Innovative Planning

This path helps you build your skills as a public speaker and leader. The projects on this path focus on developing a strong connection with audience members when you present, speech writing and speech delivery. The projects contribute to building an understanding of the steps to manage a project, as well as creating innovative solutions. This path culminates in a “High Performance Leadership” project of your design.

LEVEL 1 - Mastering Fundamentals

Project 1 - Icebreaker

This foundational project is designed to introduce you to your club and the skills you need to begin your Toastmasters journey. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to introduce yourself to the club and learn the basic structure of a public speech. Overview: Write and deliver a speech about any topic to introduce yourself to the club. Your speech may be humorous, informational, or any other style that appeals to you. This project includes: ■ A 4- to 6-minute speech



Project 2 - Evaluation and Feedback

This project addresses the skills needed to give and receive feedback. You will learn about giving, receiving and applying feedback. Purpose: This project comprises three assignments - the delivery of two speeches and an evaluation. The purpose of this project is to present a speech on any topic, receive feedback, and apply the feedback to the second speech. Overview: Choose any topic for your first 5- to 7-minute speech. After your speech, carefully review your feedback. At a different club meeting, present a second 5- to 7-minute speech in which you incorporate feedback from your first speech. You may choose to present the same speech again or a new speech. Your second speech should reflect some or all of the feedback from your first speech. To complete this project, serve as an evaluator at a club meeting and deliver constructive feedback about another member’s presentation. This project includes:
■ A 5- to 7-minute speech
■ Another 5 - 7 minute speech that incorporates feedback from the first speech
■ Serving as a speech evaluator



Project 3 - Researching & Presenting

This project addresses topic selection strategies, suggestions for research and methods for producing a wellorganized speech. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to learn or review basic research methods and present a well-organized, well-researched speech on any topic. Overview: Select a topic that you are not already familiar with or that you wish to learn more about. Be sure your topic is narrow enough to be an effective 5- to 7-minute speech. Research the topic and begin organizing the information, as described in this project. Practice your speech and continue to refine its organization. Present your speech at a club meeting. This project includes: ■ Researching a topic
■ The Research Worksheet
■ The Speech Outline Worksheet
■ A 5- to 7-minute speech



LEVEL 2 - Learning Your Style

Project 1 - High Performance Leadership

The focus of this project is to design and complete a project with well-defined goals, lead a team and be accountable to a guidance committee. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to apply your leadership and planning knowledge to develop a project plan, organize a guidance committee, and implement your plan with the help of a team. Overview: Select a project to complete with a team of at least three other members. Form a guidance committee and meet at least five times through the duration of the project. Deliver a 5-to 7-minute speech at a club meeting to introduce your plan and vision. After you implement the plan, deliver a second 5- to 7-minute speech at a club meeting to share your experience developing and completing your plan. This project includes:
■ Selecting, leading, and completing a project with a team
■ Forming and meeting with a guidance committee at least five times
■ The Guidance Committee Introduction resource
■ The Meeting Agenda resource
■ The Project Plan Overview resource
■ The Project Plan resource
■ The Vision Plan resource
■ The Event Planning Worksheet
■ The 360° Evaluation resource
■ Two 5- to 7-minute speeches



Elective - Ethical Leadership

This project addresses the importance of recognizing the effect of decisions that impact ethics, best practices for making ethical decisions and developing an ethical framework. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to develop a clear understanding of your own ethical framework and create an opportunity for others to hear about and discuss ethics in your organization or community. Overview: Define an ethical framework for yourself. To do this, you may need to complete personal research beyond the contents of this project. Then, organize and moderate a 20- to 40-minute panel discussion about ethics, followed by a question-and-answer session. If you have never facilitated a panel discussion, review the “Moderate a Panel Discussion” elective project. This project includes:
■ The Ethical Framework resource
■ Organizing and moderating a panel discussion as well as a question-and-answer session



