Pathways - DTM Project

What is the DTM Project?

The DTM Project is a self-designed project in which you demonstrate the communication and leadership skills you’ve gained throughout your Toastmasters journey.
You must create and implement the project, i.e. not just plan it, but execute it and show measurable results or impact.
The project must be approved (or at least overseen) by a guidance committee that includes at least one Toastmaster.
It can be carried out inside or outside of Toastmasters. For example, you might implement it in a professional, community, volunteer, religious, school, or other setting.
The project should show you are applying what you’ve learned—leading, communicating, organizing, mentoring, influencing, etc.

You are eligible to access the DTM Project in Base Camp once you've completed Level 1, 2, and 3 of your second unique Pathways path (beyond your first completed path).
Alternatively, you might need to request that the DTM Project be added to your transcript.

To help shape a strong DTM Project, here are the typical elements and expectations:

Element	Description / Expectation
Guidance Committee	At least one Toastmaster should be part of your oversight or evaluation team.

Purpose Goal	Define a clear objective or outcome for the project that aligns with leadership and communication.

Planning Strategy	Develop a plan with timelines, resources, stakeholders, tasks.

Execution	Carry out the project in the real world (e.g., run a program, lead a group, deliver workshops, launch communication initiative).

Measurement Evaluation	Determine how you will measure success or impact (data, feedback, surveys, outcomes).

Reflection Reporting	Reflect on lessons learned, challenges, outcomes, and how it developed your skills.

Choose a project you are passionate about, ideally in an area you’ll continue in beyond Toastmasters.
Start small, plan carefully, but make it meaningful and impactful.
Document everything: plans, meeting notes, outcomes, feedback, photos, communications.
Use your network—Toastmasters clubs, district leaders, mentors—to get support and ideas.
Align the project with strategic needs—within a club, district, community, or organization—so that it's relevant and useful.
Make sure the oversight / evaluation structure is clear (who evaluates, when, how).
Break your project down into phases (planning, pilot, implementation, evaluation).
Be flexible. Projects often evolve during execution—anticipate and adapt.
Ensure your project shows growth: demonstrate that you are using advanced communication and leadership skills, not just repeating simpler tasks.

Here are several sample Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) Project ideas, organized by category, plus guidance to help you design your own.

These show leadership beyond your club, applying Toastmasters skills to make an impact in your community.

Organize a Public Speaking Workshop for Youth
- Partner with a school or youth group.
- Teach confidence, impromptu speaking, or interview skills.
- Recruit volunteers from your club as facilitators.
- Track results (attendance, feedback, pre/post surveys).
Launch a Community Leadership Seminar Series
- Design and deliver a 3–4 session program on communication, conflict resolution, or leadership.
- Market it to local organizations, nonprofits, or civic groups.
- Evaluate success by participation and testimonials.
Create a Communication Mentorship Program
- Pair professionals or students with mentors to improve speaking and leadership skills.
- Manage mentor training, guidelines, and evaluation forms.
- Present outcomes in your final reflection.
Coordinate a Volunteer Initiative
- Lead a charity drive, environmental cleanup, or fundraising event.
- Focus on communication, delegation, and project management.
- Highlight how Toastmasters principles helped you lead effectively.

Designed to demonstrate leadership in a real-world professional setting.

Implement a Communication Training Program at Work
- Develop and deliver workshops on presentation skills, team communication, or leadership listening.
- Measure participant improvement through surveys or supervisor feedback.
Launch a New Internal Newsletter or Podcast
- Lead a small editorial team.
- Develop a communication plan, produce episodes or issues, and analyze audience reach.
Develop a Conflict Resolution or Feedback Workshop
- Use Toastmasters evaluation techniques to create a training session for managers or HR.
- Document outcomes and skills applied.

These support the growth of Toastmasters itself or educational outreach.

Start or Revive a Toastmasters Club
- Lead the full process from chartering to mentoring.
- Document the marketing, leadership, and communication aspects.
- Often considered one of the most challenging and rewarding DTM projects.
Create a Club Officer Training Event
- Design and coordinate an engaging training for multiple clubs.
- Incorporate new learning techniques or online tools.
Develop a District-Level Workshop or Contest Event
- Plan and run an educational session or contest.
- Showcase your event leadership, planning, and public speaking skills.

These focus on innovation, storytelling, or long-term contribution.

Design a Leadership Handbook or Resource Guide
- Create a practical guide (printed or digital) that others in your district or club can use.
- Incorporate quotes, exercises, and original visuals.
Produce a Video Series or Online Course
- Create short modules on topics like “Speaking with Confidence” or “Mastering Body Language.”
- Post online or share with clubs.
Build a Toastmasters History or Storytelling Archive
- Collect member stories, photos, or interviews.
- Present them in a digital format for your district website.

When designing your own, use this structure:

Step	What to Do
1. Define Purpose	What need or gap are you addressing? Who benefits?
2. Set Goals	Use SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).
3. Plan the Steps	Outline key tasks, timeline, and people involved.
4. Gather Support	Recruit your committee and mentors early.
5. Execute	Communicate, delegate, and adapt as needed.
6. Evaluate	Gather data, feedback, and outcomes.
7. Reflect	What did you learn about leadership and communication?