Competent Communicator
CC — Your First Toastmasters Communication Award
The Competent Communicator (CC) award is the foundational communication designation in Toastmasters and the starting point for every member's journey toward the DTM.
What is the CC Award?
The Competent Communicator (CC) award was the core communication designation in Toastmasters before the launch of the Pathways education program. It required completing 10 structured speeches from the Competent Communication manual, each designed to build a specific public speaking skill — from basic organization and vocal variety to persuasion and inspiration.
Today, the CC is a legacy award. Under the modern Pathways program, the equivalent milestone is completing Levels 1 and 2 of your chosen learning path. Whether you earned a legacy CC or completed your first Pathways levels, this achievement marks your mastery of essential communication fundamentals.
Note: The CC is a legacy award. New Toastmasters members work through Pathways levels instead. Legacy CC holders retain their recognition. The CC remains widely referenced and respected in Toastmasters culture.
Requirements to Earn the CC
Complete 10 Speeches (Legacy)
Deliver all 10 speeches from the Competent Communication manual. Each speech focuses on a specific skill: organization, word choice, vocal variety, body language, visual aids, and persuasion.
Receive Evaluations for Each Speech
Every speech must be formally evaluated by a club member. Written evaluations and verbal feedback help you identify areas for improvement after each speech.
Modern Equivalent — Complete Pathways Levels 1 & 2
Under Pathways, completing Levels 1 and 2 of any learning path is the recognized CC equivalent. Level 1 includes the Icebreaker, Evaluation and Feedback, and Researching and Presenting projects.
The 10 Speeches of the CC Manual
Each speech project focuses on a different communication competency, building progressively from basics to advanced techniques.
The Icebreaker
Self-introduction4–6 minYour first speech. Introduce yourself and your background to the club.
Organize Your Speech
Structure5–7 minPractice organizing your thoughts with a clear beginning, middle, and end.
Get to the Point
Core message5–7 minIdentify and communicate a single, clear purpose throughout your speech.
How to Say It
Word choice5–7 minUse vivid language, powerful words, and clear sentences to enhance your message.
Your Body Speaks
Body language5–7 minUse gestures, eye contact, and movement to reinforce your spoken words.
Vocal Variety
Voice5–7 minVary your volume, pitch, rate, and pauses to engage your audience.
Research Your Topic
Content depth5–7 minUse research and data to support your points credibly.
Get Comfortable with Visual Aids
Presentation tools5–7 minPlan and use visual aids — slides, props, or charts — effectively.
Persuade with Power
Persuasion5–7 minMotivate your audience to accept your point of view or take action.
Inspire Your Audience
Emotional connection8–10 minDeliver an inspiring speech that resonates emotionally and motivates your audience.
Typical Timeline
6–18 months
Average Time
Depends on club meeting frequency and speaking pace
10
Total Speeches
All from the Competent Communication manual
1 speech/month
Typical Pace
Speaking roughly monthly at meetings
Benefits of the CC
- ✓The foundational milestone for all further Toastmasters achievement
- ✓Recognized first communication credential for new members
- ✓Develops 10 core public speaking competencies systematically
- ✓Builds confidence through structured repetition and feedback
- ✓Opens the door to advanced communication awards (ACB, ACG)
- ✓Demonstrates commitment and follow-through to your club and peers
Tips for Earning the CC
Start with your Icebreaker as soon as possible
The sooner you give your first speech, the sooner you get comfortable. Most members say the first speech is the hardest.
Aim for one speech per meeting cycle
Monthly speeches are a natural pace. Do not wait for the "perfect" speech — just sign up and speak.
Study your evaluations carefully
Each evaluation is a roadmap. Read them before your next speech to apply specific feedback.
Use speeches for real-life content
You can repurpose work presentations, personal stories, or community topics as CC speeches. Make the content meaningful to you.