Elective - Leading in Your Volunteer Organization

This project focuses on the skills required to lead in a volunteer organization and the importance of recognition and reward in motivating volunteers. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to apply the skills needed to successfully lead in a volunteer organization. Overview: Serve in a leadership role in Toastmasters or another volunteer organization for at least six months. You may complete this project based on your employment, but a volunteer organization is preferable. Ask members of the organization to complete a 360° evaluation of your leadership skills. Create a succession plan to aid in the transition after you leave your position of leadership. After your six-month term, deliver a 5- to 7-minute speech at a club meeting to reflect on your personal experience. This project includes:
■ Serving in a volunteer leadership role for a minimum of six months
■ Conducting a 360° evaluation of your leadership skills
■ Creating a succession plan
■ The Succession Plan resource
■ The 360° Evaluation resource
■ A 5- to 7-minute speech



Elective - Lessons Learned

The focus of this project is to design and complete a project with well-defined goals, lead a team and be accountable to a guidance committee. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to apply your leadership and planning knowledge to develop a project plan, organize a guidance committee, and implement your plan with the help of a team. Overview: Select a project to complete with a team of at least three other members. Form a guidance committee and meet at least five times through the duration of the project. Deliver a 5-to 7-minute speech at a club meeting to introduce your plan and vision. After you implement the plan, deliver a second 5- to 7-minute speech at a club meeting to share your experience developing and completing your plan. This project includes:
■ Selecting, leading, and completing a project with a team
■ Forming and meeting with a guidance committee at least five times
■ The Guidance Committee Introduction resource
■ The Meeting Agenda resource
■ The Project Plan Overview resource
■ The Project Plan resource
■ The Vision Plan resource
■ The Event Planning Worksheet
■ The 360° Evaluation resource
■ Two 5- to 7-minute speeches



Elective - Moderate a Panel Discussion

This project addresses the skills needed to successfully moderate a panel discussion and how to be an effective participant on a panel. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to apply your skills as a public speaker and leader to facilitate a panel discussion. Overview: Plan and moderate a 20- to 40-minute panel discussion. The panel discussion can be on any topic and may take place at a club meeting or outside of Toastmasters with the approval of your vice president education. Toastmasters who participate as panelists do not receive credit in Toastmasters Pathways. When you have the opportunity, volunteer to act as a panelist for another member completing this project. This project includes:
■ Planning and moderating a 20- to 40-minute panel discussion
■ The Panelist Basics resource
■ The Project Completion Form



Elective - Prepare to Speak Professionally

This project is designed to help you define the attributes of professional speakers and apply that understanding to your own skills as a speaker. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice developing and presenting a longer speech Overview: Write and present an 18- to 22-minute keynote-style speech. Exemplify the point of view or message you would convey as a professional-level speaker. You may choose to use visual aids if they fit your speech and your style. Your speech may be humorous, informational, or any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content. If you receive advance approval from the vice president education, you may present your speech to a non- Toastmasters group. This project includes:
■ The Speech Outline Worksheet
■ An 18- to 22-minute keynote-style speech



LEVEL THREE - Increasing Knowledge

(Complete Project 1 + Two Electives)

Reflect On Your Path

This project is designed to give you an opportunity to share your experience at the end of your path. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to reflect on your growth during the completion of an entire path. Overview: At a club meeting, present a 10- to 12-minute speech to share your experience completing your path. Use this as an opportunity to reflect on how far you have come, summarize the skills you have learned and developed, and to celebrate your achievements. Your speech can be humorous, informational, or any style that that appeals to you and supports your speech content. This project includes:
■ The Your Toastmasters Journey resource
■ A 10- to 12-minute speech



LEVEL FOUR - Building Skills

(Complete Project 1 + One Elective)

Project 1 - Manage Projects Successfully

This project focuses on skills needed to effectively manage a project, develop rapport with stakeholders and cultivate strong relationships with a team. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice developing a plan, building a team, and fulfilling the plan with the help of your team. Overview: Form a team of three to four people and choose a project. Create a plan for your project and present the plan to your club in a 2- to 3-minute speech. Work with your team to complete your project. Present a 5- to 7-minute speech about your experience. This speech may be humorous, informational, or any type of speech that appeals to you. It should not be a report about the content of this project, but a reflection of your experience applying what you learned. Note: When considering projects to complete, refer to future projects on your path. You may be able to use the assignment in this project to help you prepare for the completion of an upcoming project. This project includes:
■ Building a team
■ Creating a project plan
■ The Project Plan resource
■ A 2- to 3-minute speech about your plan
■ Completing the plan with your team
■ A 5- to 7-minute speech about your experience



