Speech Contests

Each year, Toastmasters throughout District 37 participate in speech contests. Competition begins at the club level and goes all the way to International level. Whether you’re planning a speech contest or competing in one, it may be difficult to know where to begin. We’ve put together this resource guide to help you understand speech contest fundamentals and get organized. For additional assistance, please contact District Contest Chair Ruth Friddle.

2022 – International Speech, Evaluation and Table Topics Contests Dates

January 1 – February 6:  Club Contests
February 13 – March 13:  Area Contests
March 20 – April 23:  Division Contests

April 29 & 30:  District Contest

How do speech contests work?

The following videos offer fundamental principles to help members understand speech contests.  The first video provides an overview of speech contests and the roles that need to be filled.  The second and third videos are essential for contest judges to review.

• Overview and Roles
• When You’re the Judge
• Judge’s Guide and Ballots

What are the rules?

Speech contests are an important part of the Toastmasters educational program. They provide an opportunity for Toastmasters to gain speaking experience, as well as an opportunity for other Toastmasters to learn by observing proficient speakers.

This booklet contains the rules and standard procedures for conducting the International Speech, Evaluation, Humorous Speech, Table Topics, and Tall Tales 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.

How do I begin planning my contest?

Following are your key resources for contest planning.

• Contest Project Plan – This document will guide you step by step through all the tasks required to conduct a quality speech contest.
• Club Contest Resource Guide – Here are the key milestone dates for your club contest in addition to helpful resources.
• District Leaders Guide to Contest Season
• Contest Agenda Template – For your audience members, fill in the specific details about your contest and print copies.

What scripts can the contest master follow?

From excel templates for planning your contests to scripts to follow to know what to say and when to say it, you’ll find it here.

• Sergeant-at-Arms Script
• Evaluation Contest Script
• Humorous Contest Script
• International Contest Script
• Table Topics Contest Script

How do I brief the contest participants on the day of the contest?

From excel templates for planning your contests to scripts to follow to know what to say and when to say it, you’ll find it here.

• Briefing the Contestants
• Briefing the Judges, Timers and Counters
• Briefing the Sergeant-at-Arms team

What forms do I need to bring?

Complete digital versions are available for download below. You may also order hard copy versions for a nominal fee. You must login as a member to the Toastmasters site to order hard copies of the kits.

• Evaluation Contest Kit
• Humorous Contest Kit
• International Contest Kit
• Table Topics Contest Kit
• Speech Contest Certificates

What if I need more help?

Following are your key resources for contest planning.

• Speech Contests – Toastmasters International Guide
• Speech Contests – FAQ
• Toastmasters International Speech Contest Policy (navigate to Policy 6.0: Speech Contests)

Trained Judges Database

District 37 requires judges for speech contests to participate in Judges Training. If you are interested in attending judges training, need to find a trained judge, or need additional assistance, please contact District Chief Judge David Maillet.