!
• Projects can be done in any order, even across multiple paths
• Projects are mostly the same in every path (except for 3 unique � required projects in L3-5)
• Every path has four electives in Levels 3-5 to customize Path� (26 options to choose from!)

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* Note: In late October five supplemental educational presentations were added to each path. See slides later in this presentation. �

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Selecting a Path

JimJameson83@gmail.com 10/2020

Three ways to explore and decide on a Path:

• Read detailed Path description/theme (see what resonates with you)
• Take the Pathways Assessment (gives 1-3 suggestions to consider)
• Look at the three unique required projects (see matrix below and/or Catalog)

Unique Required Projects in Levels 3-5 (and Level 2 Required)

To enroll or add a path go to your TI “My Home” page and click the “Learning Hub” box.

Fulfilling A Project

JimJameson83@gmail.com 10/2020

Levels 1-3 – Basic and Advanced Speaking Skills / Self Awareness

LEARN: In Base Camp read about a skill or subject that may be useful in this project

DO: Write a speech on any topic to practice these skills or apply these insights

PRESENT: Give the speech and receive feedback/evaluation (and mark it complete!)

Level 1-3 Examples:

Writing, Vocal Variety, Body Language, Evaluating, Persuading, Inspiring, Visual Aids, Storytelling, Humor, Communication Style, Mentoring (as a Mentee), etc.

Fulfilling A Project

JimJameson83@gmail.com 10/2020

LEARN: In Base Camp read about how to do a task using skills from prior projects

DO: Perform the activity (using any topic) and write a speech about the experience

PRESENT: Give the speech (or demonstrate the task) and receive feedback (+ mark complete)

Levels 4-5 – Demonstrate Skills and Abilities (Tasks or Leadership)

Level 4-5 Examples:

Online meetings, Blog, Q&A Session, Podcast, Public Relations, etc.

Panel Discussion, Leading as a Volunteer, Keynote speaker, High Performance Leadership, etc.

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

* Choose any two of the 14 Level 3 electives

* Level 3 Elective Choices (14):

“Reflect on your Path” - Final speech!

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Too many choices? Consider a simplified approach to Pathways

Mapping the Legacy CC Program into Levels 1-3 of the Presentation Mastery Path

* Choose any two of the � 14 Level 3 electives

Note: This might be useful as a starting point for those who prefer a more ‘prescribed’ approach. This sequence from the original “Competent Communicator” program was very popular among long-time Toastmasters.

Significant Pathways Updates Are Now In Place (as of 10/22/25)

JimJameson83@gmail.com 10/2025

• Meeting Roles:  Specific roles to be performed before completing each level
• Educational Presentations:   Five supplemental speeches at Levels 3-5 ---
• One at L3 and two at L4 & L5 (different choices at each level)
• Chosen from standard TI presentations (speaker notes and PowerPoint are provided)
• Similar to requirements in traditional TM education program before Pathways
• Checklist of all new requirements appears as first item in each Base Camp Level
• LINK to a preliminary TI document with more details on these changes
• FAQ – This link has more info and will be updated by TI

Note: These new requirements do not apply to the five Legacy Paths or to Levels already completed in the six current/continuing Paths before 10/22/25.

Required Meeting Roles for each Level -- Tracking

JimJameson83@gmail.com 10/2025

Record meeting date the role was filled and what Path. �(and Club if needed)

Reference & Tracking Resource

Link: Tracking Spreadsheet 🡪

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[This may help clubs track the new requirements]

Level 3-5 Educational Presentations -- Options / Tracking

JimJameson83@gmail.com 10/2025

Check selected options

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Record Presentation Date and Club for the five new supplemental speeches

Reference & Tracking Resource

Link: Tracking Spreadsheet 🡪

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[This may help clubs track the new requirements]

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.

Communications:

Two Paths

Leadership:

Four Assignments

¹ Email 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

Plus five supplemental educational presentations with each Path (for Levels completed after 10/2025)

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

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)

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!

Your TI “My Home” Page��(unchanged in 2024 updates)

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)

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

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)

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)

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!

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

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Send completed form to Speaker

Path Overview Page� �The “Curriculum” – �This page shows all Levels in a Path���Expand any level to see all the tasks and projects in that level����- New in October 2025 Update –� �Open this to see the new requirements �for each level� �First page has requirements list and links �to download supplemental presentations� �Second Page has checklist (see next slide)

Newer Base Camp

October 2025

Path�Overview��The “Curriculum” – �With Level menu expanded����This is page 2 of the checklist with the new requirements for Levels completed after October 2025� �(Note: This is for members to track �their own progress, and is not visible �to Base Camp Managers)

Reference & Tracking Resource

Link: Tracking Spreadsheet

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[This tool may help clubs track the new requirements]

Navigating a �Current Project � �in a Continuing (updated) Path

The New Navigator

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Shows all projects in Level

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Expands current project

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Go directly to any section

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Resources area –

To get Eval form or Print Project (download full PDF)

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(Projects in the six updated paths are �very engaging and highly interactive!)