Elective - Building A Social Media Presence

This project addresses how best to use different types of online communication. You will create and maintain an online profile to promote yourself or an organization. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to apply your understanding of social media to enhance an established or new social media presence. Overview: Use this project and your own research to build a new social media presence or enhance an existing presence. You may focus on a personal goal (such as connecting with old friends or promoting a blog) or on a professional goal (such as promoting a business or organization). Use the tools you identify as best for you and your purpose. After you achieve your goal, deliver a 5- to 7-minute speech to your club about your results, experience, and the benefits of social media. Submit the Project Completion Form to your vice president education to receive credit for completing the project. Note: With the vice president public relation’s approval, you may choose to create a social media presence for your Toastmasters club. This project includes:
■ Establishing or enhancing a social media presence
■ The Project Completion Form
■ A 5- to 7-minute speech



Elective - Create A Podcast

This project addresses the skills you need to develop a podcast, create interesting content and organize a cohesive program. You will learn how to record and upload it to the internet. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to introduce you to the skills needed to organize and present a podcast. Overview: Use this project and your own research to create a podcast. Record a minimum of 60 minutes of content. You are free to divide the episodes as you choose. Each separate episode must be at least 10 minutes, but may be longer if it fits your topic and style. After you record all content, play a 5- to 10-minute segment in your club. Introduce the segment in a 2- to 3-minute speech. This project includes:
■ Recording 60 minutes of podcast content
■ A 2- to 3-minute introduction speech



Elective - Manage Online Meetings

This project addresses how to effectively conduct online meetings and webinars, prepare and organize necessary visual aids, and lead with confidence. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice facilitating an online meeting or leading a webinar. Overview: Conduct a 20- to 25-minute online meeting with fellow Toastmasters or a 20- to 25-minute webinar with visual aids for fellow Toastmasters. You determine the topic of your meeting or webinar. Research and use software that best fits your needs and geographic area. Invite your evaluator to participate in the online meeting or webinar. If you complete your assignment with non-Toastmasters, you must receive approval from the vice president education and invite your evaluator to attend. This project includes:
■ The Online Meeting Agenda resource
■ The Online Meeting Basics resource
■ Planning and conducting a 20- to 25-minute online meeting or webinar



Elective - Public Relations Strategies

This project focuses on how to promote awareness of an organization, formulate a public relations strategy and use various public relations tactics. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice the skills needed to effectively use public relations strategies for any group or situation. Overview: Create a public relations plan for a real or hypothetical group or situation. If it involves your club, it must be hypothetical unless you communicate with the vice president public relations and club president. Share your plan in a 5- to 7-minute speech at a club meeting. This speech is not a report on the content of this project, but an example of how you will or might apply what you learned. This project includes:
■ Creating a public relations strategy
■ A 5- to 7-minute speech



Elective - Question and Answer Session

This project addresses how to prepare to answer questions and provide information clearly, concisely and with confidence. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to learn about and practice facilitating a question-and-answer session. Overview: Select a topic of which you are particularly knowledgeable. Prepare and deliver a speech on this topic, followed by a question-and-answer session. Together, the speech and question-and-answer session must be 15 to 20 minutes. Use your time effectively to ensure both segments are completed. This project includes:
■ A 5-to 7-minute speech
■ A question-and-answer session after the speech



Elective - Write A Compelling Blog

This project addresses the basics of developing a compelling blog and successfully engaging a readership. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to review or introduce the skills needed to write and maintain a blog. Overview: Post a minimum of eight blog posts in one month. Your blog may be new or one you have already established. You must receive approval from the vice president education to blog on behalf of your club. Deliver a 2- to 3-minute speech at a club meeting about the impact of your blogging experience. You may choose to have your blog evaluated by members of the club. Submit your signed Project Completion Form to the vice president education to receive credit for this project. This project includes:
■ Maintaining a blog and posting at least eight times in one month
■ The Blog Evaluation Form
■ The Project Completion Form
■ A 2- to 3-minute speech



