easySPEAK is a web-based platform used primarily by Toastmasters clubs to manage their meetings, roles, agendas, and member progress. It’s designed to support the Toastmasters educational program, helping clubs operate efficiently and helping members track their development.

In more detail:

🧰 Core Features:

• Agenda Management: Set up meeting agendas, assign roles (like Toastmaster, Speaker, Evaluator), and automate reminders.

• Speech Scheduling: Members can request speeches, and club officers can schedule them according to project paths.

• Role Sign-ups: Members can sign up for roles online or be assigned by club officers.

• Performance Tracking: Tracks progress through both the Pathways learning experience and legacy manuals.

• Multi-Club Support: Members involved in multiple clubs can manage everything from one account.

• Reporting and History: Provides reports on meeting attendance, role fulfillment, speech history, and more.

🌍 Reach and Customization:

• Originally created by Malcolm Warden, easySPEAK is used by clubs across Europe and beyond.

• It’s especially popular in Districts 59, 95, and some UK and Ireland clubs.

• The platform is open source and managed by a volunteer community, with different language support and customizable club setups.

⚙️ Limitations & Current Development:

• Built in PHP, the system has a lot of legacy code, which makes it powerful but also complex and hard to maintain.

• A current transition effort is underway to modernize and streamline the platform for future sustainability and improved usability.

 

🔍 1. Member Experience

A regular member logs in and sees:

• 🗓️ Upcoming meetings from all clubs they belong to.

• 🎙️ My speeches – scheduled, completed, or pending requests.

• 📋 My roles – roles they’ve taken or are scheduled for (e.g. Timer, Evaluator).

• 🧭 Progress Tracker – how far they’ve come in their educational journey (Pathways or legacy manuals).

Typical actions:

• Request to give a speech (selecting Path + Project).

• Volunteer for a role in an upcoming meeting.

• Check feedback received from previous speeches or evaluations.

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🎛️ 2. VP Education / Club Officer View

The VPE or another officer sees additional tools:

• 📅 Edit Agendas – build the meeting agenda, assign roles or open them up for volunteers.

• 👥 Manage Members – activate, deactivate, or help members reset passwords.

• 🧾 Track Pathways Progress – for each member, including speeches, leadership roles, and achievements.

• 📤 Send Emails – to remind members of meetings, roles, or deadlines.

Typical actions:

• Schedule speeches across weeks based on requests and Pathways.

• Balance roles to ensure everyone gets a chance to participate.

• Export reports to help with DCP goals or recognition awards.

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🧠 3. Behind the Scenes (Admin Tools)

For site admins or advanced users:

• 🧩 Customize club settings – such as role names, number of speakers, time slots.

• 🌍 Multi-language support – clubs in different regions can operate in their native language.

• 🛠️ Access to reports and logs – useful for troubleshooting or auditing club activity.

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💡 Example: How a Meeting Gets Built

1. The VPE selects a meeting date and opens the agenda.

2. Roles are opened for sign-up (e.g., Toastmaster, Speaker 1, Timer).

3. Members log in and volunteer or request a speech.

4. The VPE finalizes the agenda, confirms roles.

5. Automatic email reminders are sent.

6. During or after the meeting, attendance and role completion is logged.

7. Member profiles get updated with credit for the role or speech.

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🔧 Notable Features