Accredited Speaker Program - Toastmasters Houston

PROGRAMS

Accredited Speaker

What is an Accredited Speaker

An Accredited Speaker is a professional speaking designation awarded by Toastmasters International. Only 95 Toastmasters have earned this prestigious designation since 1981 in a current membership of 280,000+ members in 149 countries.

Accredited Speaker Program Summary

The Toastmasters International Accredited Speaker Program is designed for professional speakers who combine expert knowledge in a particular subject with mastery of the spoken word. Accredited Speakers are sought-after experts in their respective fields with a competitive edge based upon their speaking designation.

The Accredited Speaking Program features two levels:

Level 1 requires your application form, recommendations, video presentation, and application fee to be submitted to World Headquarters between January 1 and February 1 of the program year to [email protected].

Level 2, if you advance, requires you to give a live presentation in front of an audience and a panel of judges during the Toastmasters International Annual Convention.

If you meet all the requirements outlined in the program rules, application, and Judges Guide and Ballot, you will be awarded the prestigious Accredited Speaker designation.

Who can Apply

To apply, you:

Must be a Toastmaster member of a club in good standing
Have earned one of the qualifying education awards:
- Completed all levels in a single Toastmasters Pathways path
- Advanced Toastmaster Bronze
- Advanced Communicator Bronze
Must present a minimum of 25 non-Toastmasters speaking engagements within the past 3 years from the date of application
Must have received payment for at least 15 of the 25 professional-level speaking engagements submitted as part of your application
Must have a professional-level video of a 20 to 60-minute presentation, spoken in English, and recorded before a live, real-time, non-Toastmasters audience
Must have 5 different clients from paid speaking engagements complete the Accredited Speaker Program Recommendation form and then submit it to World headquarters on your behalf

Please take a look at the program rules as outlined in the Accredited Speaker Program Handbook to make sure you meet the criteria.

What are the Steps to Apply?

Review the Accredited Speaker Program application
Complete 25 speaking engagements, of which 15 must be paid, for non-Toastmasters audiences of 20+ people
Record yourself giving a 20 to 60-minute presentation in front of a live audience
Ask 5 clients from paid speaking engagements to fill out the Accredited Speaker Program Recommendation form and send it to World headquarters on your behalf
Complete and submit your application and fee between January 1 and February 1

Additional Accredited Speaker Resources

Accredited Speaker Program Level 1 Judge’s Guide and Ballot – see the Level 1 judging criteria
Accredited Speaker Program Level 2 Judge’s Guide and Ballot – see the Level 2 judging criteria
Accredited Speaker List – see who has earned this prestigious designation
Accredited Speaker Mentor List – see Accredited Speakers who are willing to share their experience and advice with those seeking the designation
Accredited Speaker Profiles – find an Accredited Speaker for your convention, event or workplace
Accredited Speakers In Action – YouTube playlist featuring Accredited Speakers

CLUB SPONSOR

A Club Sponsor is appointed to help get a new club through the chartering process.

Club COACH

A Club Coach establishes a rapport with an existing club facing challenges prior to becoming their advisor.

SPEECHCRAFT

A Speechcraft is a great opportunity to introduce the fundamentals of public speaking to non-members under the age of 18.

District 56 Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Jocelyn V. Williams has been a member of Toastmasters since 2003, serving at every level within District 56—from Club Officer to Area and Division Director, and most recently as Club Growth Director and Program Quality Director. Now serving as the 2025–2026 District Director, Jocelyn is honored and energized to lead with purpose and passion. With over two decades of service, Jocelyn remains inspired by the transformative power of Toastmasters and the joy of helping others grow. Her leadership is anchored in the belief that together, we can achieve excellence, deepen our connections, and empower every member. Let's make this a year of lasting impact—together!

Program Quality Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Donna has more than 30 years of Toastmasters experience servicing at the club and District levels. She is committed to helping the members and District 56 reach Distinguished status.

Club Growth Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Samantha brings more than a decade of committed service to Toastmasters at the club and district levels. She has served in all officer roles, mentored and coached clubs, secured corporate donations, and supported her Division in achieving Select Distinguished status in the 2023-2024 yr. Passionate about member and club experience, she is dedicated to helping District 56 grow, thrive, and reach Distinguished status.

Public Relations Manager

Distinguished Toastmaster Dean Robertson, Public Relations Manager for District 56 Toastmasters! With a robust background in leadership and dedicated service, Dean has consistently uplifted members through various officer roles at both the club and district levels. Believing that clear communication is the cornerstone of all success, Dean's primary goal this year is to significantly enhance the flow of information to ensure every District 56 member is well-informed and connected to the pulse of our vibrant community.

Administration Manager

Caroline Jeter has been an active member of Toastmasters since 2021, serving in a variety of leadership roles including VP Education, Treasurer, club sponsor, club mentor, and Area Director. For the 2025-2026 Toastmaster year, Caroline is proud to serve as Administration Manager. Passionate about helping others, Caroline finds joy in supporting members as they grow in confidence, achieve their goals, and reach new milestones. She looks forward to contributing to a successful year of service, leadership, and organizational excellence.

Finance Manager

Becky Noe is a CPA with over 27 years of accounting experience working in both operations accounting, internal audit and internal controls. Currently, Becky is building an internal audit function for a soon to be publicly traded organization. Becky joined Toastmasters in 2015. She has served in a variety of club officer roles. This is her third time serving as Finance Manager for District 56.

Immediate Past District Director

"I've witnessed profound transformations in our members' communication skills and personal growth, igniting a passion for leadership that resonates in every corner of our diverse community. Serving alongside dedicated individuals committed to excellence has been an honor beyond words—a journey where every challenge conquered has led to unprecedented triumphs!"

Division L Director

Mark has been in Toastmasters since 2021 and during this time he has had the privilege to have held several leadership roles within his Home Club Deerwood Toastmasters, including VPE & President. This was followed by becoming an Area Director for Division L 41 during the 2024-25, which he thoroughly enjoyed, and is very excited to be continuing his Toastmaster Journey, as Director of Division L in District 56 in 2025-26!!! Mark firmly believes that “We Rise by Lifting Others” and greatly values the networking, leadership and educational opportunities Toastmasters has provided; particularly the friendships he has developed over the past few years.

Division M Director

Kyle Ray serves as Division M Director for District 56, where he’s committed to helping clubs thrive through connection, encouragement, and clear goals. Having joined Toastmasters in 2012, Kyle now engages members with a steady hand and his heart for growth to every Toastmasters journey—believing that great leaders are built one speech, one meeting, and one relationship at a time.

Division N Director

I joined Toastmasters in 1994 because my boss told me to join. I have stayed because of the confidence I have gained, the wonderful people I have met, and what I continue to learn from our diverse group at every meeting. I enjoy the sharing of stories in Toastmasters and find that we have more in common with others than we have differences.

Division O Director

Distinguished Toastmaster Patricia Clarkson has been a proud member of Toastmasters since 2023, bringing energy, heart, and vision to every role she’s held. From Club President, VPE, VPM, and secretary, to Area Director and Club Coach Chair, Patricia now steps into the role of Division Director with deep commitment and a servant leader’s mindset. She believes in the life-changing power of clear communication and confident leadership. Patricia is passionate about encouraging others to step into their purpose, and she sees Toastmasters as a powerful space for growth, connection, and transformation. Her goal this year is to support, strengthen, and inspire every club she serves—one meeting, one member, one moment at a time.

Division P Director

I have had the honor of serving in various leadership capacities within Toastmasters, including President, Vice President Education, Vice President Membership, Vice President Public Relations, Secretary, Treasurer, and Area Director. These experiences have provided me with a comprehensive understanding of club and district operations. As Division Director, I am committed to supporting our clubs, developing future leaders, and advancing the mission of Toastmasters International with integrity and excellence.

Division Q Director

Tosin Esho will serve as the D56 Division Q Director for the 2025/2026 term. He has held various officer roles and is dedicated to helping Toastmasters and clubs achieve their goals.

Division R Director

Irwan joined Katy Toastmasters in April 2017 to improve his public speaking skills. He set a goal to complete ten speeches within eight months. Katy has been in his first city in the USA for eleven years. He likes to challenge himself mentally and physically, such as hiking with his family and friends. His slogan is "There is No Such Thing as a Perfect Time." His goal for 2025 in Toastmasters is to achieve the DTM award. During his 8-year tenure in Toastmasters, he has served as Club President, Club VPPR, Club VPE, and Area Director.

PROGRAMS