Elective - Manage a Difficult Audience

This project covers common behaviors of difficult audience members and how to address each behavior in a calm, effective and professional way. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice the skills needed to address audience challenges when you present outside of your Toastmasters club. Overview: Prepare a 5- to 7-minute speech on a topic of your choosing. You may write a new speech or use a speech you presented previously. You will be evaluated on the way you manage audience disruptions, not the content of your speech. Before your club meeting, send the Role Play Assignments resource to the Toastmaster and vice president education. As you present your speech, respond to different types of difficult audience members that disrupt you. The process of speaking and responding to audience members will take 12 to 15 minutes. This project includes:
■ A role play assignment for club members
■ A 5- to 7-minute speech



LEVEL FIVE - Demonstrating Expertise

(Complete Project 1 + One Elective)

Project 1 - High Performance Leadership

The focus of this project is to design and complete a project with well-defined goals, lead a team and be accountable to a guidance committee. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to apply your leadership and planning knowledge to develop a project plan, organize a guidance committee, and implement your plan with the help of a team. Overview: Select a project to complete with a team of at least three other members. Form a guidance committee and meet at least five times through the duration of the project. Deliver a 5-to 7-minute speech at a club meeting to introduce your plan and vision. After you implement the plan, deliver a second 5- to 7-minute speech at a club meeting to share your experience developing and completing your plan. This project includes:
■ Selecting, leading, and completing a project with a team
■ Forming and meeting with a guidance committee at least five times
■ The Guidance Committee Introduction resource
■ The Meeting Agenda resource
■ The Project Plan Overview resource
■ The Project Plan resource
■ The Vision Plan resource
■ The Event Planning Worksheet
■ The 360° Evaluation resource
■ Two 5- to 7-minute speeches



Elective - Ethical Leadership

This project addresses the importance of recognizing the effect of decisions that impact ethics, best practices for making ethical decisions and developing an ethical framework. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to develop a clear understanding of your own ethical framework and create an opportunity for others to hear about and discuss ethics in your organization or community. Overview: Define an ethical framework for yourself. To do this, you may need to complete personal research beyond the contents of this project. Then, organize and moderate a 20- to 40-minute panel discussion about ethics, followed by a question-and-answer session. If you have never facilitated a panel discussion, review the “Moderate a Panel Discussion” elective project. This project includes:
■ The Ethical Framework resource
■ Organizing and moderating a panel discussion as well as a question-and-answer session



Elective - Leading in Your Volunteer Organization

This project focuses on the skills required to lead in a volunteer organization and the importance of recognition and reward in motivating volunteers. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to apply the skills needed to successfully lead in a volunteer organization. Overview: Serve in a leadership role in Toastmasters or another volunteer organization for at least six months. You may complete this project based on your employment, but a volunteer organization is preferable. Ask members of the organization to complete a 360° evaluation of your leadership skills. Create a succession plan to aid in the transition after you leave your position of leadership. After your six-month term, deliver a 5- to 7-minute speech at a club meeting to reflect on your personal experience. This project includes:
■ Serving in a volunteer leadership role for a minimum of six months
■ Conducting a 360° evaluation of your leadership skills
■ Creating a succession plan
■ The Succession Plan resource
■ The 360° Evaluation resource
■ A 5- to 7-minute speech



Elective - Lessons Learned

The focus of this project is to design and complete a project with well-defined goals, lead a team and be accountable to a guidance committee. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to apply your leadership and planning knowledge to develop a project plan, organize a guidance committee, and implement your plan with the help of a team. Overview: Select a project to complete with a team of at least three other members. Form a guidance committee and meet at least five times through the duration of the project. Deliver a 5-to 7-minute speech at a club meeting to introduce your plan and vision. After you implement the plan, deliver a second 5- to 7-minute speech at a club meeting to share your experience developing and completing your plan. This project includes:
■ Selecting, leading, and completing a project with a team
■ Forming and meeting with a guidance committee at least five times
■ The Guidance Committee Introduction resource
■ The Meeting Agenda resource
■ The Project Plan Overview resource
■ The Project Plan resource
■ The Vision Plan resource
■ The Event Planning Worksheet
■ The 360° Evaluation resource
■ Two 5- to 7-minute speeches



