District 57 Toastmasters
Virtual Speech Contests 2021
Table of Contents
Introduction
District 57 Toastmasters Specific Information
Toastmasters International World Headquarters Resources
District 57 Toastmasters Resources
Zoom Skills
Change Log
Introduction
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 and the semifinals for a chance to take part in the World Championship of Public Speaking®
As the COVID-19 global pandemic continues, the Toastmasters International (TI) Board of Directors mandates all Districts must conduct online Area-, Division-, and District-level speech contests for the 2020-2021 Toastmasters program year. Each contestant participates from physically-distant locations, using equipment that each contestant obtains themselves.
This is an exception to General Rules for all Toastmasters Speech Contests, 2. Eligibility, A., 9, which states, “Each contestant must be physically present to compete beyond the club level. Participation by audio, video, or other remote technology is not permitted beyond the club level. Other than this exception, the Speech Contest Rulebook must be followed as far as it is applicable.”
All contestants and contest officials must be present in real time for the contest and must use a webcam and microphone to ensure they are visible and audible while delivering their speech.
District 57 Toastmasters (D57TM) Specific Information
District 57 Toastmasters (D57TM) will host the Evaluation Speech and International Speech Contests for the 2021 contest cycle. The District contests will be held on the Zoom video conferencing platform.
Also note that Toastmasters policy is that all participants must be muted and hide their video except the Speaker and Timer.
Our District Leadership team and Chairs have worked hard to develop the resources below to ensure an excellent virtual contest experience:
Toastmasters International World Headquarters Resources
| Resource and Link | Description / Commentary | |
| Speech Contests
https://www.toastmasters.org/leadership-central/speech-contests |
Landing page at TI HQ. See this page for the latest version of the following documents. | |
| Speech Contest Tutorials (Videos)
https://www.toastmasters.org/leadership-central/speech-contests/speech-contest-tutorials |
Fundamental principles to help members understand speech contests.
Created prior to virtual contests. Please use the latest Web browsers. System Requirements: Adobe Flash player version 10.0 or later. |
|
| 2020-2021 Speech Contest Rulebook (ENG)
https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/2020-2021-speech-contest-rulebook (link to PDF) For other languages, see Resource Library https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/resource-library?t=speech%20contest%20rulebook |
In effect from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, features speech contest rules for the International, Evaluation, and other Speech Contests.
Check here periodically or upon announcement for the updated version. Latest version: 2020/02 |
|
| Speech Contest Rulebook Changes https://toastmasterscdn.azureedge.net/medias/files/department-documents/speech-contests-documents/speech-contest-rulebook-explanation-of-changes.pdf | Find out how the Speech Contest Rulebook has changed and why each change was made.
Latest version: 2020/02 |
|
| Speech Contest FAQ | First place to look up your questions on contests. | |
| Conducting Quality Speech Contests (PDF) https://www.toastmasters.org/leadership-central/-/media/files/department-documents/speech-contests-documents/206eg-conducting-quality-speech-contests.ashx | Read this guide to understand the process, rules and resources required to enhance your speech contests.
Item 206EG Area and Division Director Training Facilitator Guide, Session 4: Conduct Quality Speech Contests © 2016 |
|
| Speech Contest Materials https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/resource-library
Type “contest” as search term or https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/resource-library?t=%E2%80%9Ccontest%E2%80%9D |
Download the materials you need to conduct speech contests.
Adobe PDF formatted material such as forms and certificates that can be filled electronically and/or printed. |
|
| How to Appear Your Best Online https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/magazine-issues/2020/apr/appear-your-best-online | Consider your setting, appearance, and delivery for an effective online speech.
From April 2020 Toastmasters Magazine article |
|
| Online Speech Contest Best Practices (PDF) Item 479 https://www.toastmasters.org/leadership-central/-/media/files/department-documents/speech-contests-documents/best-practices-for-online-speech-contests.ashx | Find tips and information for the logistics of your contest.
Latest version: 2020/10 Very useful document covering the basics. |
|
| Video Recording Guidelines for Online Speech Contests (PDF) | Find helpful information on how to ensure all of your contestants comply with recording rules.
Updated for 2021 contests |
|
D57TM Resources
Contest Chairs/Contest Toastmasters
| Resource and Link | Description / Commentary | |
| DECM Presentation – November 2020
TBD |
District Executive Committee Meeting Presentation – Contest – November | |
| DECM Presentation – December 2020
TBD |
District Executive Committee Meeting Presentation – Contest – December | |
| Contest Script – Club Contests
TBD |
||
| Contest Script – Area Contests
TBD |
||
| Contest Script – Dual Areas Contests
TBD |
For two Areas that wants to combine area contests using same set of contest officials | |
| Contest Script – Division Contests
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nXuMCNZQBr0_pkt7cAzlFhCoqo_ogFvM/view |
Created for 2020 contest cycle | |
| Contest Agenda – Club Contests
TBD |
||
| Contest Agenda – Area Contests
https://d57tm.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Spring-Contest-Agenda-Area-Template-1.docx |
Created for 2020 contest cycle | |
| Contest Agenda – Division Contests
https://d57tm.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Spring-Contest-Agenda-Division-Template-1.docx |
Created for 2020 contest cycle | |
Chief Judges
| Judges Training Slides https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1iN110CIOlANp8GFqLjj5vzvilseH1nP3aHfDvMVSyVQ/edit?usp=sharing | For all Voting, Tiebreaking, and Chief Judges.
Created for 2020 contest cycle |
|
| Judges Training Video | For all Voting, Tiebreaking, and Chief Judges.
Created for 2020 contest cycle |
|
| D57 Speech Speech Contest Voting Judge’s Ballot SAMPLE
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1UK9CaHvnapGravRPp4UQStTOrMkWL4GvBWZE-E8Z0sk/edit?usp=sharing |
Revised for 2021 contest cycle
Make a copy and test it out. Specify where to export result to your Google Sheets |
|
| D57 Speech Contest Tiebreaking Judge’s Ballot SAMPLE
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1kN6XfcgQgy3X5VIOtPmhQpeOu2WhTaWhC9H1yYhAhWU/edit?usp=sharing |
Created for 2020 contest cycle
Make a copy and test it out Specify where to export result to your Google Sheets |
|
| Chief Judge e-mail templates for ballot counters, timers, and various judges
https://docs.google.com/document/d/10lHitum6MYsBNmZE_JQXC_mbJvyPsXsOud6r4I9zCvQ/edit?usp=sharing |
Created for 2020 contest cycle | |
| Speech Contest Tutorials (Videos)
https://www.toastmasters.org/leadership-central/speech-contests/speech-contest-tutorials |
Fundamental principles to help members understand speech contests.
Created prior to virtual contests. Please use the latest Web browsers. System Requirements: Adobe Flash player version 10.0 or later. |
|
| 2020-2021 Speech Contest Rulebook (ENG)
https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/2020-2021-speech-contest-rulebook (link to PDF) |
In effect from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, features speech contest rules for the International, Evaluation, and other Speech Contests.
Check here periodically or upon announcement for the updated version. Latest version: 2020/02 |
|
| Speech Contest Rulebook Changes https://toastmasterscdn.azureedge.net/medias/files/department-documents/speech-contests-documents/speech-contest-rulebook-explanation-of-changes.pdf | Find out how the Speech Contest Rulebook has changed and why each change was made.
Latest version: 2020/02 |
|
Voting Judges,
| Judges Training Slides https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1iN110CIOlANp8GFqLjj5vzvilseH1nP3aHfDvMVSyVQ/edit?usp=sharing | For all Voting, Tiebreaking, and Chief Judges.
Created for 2020 contest cycle |
|
| Judges Training Video | For all Voting, Tiebreaking, and Chief Judges.
Created for 2020 contest cycle |
|
| D57 Speech Speech Contest Voting Judge’s Ballot SAMPLE
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1UK9CaHvnapGravRPp4UQStTOrMkWL4GvBWZE-E8Z0sk/edit?usp=sharing |
Revised for 2021 contest cycle
Make a copy and test it out. Specify where to export result to your Google Sheets |
|
| Speech Contest Tutorials (Videos)
https://www.toastmasters.org/leadership-central/speech-contests/speech-contest-tutorials |
Fundamental principles to help members understand speech contests.
Created prior to virtual contests. Please use the latest Web browsers. System Requirements: Adobe Flash player version 10.0 or later. |
|
| 2020-2021 Speech Contest Rulebook (ENG)
https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/2020-2021-speech-contest-rulebook (link to PDF) |
In effect from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, features speech contest rules for the International, Evaluation, and other Speech Contests.
Check here periodically or upon announcement for the updated version. Latest version: 2020/02 |
|
| Speech Contest Rulebook Changes https://toastmasterscdn.azureedge.net/medias/files/department-documents/speech-contests-documents/speech-contest-rulebook-explanation-of-changes.pdf | Find out how the Speech Contest Rulebook has changed and why each change was made.
Latest version: 2020/02 |
|
Tiebreaking Judges
| Judges Training Slides https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1iN110CIOlANp8GFqLjj5vzvilseH1nP3aHfDvMVSyVQ/edit?usp=sharing | For all Voting, Tiebreaking, and Chief Judges.
Created for 2020 contest cycle |
|
| Judges Training Video | For all Voting, Tiebreaking, and Chief Judges.
Created for 2020 contest cycle |
|
| D57 Speech Contest Tiebreaking Judge’s Ballot SAMPLE
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1kN6XfcgQgy3X5VIOtPmhQpeOu2WhTaWhC9H1yYhAhWU/edit?usp=sharing |
Created for 2020 contest cycle
Make a copy and test it out Specify where to export result to your Google Sheets |
|
| Speech Contest Tutorials (Videos)
https://www.toastmasters.org/leadership-central/speech-contests/speech-contest-tutorials |
Fundamental principles to help members understand speech contests.
Created prior to virtual contests. Please use the latest Web browsers. System Requirements: Adobe Flash player version 10.0 or later. |
|
| 2020-2021 Speech Contest Rulebook (ENG)
https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/2020-2021-speech-contest-rulebook (link to PDF) |
In effect from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, features speech contest rules for the International, Evaluation, and other Speech Contests.
Check here periodically or upon announcement for the updated version. Latest version: 2020/02 |
|
| Speech Contest Rulebook Changes https://toastmasterscdn.azureedge.net/medias/files/department-documents/speech-contests-documents/speech-contest-rulebook-explanation-of-changes.pdf | Find out how the Speech Contest Rulebook has changed and why each change was made.
Latest version: 2020/02 |
|
Ballot Counters
| Training Slides | Created for 2020 contest cycle | |
| Revised for 2021 contest cycle
Make a copy and test it out. Specify where to export result to your Google Sheets |
||
| 2020-2021 Speech Contest Rulebook (ENG)
https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/2020-2021-speech-contest-rulebook (link to PDF) |
In effect from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, features speech contest rules for the International, Evaluation, and other Speech Contests.
Check here periodically or upon announcement for the updated version. Latest version: 2020/02 |
|
Timers
| Timer Training Slides
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1J1EWxisSZOqIDYP0L7oE2t9xdTzGF4XFH0OKhG-Jk9M/edit?usp=sharing |
Created for 2020 contest cycle | |
| Timer Virtual Backgrounds – D57TM
Green: https://d57tm.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/timer_Green_card.jpg Yellow: https://d57tm.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/timer_Yellow_card.jpg Red: https://d57tm.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/timer_red_card.jpg |
Created for 2020 contest cycle by D57TM, used successfully | |
| Timer Virtual Backgrounds – Traffic Signal (V2)
https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/zoom-stop-light-timer-backgrounds |
Latest Toastmasters International Timer Signal background for Zoom | |
| 2020-2021 Speech Contest Rulebook (ENG)
https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/2020-2021-speech-contest-rulebook (link to PDF) For other languages, see Resource Library https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/resource-library?t=speech%20contest%20rulebook |
In effect from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, features speech contest rules for the International, