Speech Contests
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. Winners of the District level International Speech Contest proceed to the region quarterfinal level. Following region quarterfinals, winners advance to the semifinals for a chance to take part in the World Championship of Public Speaking®.
Each year, more than 30,000 Toastmasters compete in one or more of the following contests:
Speech Contest Resources
International
Contestants present a five- to seven- minute speech on any subject they choose. All districts must conduct this contest.
Humorous
Contestants present a humorous speech that must be thematic in nature (opening, body, and close), not a monologue (series of one-liners).
Evaluation
Contestants observe a five-to seven-minute test speech and then present a two-to three-minute evaluation of the test speech.
Conducting Quality Speech Contests
Read this guide to understand the process, rules and resources required to enhance your speech contests.
Speech Contest Materials
Download the materials you need to conduct speech contests.
Table Topics
An impromptu speech, all contestants are assigned the same topic, told to them when they are introduced by the contest chair.
Tall Tales
Contestants present a speech on a topic that is highly-exaggerated and improbable in theme or plot.
In-Person Contests
Online Contests
Online Contest Slides with Certificates​
A PowerPoint presentation to display for online contests
Zoom Contest Backgrounds
Agendas
Sample Club/Area Contest Agenda
Sample Division Contest Agenda
Area/Division Contest Budgets
Contest Budgets Instructions
Area/Division Contest Budget Form
Area Contest Club Contribution Template
Miscellaneous Contest Resources
All Contest Forms in Excel
All Judges Guide and Ballots and Counters Ballot (as a Google Sheet)
Contest Organisation Runsheet
Contest Letters
The following link provides sample letters/emails to send Contest Officials, Contestants, and VIPs in the lead up to a contest.
Best Practices for Toastmasters Online Speech Contest with ZOOM
Western Division Specific Information
Per General Rules for All Toastmasters Speech Contests, Section 3. Selection Sequence, Subsection B, the following areas are allowed to send two (2) highest-placed, available (and qualified) contestants from each club within that area.
| Area | # of clubs currently in good standing | # of contestants from each Club who can compete at this Area contest | # of Areas in Western Division | # of contestants from each Area who can compete at the Division contest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W11 | 4 | 1st and 2nd place | 5 | 1st place only |
| W14 | 5 | 1st place only | ||
| W28 | 4 | 1st and 2nd place | ||
| W36 | 5 | 1st place only | ||
| W37 | 5 | 1st place only |