Speech Contests
Speech contests are a Toastmasters tradition. Each year, thousands of Toastmasters compete in the Humorous, Evaluation, Tall Tales, Table Topics®, Online, 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 quarterfinal level. Following 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.
Online
Contestants present a five- to seven-minute speech on any subject they choose while participating live and online from physically distant locations.
Additional Resources
Conducting Quality Speech Contests
Read this guide to understand the process, rules, and resources required to enhance your speech contests.
Read moreSpeech Contest Rulebook Changes
Find out how the Speech Contest Rulebook has changed and why each change was made.
Read moreSpeech Contest Certificates
Use these certificates to recognize member success and participation in all types of speech contests.
View certificates