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 quarterfinals level. Following region quarterfinals, winners advance to the semi-finals for a chance to take part in the World Championship of Public Speaking®.

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Each year, more than 30,000 Toastmasters compete in one or more of the following contests:

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International Speech Contest:

Contestants present a five-to-seven-minute speech on any subject they choose.

Please note that all Districts are required to hold the International Speech Contest.

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Humorous Speech Contest:

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

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Evaluation Contest:

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

 

Tall Tales Contest:

Contestants present a three-to-five-minute speech on a topic that is highly-exaggerated and improbable in theme or plot.

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Table Topics Contest:

An impromptu speech of one-to-two-minutes, all contestants are assigned the same topic, told to them when they are introduced by the contest chair. 

 

Video Speech Contest:

A contest for Undistricted clubs and provisional districts that follows the International Speech Contest rules. This contest does not advance beyond the club.

Please note that District 100 is not eligible to compete in the Video Speech Contest.