The Toastmasters Youth Leadership Program is an interactive educational experience designed to help students in grades 7–12 develop communication, leadership, and self-confidence skills during a critical stage of personal growth.
Sponsored by local Toastmasters clubs and based on materials from Toastmasters International, this program gives young people a supportive environment to practice public speaking, lead meetings, and work collaboratively with their peers.
About the Program
The Youth Leadership Program is an eight-session, workshop-style program that focuses on learning by doing. Students gain hands-on experience speaking in front of others, leading discussions, and giving constructive feedback.
The program:
- Is not a competition and does not replace school courses
- Supplements school and community programs by focusing on communication and leadership skills
- Encourages growth, confidence, and participation in a positive, structured setting
Program Purpose
Every young person has the potential to be an effective communicator and leader. The Youth Leadership Program helps develop that potential through:
- Practical speaking opportunities
- Guided leadership activities
- Peer and mentor feedback
- A supportive, encouraging learning environment
Skills Students Develop
Participants learn how to:
- Speak confidently in front of an audience
- Organize ideas clearly and present them effectively
- Listen actively and respectfully
- Give helpful evaluations and feedback
- Participate in—and lead—group discussions and meetings
As skills grow, students also gain self-confidence, teamwork experience, and friendships.
Who Can Participate
- Designed for students in 7th–12th grade
- Program groups typically include 15–20 participants
- Students are selected by the sponsoring Toastmasters club or a cooperating organization (such as a school, homeschool group, or youth organization)
The program is ideal for students who want to build skills, not just those who already see themselves as leaders.
Program Sponsors & Leadership
A local Toastmasters club sponsors and conducts the program.
- Program Coordinator – Oversees the program, leads most sessions, and works with the sponsoring organization
- Assistant Coordinator – Supports sessions and fills in as needed
These volunteers are experienced Toastmasters who enjoy mentoring young people and helping them succeed.
How the Program Works
- Eight sessions, held during or after school, evenings, or weekends
- Each session lasts 1–2 hours
- Meetings follow a format similar to a Toastmasters club meeting
Typical Session Activities
- Evaluation of current speaking skills
- Prepared speeches and impromptu talks
- Group discussions and evaluations
- Listening, voice, vocabulary, and gesture exercises
- Leadership and chairmanship practice
Students rotate meeting roles so everyone is actively involved. Lecturing is minimal—participation is key.
Cost & Materials
- There is usually no cost to students
- Program materials are produced by Toastmasters International and provided by the sponsoring club for a small fee
To order materials, clubs may contact Toastmasters Member Services at 949-858-8255 or visit the Toastmasters online store.
Learn More or Get Involved
- To learn more about the Youth Leadership Program:
Email: membership@toastmasters.org - Toastmasters clubs conduct this program on a voluntary basis. If your school or organization is interested, look for a nearby club that may be willing to sponsor a program.
- For District 8 information, please contact the Youth Leadership District Chair:
Suresh Gopalakrishnan
Student Testimonials
“Before the first session I was extremely nervous and very shy. As I continued attending the Toastmasters sessions, my love for and skills in public speaking grew side-by-side. Soon I began to enjoy giving speeches and became more confident.”
“The program challenged me to step outside my comfort zone. Each new speech helped improve my speaking skills, and learning different roles like Table Topics Master and Toastmaster made me a better leader.”
Lillian
9th Grade – Cardinal Academy Home School
University City, MO
Sample Materials
Common materials used during Youth Leadership sessions include:
- Class Syllabus
- First Session Agenda
- Session 4 Agenda
- Evaluation Form
- Speech Introduction Form (Example & Blank)
- Speech Worksheet
- Fear of Public Speaking PowerPoint
- Word of the Day – Sample
These materials can be adapted to meet the needs of each club or organization.
Interested in bringing the Youth Leadership Program to your school or organization? District 8 Toastmasters clubs are ready to help develop tomorrow’s leaders—today.
