Speech contests are a Toastmasters tradition
Each year thousands of Toastmasters compete in the Humorous, Evaluation, Tall Tales, Table Topics and International speech contests. Competition begins with club contests and winners continue competing through the area, division and district levels. The International competition has two additional levels — semifinal and the World Championship of Public Speaking®.
Speech competitions provide an opportunity for Toastmasters to gain valuable speaking experiences. By stepping outside of their comfort zone, Toastmaster members can test the skills they have honed and developed during club meetings.
Conduct Quality Speech Contests
When area and division directors understand process, rules and resources, a speech contest's quality is enhanced.Area directors oversee area speech contests, and division directors oversee division speech contests. When area and division directors have a good understanding of the contest process, rules, and resources, the contests’ quality is enhanced. The roles that area and division directors play in speech contests vary by district. In this session, area and division directors learn how to find answers about contests using the Speech Contest Rulebook (Item 1171) and discover other resources so that they are equipped to oversee speech contests in their areas and divisions.
Speech Contest Rulebook
Download the latest version of the essential guide to Toastmasters speech contests.This booklet contains the rules and standard procedures for conducting the International, Evaluation, Humorous, Table Topics,® and Tall Tales speech contests. If you are involved in conducting or competing in a speech contest, please read these rules carefully and follow them. By doing so, you will ensure a fair speech contest and an enjoyable event for everyone.
