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Speech Contests

Speech Contests

Speech contests are a vital part of Toastmasters’ educational program. They provide an opportunity for Toastmasters to gain speaking experience and for others to learn by observing proficient speakers.

Every year, the global Toastmasters community witnesses over 30,000 Members participating in the Humorous, Table Topics, Evaluation, Tall Tales, and International speech contests.   The journey to the top begins at club contests, with winners progressing through the Area, Division, and District levels. The ultimate goal is to reach the World Championship of Public Speaking, with winners from the District level International Speech Contest proceeding to the region quarterfinal level.

Speech contests are governed by rules and standard procedures issued annually by Toastmasters International. These instructions are distributed via the Speech Contest Rulebook, which contains General Rules, Contest Checklists, and Additional Resources.

The International Contest is held annually and must be conducted in English only.  In addition, the following contests may be held at the discretion of each District.

  • Evaluation Contest – contestants present a 2–3-minute evaluation of a 5–7-minute test speech
  • Humorous Speech Contest – contestants present a humorous speech that must be thematic (opening, body, and close), not a monologue (series of one-liners)
  • Table Topics Contest – an impromptu speech, all contestants are assigned the same topic, told to them when the contest chair introduces them
  • Tall Tales Contest: Contestants present a speech on a topic that is highly exaggerated and improbable in theme or plot.

For the 2024-2025 Toastmasters year, District 56 will also hold the Humorous Speech Contest. The District 56 contests will be held in-person only from the Area on up. Check with your Division Director, Area Director, or the District 56 Calendar for details of when and where the contests will be held.  Be sure to reference the following resources to answer all your contest questions:

Contests originate at the Club level and then progress to Area, Division and District. Districts (including Areas and Divisions) may conduct up to three additional English speech contests each year. Likewise, they may also conduct up to four non-English speech contests each year.

Congratulations to our 2025 District Contest Winners

District 56 Speech Contest Results

International Speech Contest

(from left to right)

Kat Clemons, 3rd Place

James Ra-Amari III, 1st Place

Mukta Satewar, 2nd Place

Humorous Speech Contest

(from left to right)

Katashia Partee Kendrick, 3rd Place

Eddie Merla, 1st Place

Conner Halstead, 2nd Place

Spanish Speech Contest

(from left to right)

Gaston Fuenmayor, 1st Place

Esau Rios, 2nd Place

Nidya Perez, 3rd Place

 

World Champion of Public Speaking Results

The complete list of World Champions of Public Speaking, since 1938, may be downloaded here.

DISTRICT CLUB

CALENDAR

The District calendar is populated with scheduled trainings for Club Officers and District Leaders, membership campaigns, speech contests, conferences and special happenings within the District.

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DISTRICT CLUB

CONFERENCES

The Annual Spring Conference brings members together from all divisions, areas and clubs. It’s a fantastic opportunity to network and learn from peers.

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DISTRICT CLUB

INCENTIVES

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