Youth Leadership Program

The Youth Leadership Program is a workshop consisting of eight one- to two-hour sessions that enable those between the ages of 14 and 18 to develop their communication and leadership skills through practical experience. The program is presented during or after school, or on weekends. In the workshop, young people will learn how to:

• Evaluate their own speaking ability
• Prepare and deliver speeches
• Give impromptu talks
• Control their voice, vocabulary, and gestures
• Give constructive feedback and more

How the program works

Participants in the Youth Leadership Program are selected by a sponsoring Toastmasters club or by a cooperating organization (such as a school). The workshops are limited to 25 students and are coordinated by Toastmasters members, with oversight from their club. Meetings are like Toastmasters club meetings in that there is an announced agenda that includes practice in parliamentary procedure, prepared and impromptu speeches, and the selection of presiding officers.

Want to coordinate a Youth Leadership Program? Read the Youth Leadership Program Workbook and Youth Leadership Coordinator’s Guide and speak with your club leadership. The decision to present a Youth Leadership Program is made by the club’s executive committee and the club President appoints an experienced and trusted Toastmaster to coordinate the program. Be prepared to provide your club leadership with any relevant information to help them feel confident that you will be an effective and responsible coordinator for the program.

 

Interpersonal Communication

Are you a teacher or active community member who wants to help those between ages 14 and 18 grow their communication skills? The Interpersonal Communication program helps teens build effective listening and communication skills while understanding their own communication style. This Toastmaster’s created content is designed to support existing youth programs and groups in helping teenagers learn to become better communicators.

The program includes two manuals: the Team Member Manual, which has short assignments and materials to supplement group activities, and the Team Leader Manual, which includes the text of the Team Member manual plus notes for the teacher/mentor to explain activities and start discussions.

Review the Interpersonal Communication Kit to learn more.