5 Benefits of Speech Contests

Each one of us is a member of Toastmasters for our own reasons. My reason is to become a better speaker. That is why I am a big fan of the speech contests.

Should you participate in the contests? What value do they provide? As I reflect on my contest experience, there are five main benefits that I have discovered.

 

The first benefit is helping you build a habit.

As you compete, you are driven to write and rewrite your speech to make it better. As “game day” approaches, you practice your speech many times, working to deliver it more naturally and more powerfully. Then, during the competition, you listen to other contestants’ presentations to see where you can improve. These steps develop a habit where you rigorously prepare every speech, even your regular club speeches. That is a good habit to have.

 

 

The second benefit is gaining valuable feedback on how good a speaker you are.

Your club may tell you that you gave a great speech, but how good were you really? The contest provides you with more objective feedback because you’re being compared to others who are also pushing to improve their speaking skills. They are your peers. How well did you match up, and where can you improve?

 

 

The third benefit relates to your mindset.

During speech contests, you take your speaking seriously and are driven to get better. But this isn’t confined to your Toastmasters speaking. You will find this establishing a pattern of excellence in other aspects of your life. Excellence becomes a part of your mindset, not just your contest speeches.

 

 

Fourth, contest speaking prepares you to speak outside of Toastmasters.

It prepares you for the real world. If you work for a corporation, your managers expect a presentation that is both well written and well delivered. If you deal with customers, they expect the same thing. There is a certain pressure that comes with presenting to a boss or customer. It is no longer the safe world of your Toastmasters club. The contests prepare you to excel in that environment.

 

 

And fifth, perhaps the best benefit that I have gained from Toastmasters is the contacts that I have made through my involvement.

Most of my contest experience was before virtual meetings. The contests were held in person, and I got to know Toastmasters from other clubs, especially my competitors. They became my friends.

 

Recently I have competed in some virtual contests. It just isn’t the same. You still gain many of the benefits, but there is something to be said for that face-to-face contact, not only with the other contestants, but also with the leadership in your District. And in the process, it builds your bond to Toastmasters. You realize that you are part of a bigger organization. And, because of the people you meet, you are challenged to think bigger.

In addition, as you become dedicated to improvement, you will find additional resources within the Toastmasters family that can drive you to the next level. I will never forget the time I attended a meeting of a speakers bureau club in my District. One of the World Champions of Public Speaking was there. He was asked to evaluate the featured speaker and was given permission to tell all that he saw—the good and the bad, with no sugarcoating.

I was in awe. I realized at that moment there was a lot I didn’t know about speaking, so I plugged into his resources. That took me to a whole new level.

My contest experience started the first year I joined Toastmasters. I had just presented a speech at my club, and they thought it was funny. It just so happened that our District had a Humorous Speech Contest two weeks later, and I was drafted to represent the club. I had no idea what I was getting into, but I said yes nonetheless. I topped out at the Division level, but I was hooked.

What if I hadn’t been asked? What if I hadn’t said yes? What if I hadn’t taken it seriously? I would have missed out—big-time.

What about you? Are you ready for a challenge? Are you ready to grow? And are you ready to go beyond what you think possible?

Entering that first contest was a watershed moment for me. I encourage you to do the same.