Elective - Moderate a Panel Discussion

This project addresses the skills needed to successfully moderate a panel discussion and how to be an effective participant on a panel. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to apply your skills as a public speaker and leader to facilitate a panel discussion. Overview: Plan and moderate a 20- to 40-minute panel discussion. The panel discussion can be on any topic and may take place at a club meeting or outside of Toastmasters with the approval of your vice president education. Toastmasters who participate as panelists do not receive credit in Toastmasters Pathways. When you have the opportunity, volunteer to act as a panelist for another member completing this project. This project includes:
■ Planning and moderating a 20- to 40-minute panel discussion
■ The Panelist Basics resource
■ The Project Completion Form



Elective - Prepare to Speak Professionally

This project is designed to help you define the attributes of professional speakers and apply that understanding to your own skills as a speaker. Purpose: The purpose of this project is to practice developing and presenting a longer speech Overview: Write and present an 18- to 22-minute keynote-style speech. Exemplify the point of view or message you would convey as a professional-level speaker. You may choose to use visual aids if they fit your speech and your style. Your speech may be humorous, informational, or any style that appeals to you and supports your speech content. If you receive advance approval from the vice president education, you may present your speech to a non- Toastmasters group. This project includes:
■ The Speech Outline Worksheet
■ An 18- to 22-minute keynote-style speech



Path Completion

What time do I need to be at the boat?

We depart from Stokes Wharf jetty at 8:00am for both morning and full day charters, our afternoon charters depart at 1:00pm, We ask that you be there at 10 minutes before departure time.



Do you offer a pick up and drop off service?

No as Stokes Hill Wharf is conveniently located close to the CBD and all Darwin's major hotels and tourist accommodation, easily walking distance or a $10 cab fare, Darwin we ask that you find your own way to Stokes Wharf jetty which is less than ten minutes drive from most of Darwin cities major resorts.



What do I need to bring?

We supply all top quality fishing rods, reels and tackle and plenty of chilled drinking water to ensure that your time on the water is enjoyable. However things such as food are a personal choice so we ask that you bring your own. We also suggest that you bring the following items: - Hat - Sunscreen - Long Sleeve Shirt - Food - Camera



Do I need to bring my own fishing gear?

No, given that we target powerful, high quality fish, we supply the very best quality tackle for you to use during your charter. However you are welcome to bring your own if you choose to do so and we will show you how to rig it to give you optimum chance of landing that quality fish.



What species will we be targeting?

The types of species we will be targeting will depend on the type of charter that you've booked and the time of year as all species are seasonal and more prolific at certain times of the year. In Darwin we have what's called a wet season where we get monsoonal rain from about November through until late February and into March which can limit your fishing possibilities. In the early Dry Season from April to May gives you your best chance of a Barramundi in the feeder creeks though with the beauty of soft plastics there is a much more diverse range of species that we hook up on. As the Dry Season moves on into June/ July/ August we get schools of Longtail Tuna, Trevallys and a range of Mackerel species on the light tackle spin as well as Golden Snapper on Soft Plastics and Barramundi in the feeder creeks.



Will I definitely catch fish?

It's called 'fishing' rather than 'catching' for a reason. We obviously can't guarantee that the fish will be biting on any particular day, but given our wealth of experience and local knowledge, we will do everything in our powers to get you on to fish and in keeping with our theme we will teach you the correct techniques to catch quality fish.



Can I keep the fish I catch?

Yes, if you want to keep a feed of fish then that's fine by us providing it's within the local size and bag limit regulations. We have an esky available on board to keep your catch fresh.



Is the Polycraft safe for offshore fishing?

Yes, our 4.8m Polycraft Brumby is foam filled and meets all required survey and safety requirements. We only head offshore when the weather is suitable. Given the abundance of excellent fishing in Darwin Harbour we are never far from shore. Your safety is our number one priority.



What if the weather turns bad unexpectedly?

We generally have a good idea of what the weather will be like a day or so before your intended charter. But if the weather turns bad unexpectedly to the point where we can't head out then we will give you the option of re booking for another day or a full refund.



Can I combine various types of fishing into the one charter?

Yes you can. Perhaps you would like to target a Barramundi in the feeder creeks and if it's not happening on the day then do some light tackle spinning followed by some soft plastics, If you would like to combine more than one style of fishing during your charter just discuss your needs with us when you call to book.



FIND US

at The Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Coast Guard & Airmen's Club

283 Lexington Avenue, 2nd floor
(Between 36th & 37th Street)

New York, NY 10016

 

Email: info@nytoastmasters.org

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