Project Details �(Speech Log)��New way to capture speech info in updated paths, AND another way to send form to Evaluator.���(Not available in Legacy Projects but Evaluations can be found and sent with the Dashboard Feedback tab)

NEW Base Camp

October 2024

Mark a�Project�Complete!

NEW Base Camp

October 2024

Mark a Level�Complete!����When all Level requirements are met the Submit button will be available

NEW Base Camp

October 2024

Legacy Projects

NEW Base Camp

October 2024

New Navigator �has limited functionality

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Must use full screen view to see all Legacy navigation controls

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Fully functional, works just like old Base Camp

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Legacy Project – The Resources Page (same as before)

Your Evaluation Form

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This will download a PDF of the complete Project for printing or to read offline. VERY USEFUL!

This page appears near the end of every legacy project, with valuable downloadable resources, including evaluation form to be used during your speech.

A project has multiple sections. You can go directly to a section using this box.

Working Offline (as an option)

1. Choose Projects; Go online once and download full PDF for each.
2. Track all speeches in an offline document, in coordination with VPE.
3. Go online again and mark finished Projects (and Levels) as complete. VPE will review and approve in Base Camp.

Planning & Tracking Your Pathways Projects and Speeches

Resources

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Offline Tracking Sheet 🡪

Also has 3 new tabs to track new Roles and Supplemental speeches starting Oct 2025

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Paths & Projects Catalog

NEW! Includes the new requirements for Meeting Roles and Educational Presentations!

Summary: Completing Projects, Levels, & Awards

For Member

• Completing a Project:

🡪 Current (continuing) Projects; Go to Complete Your Assignment (and click Confirm!)

🡪 Legacy (discontinued) Projects; Complete Assess Skills-After (and click Submit!)

• Completing a Level:

🡪 Go to Level Completion section, select your Club (if multiple) and click Submit!

🡪 Notify your VPE and/or Base Camp Managers (especially if Dual!) �

For Base Camp Manager -- usually VPE (or delegated to any officer)

• Approves the member’s level completion in Pathways Base Camp �(this will automatically submit the Award to Club Central for DCP)� [Level Completions must be submitted in sequential order!]

Tracking the Additional Pathways Requirements (>10/22/25)

JimJameson83@gmail.com 10/2025

• New requirements do not apply to the 5 Legacy Paths, or to Levels already completed (and awarded) in the 6 current/continuing Paths.
• In the first item of each Level there is a checklist that members may use, but the new requirements are not tracked or enforced in Base Camp.
• Club officers may use a tracking method of their choice to verify that the new requirements are completed.
• Club websites (e.g. FTH or Easy-Speak) are very helpful for tracking all member progress, including new roles and speeches.    [Also see tracking spreadsheet mentioned earlier.]

Remember that Pathways is a flexible, self-paced, peer-learning experience. �Not everything is spelled out explicitly. As with anything in Toastmasters, officers should use their discretion to best meet individual member needs in their club.    

Approvals

• Level Completion Requests: � - Approve or Deny (w/reason)
• Auto-submits for DCP Award

Member Overview

• Member Status/Credentials
• Last Speech Date
• Completed Paths

Paths in Progress

• Active Paths
• Levels Completed
• Project Summaries

Recent Activity

• Levels Completed
• Timeline of Activities

My Clubs

• List of Members
• Details on Projects & Level Status (for BCMs)

Quick Overview: New Pathways Base Camp Manager Navigation

pathways_coordinator@d25toastmasters.org Dec 2024

Base Camp Manager Dashboard�(always opens to Approvals tab)

[The BCM Home Page!]

Base Camp – Learning Dashboard�(‘Go to Base Camp’ from My Home)

You can go to My Clubs from Member or BCM Dashboard

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

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-

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

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

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

TI New Base Camp Videos: 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 2025 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 THIS presentation at this link: PPT

New Base Camp �Quick Reference Guide

Link to Pathways Base Camp Manager Overview

Older Reference Slides (from prior versions)

Why join volunteer groups or teams?

Motivations – What’s In It For Me?

What’s In It For Others?

Motivations – WIIFM?

1. Learning – Skills/Knowledge/Growth
2. Relating – Friendships/Belonging
3. Creating – Self Expression/Sharing
4. Doing – Fulfillment/Fun/Experience
5. Serving – Purpose/Calling/Leadership

WHY Do We Do Things We Don’t Have To?

WIIFO? – Helping Others

• Empower (Find & feed interests/strengths)
• Include (Connect/Remove barriers)
• Inspire (Sow seeds & ideas)
• Invite (Create opportunities)
• Support (Listen/Mentor)

JimJameson83@gmail.com 10/2019

• Study groups (Book club, Bible study, etc.)
• Experiential Learning clubs (TM, cars, pets, etc.)
• Creative groups (Sewing, writing, crafts, art, etc.)
• Musical ensembles (Singing, bands, dance, etc.)
• Service organizations (Rotary, Lions, missions, etc.)
• Sports leagues (Softball, bowling, Gladiator, etc.)
• Work Teams (Affinity groups, special projects, etc.)

