Speech Contests
Speech contests are a Toastmasters tradition. 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®.
2025-2026 District 6 Contests
- Online Speech Contest (Fall 2025(club, area, division: Spring 2026 (District) )
- Tall Tales contest (Spring 2026)
- International Speech contest (Spring 2026)
International Speech Contest
Contestants present a five- to seven- minute speech on any subject they choose.
Contest Rulebook
2025-26 Contest Rulebook from Toastmasters International.
Speech Contest Guide
Speech Contest Guidebook updated by Linda Dorn. 2026 contests .
Speech Contest Training
Slides from Officer Training to conduct successful In Person 2026 Contest.
Speech Contest Dates
Div F Area 52,52,53&54 Contests – In person
Div D Division Contest (in-person only)
Online Speech Contest
For the first time, Toastmasters International is conducting online speech contests. Please refer to the new rulebook for details
Highlights of Online speech contest
- All contestants and contest officials are participating online from physically distant locations
- Eligibility (similar to all contests)
- Each contestant is a paid member
- Contestant’s club is in good standing
- Contestant is not running for an office or are not in district leader position
- All Judges at club level are paid members
- All Judges at area/division/district contests are paid members for minimum 6 months, have Level 1 & 2 completed,
- Speech time & cards: Green (5), Yellow (6), Red (7)
- For contestant’s technical difficulty (audio and video), 10 minutes adjustment is allowed. see details in rulebook
External voting system is prohibited - What is the difference between the online speech contest and International speech contest?
- For the International Speech Contest L1 & L2 are required.
- For the Online speech contest, there is no minimum educational requirements
- Click on the buttons below to access the forms or the rulebook
International Speech & Tall Tales Speech Contests
Speech Contest Rulebook
The Speech Contest Rulebook, in effect from
July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, features speech contest rules for the International, Evaluation, Humorous, Table Topics, Tall Tales,
and Video Speech Contests.
Speech Contest Rulebook Changes
Find out how the Speech Contest Rulebook has changed and why each change was made.
Speech Contest Judges Training and Other Tutorials
The Judges Training Module below was created by Toastmasters International and should be reviewed by all Judges even ones who have been a judge before. The videos below reference the International Speech Contest and yet, the principles can be applied to any Speech Contest.
Speech Contest Scripts
Utilize the following updated scripts for 2024-25 in person Evaluation and International speech contests:
In-person Chief Judge briefing script updated 3-18-25
Speech Contest Checklist
Utilize this checklist to keep track of volunteers, contestants and tasks to be completed along with a sample agenda.
Area & Division Speech Contest Scheduling Guidelines
Area & Division Directors – please review these guidelines prior to scheduling your speech contests.
Judge Selection for Area & Division Speech Contests
Click Here to Review the Guidelines for Selecting Judges for the Area & Division Speech Contests.
Judge's Certification of Eligibility and Code of Ethics
All judges must complete this form before the contest and submit it to the chief judge at each level of competition.
Judges Email Template
Utilize a sample email template for Chief Judges to use to communicate with the judges prior to contests.
Chief Judge's Briefing Script (Eval & International) In Person updated 3/18/25
Utilize this script for the briefing of Timers, Ballot Counters, Judges, and the Tie-Breaking Judge while conducting Evaluation and International speech contests
Chief Judge's Briefing Script
Utilize this script for the briefing of Timers, Ballot Counters, Judges, and the Tie-Breaking Judge.
Contest Toastmaster Script In person - updated 3/18/25
Utilize this script while serving as Contest Toastmaster.
Judges Training
Below is a Judges Training Module that was created by Toastmasters International and should be reviewed by all Judges even ones who have been a judge before.
Speaker's Certification of Eligibility and Originality
All contestants must complete this form before the contest and submit it to chief judge at each level of competition.
Speech Contestant Profile
All contestants, please return this biographical information before the contest to the contest chair if you are participating in a speech contest.
International Contest Ballot
Utilize this International contest ballot and guide.
International Contest Tie Breaker Ballot
Utilize this International contest tie breaker ballot and guide.
Speech Contest Certificate Set
For presentation to the winners and participants of club, area, division, district and regional contests.
Notification of Contest Winner
Enter the winners from your contest and submit this form to the chair of the next level contest.
Speech Contests FAQ
Find out answers to some frequently asked questions regarding speech contests.
Best Practices for Online Speech Contests
Find tips and information for the logistics of your contest.
Video Recording Guidelines
for Online Speech Contests
Find helpful information on how to ensure all of your contestants comply with recording rules.
World Championship of Public Speaking
For many amateur speakers, this competition is the opportunity of a lifetime.
Do you have questions?
Click on the icon above to send your question to our District Chief Judge and Program Quality Director for assistance related to Speech Contests.
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