Quora Answer: How Long Does It Take to Complete the Basic Requirements in Toastmasters?

The following is my answer to a Quora question: “How long does it take, on average, to complete the basic requirements in Toastmasters?  Is it helpful to those that pursue it?”

The basic requirement to taking part in the international speech contest requires you to have completed six speeches under the legacy system, and two levels of the Pathway system, which is seven speeches.  The requirement for achieving Distinguished Toastmaster status is far more complex.

Since Toastmaster is a programme that emphasises learning at your own pace, some people complete programmes quickly, and others do so at a leisurely pace.  There is no average, in that sense, since it varies widely according to preference.  I did an entire Pathway in six weeks.  I completed two paths in a few months.  I am aiming for my DTM in a few months, which is around two years.  I know people who took a decade or more to get DTM.

The art of rhetoric is fundamental to our advancement, and ability to lead.  It is most certainly useful.