Common Terms & Terminology

Prior to the Competent Leader manual coming out, the "Old" Competent Leader (OCL) was the first rank in the leadership track. The requirements are equivalent to the Advanced Leader Bronze rank that came out in the mid-2000s, replacing the OCL.

Pathways (formerly known as the Revitalized Education Program), was introduced around 2017 and replaced the educational program. It uses online elements to deliver content and evaluations. As it has rolled out, new members in districts that have gone live will be placed on Pathways, and won't receive the old manuals.

More information on Pathways is available from Toastmasters International.

The President is the club officer that is ultimately responsible for the success or failure of the club. They guide the other officers so that the club can meet its goals.

More on officers can be found in the RDG TM Leadership program.

The presiding officer opens and closes meetings, conducts club business, and hands off control to the Toastmaster. This role is filled by the highest ranking officer in the meeting.

More information can be found in the RDG TM Meetings program. 

The Secretary (often combined with Treasurer) is an officer that manages club records and takes meeting minutes. They'll often provide after meeting reports.

More on officers can be found in the RDG TM Leadership program.

The Sergeant at Arms manages the meeting space, setting it up before the meeting and tearing it down afterward. 

More on officers can be found in the RDG TM Leadership program.

A speech project is based on a manual such as the Competent Communicator or Pathways. Your speeches should, whenever possible, be based on manuals so that you can receive credit towards educational goals.

This is the impromptu speaking section of the meeting, meant to teach improvisational thinking. 

More information can be found in the RDG TM Meetings program. 

The Table Topics Master conducts the impromptu speaking section of the meeting.

More information can be found in the RDG TM Meetings program. 

This is a role that keeps track of times for speakers (prepared speeches, Table Topics, and evaluations), as well as tracks overall meeting time.

More information can be found in the RDG TM Meetings program.