january, 2024
Event Details
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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 contests.
This Speech Contest season in District 56 we are having the following speech contests:
International: Contestants present a five- to seven-minute speech on any subject they choose. All districts must conduct this contest.
Tall Tales: Contestants present a speech on a topic that is highly exaggerated and improbable in theme or plot.
We are pleased to announce four Speech Contest training sessions are planned for this Toastmasters year. Two in person and two on Zoom
Saturday, November 4, 2023: In person at the Fall Education Summit (DONE)
Thursday, November 30, 2023: Zoom registration.
Tuesday, December 5, 2023: Zoom registration.
Saturday, January 6, 2024: In person REGISTER HERE – Looscan Neighborhood Library, 2510 Willowick, Houston, TX 77027 (Once registered, you’ll see important details for day of event)
To prepare for the Speech Contest season, check out our District website Speech Contest page HERE.
Also, check out these resources:
Speech Contest Rulebook
Speech Contest FAQ
Best Practices for Online and Hybrid Speech Contests
How to Run a Club Speech Contest: What you need to know as a contest chair.
Speech Contest Materials: Download the materials you need to conduct speech contest.
Conducting Quality Speech Contests: Read this guide to understand the process, rules, and resources required to enhance your speech contests.
Speech Contest Rulebook Changes: Find out how the Speech Contest Rulebook has changed and why each change was made.
Speech Contest Certificates: Use these certificates to recognize member success and participation in all types of speech contests.
3 Speech Contest Tutorials: These tutorials offer fundamental principles to help members understand speech contests.
1. Overview and Roles
2. When You’re the Judge
3. Judge’s Guide and Ballot
Hybrid Meetings: A hybrid club meeting combines both in-person and online attendance. During the coronavirus pandemic, many clubs have opted to adopt this meeting format to allow members to continue their Toastmasters journey. Below, you will find resources to support hybrid clubs and their members:
The Wide World of Hybrid Toastmasters: How to choose how much technology your club needs.
Running a Successful Hybrid Club Meeting: Read tips to running a successful hybrid club meeting.
To Hybrid or Not to Hybrid? That is the Question: Ask these four questions to determine if hybrid meetings are right for your club.
Traditional Meeting Roles in a Hybrid World: Do new meeting setups change tried-and-true responsibilities?
5 Questions to Ask Before Adopting a Hybrid Format: Ask these questions to help assess if your club is ready for a hybrid environment.
Technology for Hybrid Meetings: Build the bridge between online and physical meetings with the right setup.
Hybrid Harmony: How to make club meetings work when members are online and in-person.
Prepare Your Technology Like a Pro: Take steps to avoid last-minute mishaps and meltdowns.
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Organizer
Elizabeth Ruiz, DTM, 2023-2024 Program Quality DirectorHonored to serve as your Program Quality Director (PQD)! The Program Quality Team will leave no Toastmaster behind. For example, we have planned new member orientations, club officer information sessions for aspiring club leaders to help all clubs have 7 club officers at all times, Pathways training and enrollment for Toastmasters who are not enrolled, speech contest and functionary training well before the season begins to help all clubs plan, prepare and lead a successful and fun club contest, and form a full pipeline of trained speech contest functionaries. The Program Quality Team will include all Toastmasters in recognitions earned; no Toastmaster will be left behind. As the PQD, I am responsible for all aspects of education and training within the District. This includes supporting quality club programming efforts, promoting the Distinguished Club Program, and planning and executing the District conference. Education Goals: I promote all members in achieving education awards and recognizing those achievements. I oversee and promote training for club, area, and division officers. Training Programs: I plan, organize, and direct the district's training programs. District Conference: I am responsible for all aspects of the district conference. I plan, organize and direct the event. Speech Contests: I coordinate and supervise the International Speech Contest at the district level and facilitate a smooth flow of information at speech contests. This is the year to elevate a strong foundation of quality clubs! The PQD Team will help every club meet its educational goals and become a Distinguished quality club. Ready for some FUN? Register now on the District calendar for our fun and exciting events and training in the 2023-2024 year.
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