top of page
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 to compete at the Area, Division, and District levels. Winners of the District level International Speech Contest proceed to the quarterfinal level. Following the quarterfinals, winners advance to the semifinals for a chance to compete in the World Championship of Public Speaking.
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 learn it only when the contest chair introduces them.
Online
Contestants present a five- to seven-minute speech on any subject they choose while participating live and online from physically distant locations.
bottom of page