Speech Contests are a Toastmasters tradition. Each year, thousands of Toastmasters compete in Speech contests. Competition begins with club contests and winners selected continue competing through the Area, Division, District, and even International levels.
Each year, more than 30,000 Toastmasters compete in one or more of the following contests:
Evaluation Contest: Contestants observe a five-to seven-minute test speech and then present a two-to three-minute evaluation of the test speech. Evaluation Contest Kit (Item 1169E)
Humorous Speech Contest: Contestants present a humorous speech that must be thematic in nature (opening, body, and close), not a monologue (series of one-liners). Humorous Contest Kit (Item 1169H)
International Speech Contest: Contestants present a five- to seven-minute speech on any subject they choose. All districts must conduct this contest. The International competition has two additional levels compared to all the other contests — the semifinal and the World Championship of Public Speaking®. International Contest Kit (Item 1169)
Table Topics Contest: An impromptu speech, all contestants are assigned the same topic, told to them when they are introduced by the contest chair. Table Topics Contest Kit (Item 1169H)
Tall Tales Contest: Contestants present a speech on a topic that is highly-exaggerated and improbable in theme or plot. Tall Tales Contest Kit (Item 1169TT)
Contest Season District Announcements
(2022 – 2023)
- Area and Division Speech Contests will be conducted ONLINE.
- District Spring Conference will be conducted IN PERSON.
- Contests: International Speech, Humorous Speech, and Table Topics
- Areas with 4 or fewer clubs in good standing can have 2 contestants from each club compete in the area contest. Divisions with 4 areas or fewer can have the 2 highest-placed available contestants from each Area compete. Please contact your Area or Division Director for more details.