Special Guest Speaker, Estelle Gibson tells Wright-Patt Toastmasters club about new program format - Pathways Published July 13, 2018 By Jeannie Masters 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- – Wright-Patterson employees are welcome to visit a meeting and take advantage of the benefits Toastmasters International has to offer with the introduction of Pathways, a newly structured program format that differs from the traditional learning and achievement structure. Toastmasters’ mission is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth. Some of the Benefits in joining a toastmaster club are: Improve leadership, speaking, listening, and thinking skills. Discovering hidden abilities and awakening latent talents. Acquire an expanded vision of the role of communication. Increase self-esteem through active participation in personal development. Toastmasters’ addition of the Pathways program does not alter the structured format of a club or meeting. The conventional leadership roles, meeting agendas that typically include speakers, table topics, grammar coaching, evaluators, and timers have not changed. Pathways recognition program is a new learning approach to Toastmasters that provides its members a unique learning experience that challenges and inspires both personally and professionally. The traditional education structure of Toastmasters had two main learning tracks of accomplishment. The communication track, which was focused on presentation mastery and becoming an accomplished public speaker. And, the leadership track, which built skills as a strategic leader and developing an understanding of communication styles. Pathways combines aspects of both leadership and communication, and fuses them into a more individually tailored learning experience, catered to the needs and desires of the individual member. The configuration of a learning track has ten Paths available to choose from. They are; Dynamic Leadership, Effective Coaching, Innovative Planning , Leadership Development, Motivational Strategies, Persuasive Influence, Presentation Mastery, Strategic Relationships, Team Collaboration, and Visionary Communication. Each Path has unique projects and speeches related to it. Within each Path there are five Levels and Project Types, with each leading to an achievement award. Level one is Mastering Fundamentals, level two is learning your Style, level three is Increasing Knowledge, level four is Building Skills and level five is Demonstrating Expertise. At Wright-Patterson AFB, there are two Toastmasters clubs, conveniently located, with lunchtime meetings. Both groups are dedicated to teaching its members the art of effective public speaking, effective listening, and protocols for formal meetings. The Huffman Prairie Toastmaster's club meets on Wednesdays in building 262, in Area A. Their vision is providing a friendly and trustworthy environment for improving critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills. https://huffmanprairie.toastmastersclubs.org/ The Wright Flyer Toastmaster's club meets on Tuesdays in building 50, in Area B. Their vision is to equip empower, energize leaders, and they are dedicated to communication and leadership skill development. http://wrightflyers.toastmastersclubs.org/