As a Toastmaster you will progress in your Communication and Leadership skills in the following ways:

1. You start by preparing an initial speech of 5 minutes, called the Icebreaker, where you will introduce yourself. This is the only speech where the topic is predefined. The topics of the following speeches are chosen by the speaker.
2. You follow the Projects included in the Competent Communicator Manual by preparing speeches 5 to 7 minutes long. Each Project has a area of improvement and objectives – speech organization, body language, vocal variety, uso of props, etc.
3. You get immediate feedback for each speech: a verbal evaluation from an experienced Toastmaster, and written evaluations from the rest of members and guests.
4. After your Icebreaker, you can enter elections as a Club Officer, as part of the Club Committee which has the responsibility during one year (July-June) of managing the Club. From this experience you will gain management and leadership skills.
5. After the third speech, you will be officially recognized by the Club as a full member. At this point, you no longer need a Mentor, you become someone else's Mentor, may act as Toastmaster of the Evening and lead a session, and act as an Evaluator.
6. After the fifth speech, you'll be halfway there to becoming a Competent Communicator. The Club recognizes you as a “½ Competent Communicator”.
7. After the tenth speech, you will receive the “Competent Communicator” award. This is usually achieved in a period of 12 to 15 months.
8. Toastmasters life doesn’t end here! You go on to choose one or more specialties in the Advanced Communication Series such as Informative Speeches, Public Relations Speeches, Management Speeches, Storytelling, and much more.