Youth Leadership Program is a formal program created by Toastmasters for 10- to 17-year old children providing opportunity to learn and practice public speaking, presentation, and leadership skills. Typically, Toastmasters clubs partner with local middle and high schools, churches, or other youth organizations (Boy Scouts of America, 4-H, Boys & Girls Club, etc.) and present a series of 8 Toastmasters-structured workshops.
Youth Leadership Program students might have different motives that bring them to the program – for some it is to have more friends, for others get better grades or be more successful in life. However; all participants will become more confident, more open and friendlier to each other, and better listeners. Students will be able to pursue and attain more opportunities for their lives.
Once there is a group of interested participants, typically 10 – 20 children, a school or youth organization provides space and makes an arrangement with a Toastmasters club for the series of 8 sessions. Sessions are scheduled one or two weeks apart. Prior to the start of the first session, the school/youth organization can publicize for additional participants.
There are no fees for children participating in the program nor for the school or partnering organization. The entire program, including time of the coordinators, textbooks and workbooks is sponsored by Toastmasters clubs. Toastmasters are motivated by spreading goodwill of the Toastmasters International and providing valuable community service.
Each educational session resembles a regular Toastmasters meeting. They are fun, high paced, and full of energy. Students deliver prepared speeches, practice providing evaluations, answering impromptu questions (Table Topics) and participate in helper roles like timer or ah-counter. The last session is usually devoted to a speech contest and an awards ceremony. Students also learn leadership responsibilities that start with election of class officers. Toastmasters brings in seasoned guest speakers who talk about elements of successful presentations and public speaking like creating an impactful speech, using vocal variety, body language, gestures, overcoming fear, and related topics.
Session One - Introduction to Chairmanship
Election of class officers, learning leadership roles
Session Two - Introduction to Public Speaking
Learning basic principles of speaking, delivering icebreakers
Session Three - Impromptu Speaking
How to answer questions
Session Four - Organizing Your Speech
Students deliver their seconds speeches
Session Five – Listening
Learning how to provide evaluations
Session Six - Gestures in Speaking
Refining public speaking skills
Session Seven - Voice and Vocabulary
Refining public speaking skills
Session Eight - Show Your Skills
Students deliver final presentations or participate in speech contest to showcase learned skills. Program is concluded by a graduation ceremony.
A Chinese proverb says, Teachers open the doors, but you must enter by yourself. Youth Leadership Program students are expected to use their workbooks, prepare for the session and speeches, support their classmates, and commit to doing their best. We also expect commitment and support from their parents. As far as the time investment, students should set aside at least two hours to study and prepare for each session and factor in two more hours for the session itself.
Toastmasters District 49 guarantees the that the Youth Leadership Program Coordinators be of the highest character and caliber and each Coordinator goes though a careful selection process and training.
If your school or organization has a group of children interested in improving their communication and leadership skills, contact the District 49 Youth Leadership Program Manager. We will connect you with a Toastmasters club and coordinators that will provide an amazing and transforming learning experience for the youth in your school or organization.
The Youth Leadership Program (YLP) can be wonderful way to pay back for all that a member has learned in Toastmasters. It also allows an opportunity to progress towards achieving the highest educational designation – Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM). In order to achieve the DTM, members either need to sponsor a new club or participate as a Youth Leadership Program Coordinator.
If you are interested in becoming a Youth Leadership Program Coordinator, contact the District 49 YLP Manager.