The Education Minute Master (EMM) is a non-traditional, custom role found in some Toastmasters clubs, designed to provide members with a brief, educational segment during meetings. This role is not listed in official Toastmasters International handbooks like The Navigator but is adopted by clubs to enhance the educational experience and offer fresh ways for members to develop skills.
The EMM typically delivers a short talk, ideally two to three minutes in length, on an educational topic relevant to Toastmasters or public speaking in general. Topics can range from advice on speech writing and presentation techniques to explanations of club procedures or aspects of the Pathways learning experience. For instance, Dublin South Toastmasters in Ireland assigns a member to briefly explain a Pathways path, which was particularly beneficial during the transition to Pathways as the official education program. Similarly, Speakers Forum, an advanced club in Northern California, frequently utilizes the EMM role.
The purpose of the Education Minute Master is twofold: it educates club members on various aspects of communication and leadership, and it provides the EMM with an opportunity to practice delivering succinct, informative sessions. This role is often filled by officers or more experienced members, though any member is eligible. The content for an Education Minute can be diverse, covering topics such as the latest changes to Pathways, new member tutorials, core competencies, the five levels of Pathways, or even tips for online meetings. The goal is to keep the information concise and valuable, adding to the meeting's educational content without significantly extending the agenda or taking up a formal speaking slot. This role helps ensure that members, especially new ones, are continuously informed about the Toastmasters program and its benefits.
