Speech Contests



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 of the following contests:

Speech Contest Types and Resources

International

Contestants present a five- to seven-minute speech on any subject they choose. All districts must conduct this contest.

Humorous

Contestants present a humorous speech that must be thematic in nature (opening, body, and close), not a monologue (series of one-liners).

Evaluation

Contestants observe a five-to seven-minute test speech and then present a two-to three-minute evaluation of the test speech.

Tall Tales

Contestants present a speech on a topic that is highly exaggerated and improbable in theme or plot.

Table Topics

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.

Video Speech

A contest for undistricted clubs and provisional Districts that follows the rules of the International Speech Contest; it does not advance beyond the club level.

Additional Resources

Speech Contest Materials

Download the materials you need to conduct speech contests.

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Conducting Quality Speech Contests

Read this guide to understand the process, rules, and resources required to enhance your speech contests.

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Speech Contest Rulebook Changes

Find out how the Speech Contest Rulebook has changed and why each change was made.

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Speech Contest Certificates

Use these certificates to recognize member success and participation in all types of speech contests.

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