“Distinguished Toastmaster.”

It has a certain ring to it, doesn’t it? — and let’s be honest: hearing your name followed by “Distinguished Toastmaster” at a Toastmasters event is impressive.

The Distinguished Toastmaster award — or DTM — is the highest level of educational achievement in Toastmasters. It’s a milestone that marks not only your growth as a communicator and leader, but also your impact on clubs, members, and your community.

So, where do you start?

To earn your DTM, you need to:

Complete two learning paths — double your growth.

Serve as a club officer for at least 12 months. Not just for the title — you’ll need to participate in your Club Success Plan and attend District-sponsored Club Officer Training.

Serve one full term as a District leader. This could be as an Area Director, Division Director, or in another District leadership role. It’s where some of your best connections and leadership lessons will happen.

Serve successfully as a club mentor or coach. This is your chance to guide and inspire others as they build or rebuild their clubs.

Serve successfully as a club sponsor or conduct a Speechcraft or Youth Leadership Program. Think of it as planting the seeds of Toastmasters in new soil — at a workplace, community center, or online.

Complete the DTM Project. Your big finish! This is a self-designed project where you demonstrate all the skills you’ve gained. It must benefit an organization — such as your employer, a nonprofit, or any Toastmasters group.

You’ll create a plan, build a team, carry it out, and receive 360° feedback from your peers, your team, and the organization you serve.

If you run your project outside Toastmasters, at least one Toastmaster must be on your guidance team.

Sounds like a lot? Here’s the secret:

While there are no shortcuts, you don’t have to do it all at once.

Make it your goal this year to:

● Complete one Path (or start your second if you’ve already finished one Path).
● Seek a club officer role in the next election cycle.
● Connect with the Club Growth Director team for opportunities in mentoring or coaching.

With every step, you build momentum.

Tips to make your DTM journey manageable and enjoyable:

✓ Put DTM on your weekly to-do list — even if it’s a small action, like visiting another club.
✓ Track your progress — think of it as your personal Club Success Plan for one very important member: you.
✓ Say “yes” to speaking opportunities — at your club or as a guest. Every opportunity to work on your DTM project counts.
✓ Get active beyond your club — every new connection is a spark towards your own success.
✓ Find a DTM mentor — tap into your club network, your Area Director, or your Area Council.

Why go for a DTM?

Because the journey transforms you into:

● A more powerful communicator.
● A bolder, more confident leader.
● Someone who inspires others.

And your DTM project? It’s your chance to make meaningful impact — not just in Toastmasters but in your community, workplace, or any organization that matters to you.

DTM isn’t a race. It’s about your learning, and helping others grow, along the way.

If you’re thinking, “Maybe I can do this…,” trust that feeling and go for it.

After reading this, take one small step by:

● Signing up for your next speech,
● Volunteering for a leadership role at the next election, or
● Contacting the Club Growth Team to explore coaching, sponsoring, or running a Speechcraft or Youth Leadership Program.

Every Distinguished Toastmaster started with one small step.

Why not let that someone be you?


Written by Nancy Movrin, DTM, PDD.
DTM Chair, District 86