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®.
International Speech Contest
Contestants present a five- to seven- minute speech on any subject they choose.
Click the icon for the International Speech Contest Kit
Table Topics Speech Contest
The topic of this impromptu speech is the same for all contestants who only learn about it when they are introduced by the contest chair. Click the icon for the Table Topics Speech Contest Kit
Speech Contest Rulebook
The Speech Contest Rulebook, in effect from
July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, 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.
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.
Speech Contest Materials
Below you will find some helpful links and download some materials you could utilize to conduct speech contests.
Speech Contest Script
Utilize this Speech Contest script to conduct your speech contests.
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
Utilize this script for the briefing of Timers, Ballot Counters, Judges, and the Tie-Breaking Judge.
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.
Table Topics Contest Ballot
Utilize this Tall Tales contest ballot and guide.
Table Topics Contest Tie Breaker Ballot
Utilize this Tall Tales contest tie breaker ballot and guide.
Time Record Sheet
Speech contest time record sheet and instructions for timers. Explains the timing procedure and includes a chart for speech contest timers to complete.
Ballot Counter's Tally Sheet
Ballot counters to give this completed tally sheet to the chief judge.
Ballot Counting at Area & Division Speech Contests
Online Timers
Feel free to use these timer links to assist in timing of the speeches in the speech contests.
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.
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.