7

Why join?

Why stay?

WHY TM? The Benefits of Toastmasters Club Meetings

Jim Jameson 2019

JimJameson83@gmail.com 10/2020

Your Toastmasters Vision

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
• Xxx Original – new derived below

Communication

+

Leadership

Pathways (content) ≠ Base Camp (website)

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.

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

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2 - Light Leadership

• Leadership Development *
• Motivational Strategies
• Visionary Communication

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3 - Moderate Leadership

• Dynamic Leadership
• Strategic Relationships *
• Team Collaboration *

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4 - Strong Leadership

• Effective Coaching *
• Innovative Planning *
• Persuasive Influence

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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.

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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.

Level 1 Projects (for ‘new’ paths after October 2021)

Improved navigation (for new or updated Level 1 projects)

Link for more info

PW Projects – Three Frame Types & Examples

Subject – project focuses on a theme or topic [Talk about]

• L1.1 Ice Breaker (the subject is YOU)
• L2.x Understanding Your Communication or Leadership Style
• L2.3 TM Mentoring (experience as a Mentee)

Skill – project focuses on learning about a specific skill and practicing it [Learn]

• L1.2 Evaluation and Feedback (any subject)
• L3.x Electives (e.g. Vocal Variety, Body Language, Inspire Audience, Visual Aids, Storytelling, etc.)

Task – project involves performing tasks and speaking about the experience [Do]

• L4.x Electives (e.g. Online meetings, Blog, Q&A Session, Podcast, Public Relations)
• L5.x Electives (e.g. Panel Discussion, Leading in a Volunteer Org, Speak Professionally, HPL, etc.)

JimJameson83@gmail.com 08/2021

A Typical Path – 5 Levels and 15 Projects

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Project �Frames

🡨 Subject

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🡨 Skill

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🡨 Task

L1

L2

L3

L4

L5

Path �Completion

Fundamentals

Style

Knowledge

Skills

Abilities

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*

Paths before 2021 have 14 projects

Journey across Paths and Projects in Any Order*

* Recognition:

Levels can be completed in any order, but Awards are earned in sequence (L1-2-3-4-5).

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Customizing PW Projects to Achieve YOUR Goals

1. Each project has a broad objective -- customize it to meet YOUR needs.
2. 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.
3. 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.

Customizing Pathways Projects

What Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities will help me work toward my goals?

• Examples of Knowledge (often found in Project Objectives) Can also use other resources (e.g. CC)

• Examples of Skills (often found on Evaluation forms) Work on these in any speech!

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• Examples of Abilities (often found in Project activities & Path Goals) Results = Knowledge+Skills+Experience!

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- Vocal Variety - Audience Awareness - Writing with Clarity

- Eye Contact - Visual Aids - Organization/Flow

- Gestures/Body Lang. - Use of Notes / Props - Audience Awareness

- Research techniques - Mentoring - Social Media/Blogs

- Leadership Styles - Use of Humor - Project Management

- Communications Styles - Facilitation - Evaluation & Feedback

- Inspiring an audience - Persuasion/Call to Action - Mentoring

- Entertainment/Humor - Motivation/Engagement - Team Building

- Effective Storytelling - Conflict Management - Managing projects

JimJameson83@gmail.com 08/2021

Customizing Example: Level 2, Project #3 (‘Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring’)

Stated Project Objective/Purpose:

• Present a speech about a time when you were a protégé, and the importance and impact of that mentor on you.

Beyond this – customize the project to meet your specific goals, as follows:

• Knowledge to learn: What
• Understand definition, purpose, and benefits of mentoring and the qualities of effective mentors.
• Understand definition, purpose, and benefits of being a protégé. Recognize differences between coaching & mentoring.
• Skills to practice: How
• Project specific – None, other than analysis of personal past experiences
• General (for all projects) -- Writing with clarity; Audience awareness/interest/engagement; �Vocal variety; Eye contact; Gestures/Body language; Visual aids; Use of notes; Comfort level
• Abilities to start developing or to grow: Why 🡨 Start with WHY! Customize for your Path!
• Inspiring; Entertaining; Informing/Teaching; Persuasion/Call to Action; Motivation/Engagement;

The 2024 Pathways Base Camp Updates – In a Nutshell!

New Base Camp

October 2024

Pathways itself (the framework and content) has not changed -- except:

• Six Continuing Paths -- updated with a totally new look (and still available to purchase)
• Five Legacy Paths * -- retain the old look & feel (can still be used if already owned)

The New Pathways Base Camp Updates – In a Nutshell!

New Base Camp

October 2024

Base Camp (the website where we use Pathways) has much more intuitive navigation

• Optimized mobile access from a browser on phones or tablets (for continuing paths)
• Evaluation forms are easier to obtain, share, and fill out online (Electronic or PDF)
• Level completions are easier for members to submit and to designate a recipient club
• Path and Level completions are automatically submitted for Awards in Club Central
• Base Camp administration is greatly simplified; All officers are Base Camp Managers
• New educational options called “Explorations” will be released in the future (3 projects)