Upcoming Speech Contests
2019-2020: The two contests are:
- International Speech Contest
- Humorous Speech Contest
For the list of upcoming speech contests, see Upcoming Speech Contests (listed by date).
Why Are Speech Contests Important?
Speech contests provide the following benefits:
- They provide an opportunity for speakers to improve their speaking abilities
- They provide an opportunity to recognize the best speakers
- They provide an opportunity to learn by observing other proficient speakers
- They provide variety to the Toastmasters experience and also offer social benefits through district and inter-club events
- They inspire and encourage us to grow
Unlike in the past, starting in 2018-2019 program year, District 6 conducts one round round of speech contests. This round is in the Spring (March-April). Speech contests start at the club level, then proceed through the area, division, and district. Members in good standing with Toastmasters International may compete.
What Speech Contests Will be Held in Spring 2020?
The Spring 2020 round of speech contests will be Humorous and International Speech. These contests will run from March-April, with the district-level contests held at the Spring Conference on May 9th Humorous and International Speech). Descriptions of the speech contests are below, but all details on these contests can be found in the Speech Contest Rulebook:
-
Humorous (5-7 minutes)
- The Evaluation contest allows each contestant to provide a 5-7 minute humorous speech.
- To better understand how responses are judged, view the Humorous Contest Judge’s Guide and Ballot. This contains the criteria and point allocations that judges are directed to follow. The judging criteria are included on the 2nd page.
- This contest is open to all members who are paid members of the club, area, division, and district they’re competing within. The club the member represents must also be in good standing.
-
International Speech (5-7 minutes)
- A 5-7 minute speech with any general purpose.
- To better understand how these speeches are judged, view the International Speech Contest Judge’s Guide and Ballot. This contains the criteria and point allocations that judges are directed to follow. The judging criteria are included on the 2nd page.
- This contest is open to all members who are paid members of the club, area, division, and district they’re competing within. Have completed 6 speech projects in the Competent Communication manual or have earned a Certificate of Completion in Levels 1 and 2 of any path in the Toastmasters Pathways learning experience. The club the member represents must also be in good standing.
- A 5-7 minute speech with any general purpose.
Spring Speech Contest Toolkit
The resources below will help you conduct the Spring speech contests (Tall Tales and International Speech contests) in your club, area, or division.
| Speech Contest Rulebook | The source of rules and information for speech contests. Most answers will come from this clearly written document. Please read this and have a copy available at each contest. |
| Division Contest TMScript | The script for Toastmaster of the Division Contest but can be used for any level contest (uploaded 1/30/20) |
| Humorous Contest Kit | Humorous Contest Kit (updated 1/30/2020) |
| International Speech Contest Kit (digital) | Contains all the forms needed for a International Speech contest (Link to kit at TI website) |
| Evaluation Contest Kit (digital) | Contains all the forms needed for a Evaluation contest (Link from Toastmasters International) |
| Speech Contest Eligibility Checker | For area, division, and district contests. Use this online tool to determine if a member is eligibility to compete or serve as a judge. |
| Toastmaster Contest Script | An overall script for the speech contest, intended to help the contest Toastmaster in briefings and during the contest. The Toastmaster and Contest Chair should become very familiar with this script since it covers the contest flow. |
| Chief Judge Briefing Script | Script for the Chief Judge’s briefings at a speech contest |
| Contest Flyer Example | An example of a simple flyer to promote your contest with |
| Contest Program Example | An example of an agenda/program for your contest |
| Contest Sign Example | A sign to help guests find the contest area/room |
| Certification of Appreciation Template | A simple certificate to recognize and thank volunteers with |
| Contest Registration Sheet | A simple, customizable registration sheet |
| Division Contest Staffing Worksheet | Helpful worksheet to use when filling roles for a division contest |
| Area Contest Staffing Worksheet | Helpful worksheet to use when filling roles for an area contest |
Other Speech Contest Resources
| Resource | Description |
| Speech Contest Tutorials | Contains several short, useful tutorials on contests and judging |
| Speech Contest FAQ | A useful FAQ to consult for speech contests |
| All Speech Contest Kits | Lists all speech contest kits available from TI |
| Updated by Liz Moore, and originally created by Theresa Kasel and Gretchen Coons. This is a great document on how to host a successful speech contest. It includes descriptions of the contest roles, checklists, and a template for a contest script. |
What’s Important When Running a Speech Contest?
Speech contests should be run in a fair, professional, and consistent manner. Similar to sporting events, elections, and other competitions, speech contests demand attention to the rules and procedure. The rules and procedures involved with running a speech contest shouldn’t vary between contests. Consistency and compliance with the rules and procedures are more important than creativity. In professional sporting events, we (as fans) expect uniformity and consistency when it comes to officiating and the overall execution of the event. Contestants and guests expect the same from Toastmasters speech contests.
Who Can I Ask for Help Regarding Speech Contests?
For any questions related to speech contests, ask your Area Director.