Written by The Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation can sometimes cause some lively debate, especially among DTMs who earned their designation meeting different requirements (i.e. before 2001) and those looking for fresh excuses not to meet the current ones. If you’re not a Toastmaster, don’t take this to mean there are issues with the program.
The fact is Toastmasters is a fantastic organization with members far and wide ready to support you and help you be more successful, whether you just want to overcome your fear of speaking in front of an audience, or you want to become a DTM and beyond. But because less than 1% of all Toastmasters ever finish their DTM requirements, there are a lot of misunderstood facts about the program.
For those of you that aren’t aware of the specifics, the DTM designation is the highest award an active Toastmaster can earn under the organization’s educational program. Here’s how the award breaks down:
Communication Track
Competent Communicator award (10 Speeches)
Advanced Communicator Bronze (10 Speeches)
Advanced Communicator Silver (10 speeches and 2 modules)
Advanced Communicator Gold (10 speeches, 1 advanced program and mentor a new member)
Leadership Track
Competent Leader (10 Leadership projects completing about 20 individual tasks)
Advanced Leader Bronze (6 months-1 year as a club officer and 2 modules)
Advanced Leader Silver (1 year as a district officer, leadership project w/2 speeches and providing specific support to another club)
Some of the specifics take a bit of explanation, but you can tell from this is that it is a very real effort to complete this award, and anyone who takes the time and effort to get there has earned the respect of their peers. Period.
As for timing, this is an individually paced program, but here are some specifics:
All told, there are 40 speeches that will mostly fall into the 5-7 minute variety, but can include some 8-10 or even optionally 20-40 minute ones as well. Very few people speak at a “speech-a-month” pace or better (especially in their first few years), so this normally takes four or more years to complete (on average).
The four modules are basically prepared speeches of about 12-15 minutes each on specific educational topics.
The one advanced program is a seminar-style presentation that can range from 60 minutes to 4 hours. This takes extra preparation and special scheduling considerations.
The High Performance Leadership Program (HPL – I refered to it as a leadership project above) can take any amount of time, but expect 4-9 months, on average.
The 6-month to 1-year as a club officer should be done before being a district officer, and usually folks will serve in (at least) one position before being a club president. Then they’ll look toward district leadership.
So what does that mean in terms of a timeline? I’m glad you asked. I know a person who was able to go from joining to DTM in under 3 years, a member of one of my clubs did it in ~3.5 years, and I was able to do it in under 4 years. I also know folks who finished in 10 or more years, but those weren’t concentrated efforts. I don’t have a good number for an average, but it seems that there is such a broad range of answers that saying “8 years” or something would be misleading.
Speaking of misleading, there are a few misconceptions I’ve come across in my experience attaining my DTM. Disclaimer: These are my opinions, not anyone elses. I do not represent the Toastmasters organization with these comments, just my own opinions.
Misconceptions
1. The process for attaining a DTM has become too easy.
- MythBuster: The process actually became a bit more difficult in 2006 with the addition of the Competent Leadership (CL) Manual. Plus you’ll notice from the other requirements that this isn’t going to be replaced by a three-week bootcamp anytime soon.
- Fact: the entire process is self-paced and integrity-based. There are standards to be met (as shown above), but you don’t have to earn “straight As” to finish. In fact, the whole process is about gaining experience and increasing your confidence. If that is easy to you, then you’re probably not actually doing it.
2. A DTM should be able to speak like a professional speaker.
- MythBuster: The accredited speaker program is for those wanting to validate their professional abilities.
- Fact: Many DTMs start out having never spoke in front of an audience. It’s tough to be a pro after 400 speeches, much less 40.
3. A DTM should know everything there is to know about Toastmasters
- MythBuster: Any DTM you meet will know more than many non-DTM Toastmasters, but it’s not a PhD in Toastology.
- Fact: DTMs are encouraged to continue learning and serving, but it’s not a requirement: http://www.toastmasters.org/ToastmastersMagazine/ToastmasterArchive/2007/February/Departments/IdeaCorner.aspx
4. Some DTMs took a “shortcut” to completing their requirements
- MythBuster: There are no shortcuts. Some Toastmasters do accomplish more than others, but I’ve personally never met a DTM who didn’t meet the requirements.
- Fact: This is just mean. If you think someone isn’t measuring up to the standards, man-up and talk to them, not about them.
5. All DTMS are perfect, or are supposed to be.
- Mythbuster: You may think that’s what I’m trying to say, but it’s not.
- Fact: If you expect perfection in anything human, you’re going to be disappointed.
The Distinguished Toastmaster award is a difficult to attain and meaningful program for any Toastmaster to complete. It’s challenging, but if you have the time and the desire to serve and improve, you can reach the level of DTM and see the increased confidence, experience and skill that the journey will bring you.
I agree wholeheartedly with your summation of the program and your comments on the misconceptions. I personally completed my DTM award in 3.5 years. The actual work I accomplished exceeded the minimum requirements of the program. I got involved in Toasatmasters because of a recommendation from my Engineering Director. I have stayed in Toastmsaters for the Leadership training and the networking.The title of the award “Distinguished Toastmasters” itself, is an indication of the hard work and dedication required to achieve the award. Every Toastmaster that reaches the status of DTM deserves respect for the hardwork which accomplished.
The summation is definitely accurate. Congratulations to those DTM’s before me that have achieve this distinction. I achieved my DTM in 4 years, and it was a long journey for the girl that once had a stuttering problem. You see I stated “ONCE HAD”, that is the key. Toastmasters was a BLESSING for me. I have found the confidence that I never had and work very hard to share this opportunity with those that I think can benefit from it. As a member of a corporate club, I have shared this opportunity with almost half the members of my club personally which resulted in their joining. This is not a hobby for me, but a passion of mine, as I feel that we all have room to grow.
I’m currently working with a private school in the Kansas City area to start a Gavel Club and share this opportunity with the young adults at that school. Just imagine the impact that these youngsters will have all the interact with as a result of Toastmasters.
First, thank you for your unbiased and ‘right-on’ explanation!
Today – I completed the last remaining requirement to earn DTM and I am very very happy! I joined TM’ers in Jan 2008, so it’s been 3 years now.
Some quick points:
1. The Toastmasters Program has been transformational for me! I have learned so much about: leadership, effective communications, ‘true’ listening (not just words), encouraging evaluations, coaching, mentoring and training groups of hundreds.
2. I will likely remain a member of TM’ers for 10 or 20 years for many reasons that include: Toastmasters members are the type of people I choose to surround me; this organization and program has become my vehicle of choice for my continued learning – while training others as well.
3. Toastmasters has given me something that I can share with any person in the entire world! That is discussion about better connecting with people through better communications and leadership. I can speak to any range of age groups, cultural backgrounds, educational backgrounds, sports and hobby backgrounds, professional industry backgrounds, and have incredible exchanges! You can’t do that with just any topic.
There is SO much more to tell, but 1 of my first goals was to ‘reduce my content by half – while doubling the impact.’ Mark Twain: ““I didn’t have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.”
Make It A Great Day! john b.
Congratulations to everyone who has achieved DTM. Tomorrow night we are holding a DTM party for Marian Phillips who has just received this award after 14 years. I myself will achieve DTM in another 4 months – after 11 years of consecutive hard work. I believe that it is misleading to advise people that a quality DTM award is often achieved in less than 4 years because in fact the greater majority take a lot longer than that. Marian and I have never opted for the “shortcut” methods and have undertaken year long HPL projects, run speechcraft courses and generally put in a huge amount of effort. We have received many top quality skills from our experience and I hope readers will take on the challenge to improve themselves, without trying to be the fastest DTM recipient out there – you have nothing to gain by achieving DTM in a hurry.
Congratulations! Sounds like you both have made a big difference in your clubs. I agree that no two people have the same pace, and rushing for the sake of rushing is probably not the best method for achieving your DTM. Enjoy your DTM party!
Rob, thank you for an outstanding article! I earned my DTM in Nov 2011 after a tad more than 4 years in Toastmasters. While helping fellow Toastmasters by working on education, redistricting, and planning committees, I learned that I had talents in project management I never knew existed. I joined the program in Oct 2007 as a member of a corporate club, and had my Toastmasters work evaluated as part of my professional development plan. Long story short, I was recently promoted due in large part to the skills I developed in chasing the DTM. I’ll be a Toastmaster for many years to come, but rather than going after my second DTM, I’ll use all that I’ve learned and experienced to help new Toastmasters get their money’s worth from the program!
Great news! I’m glad to hear you have a good story to tell about your experience, and you’re continuing to pay it forward. Thanks for the comment!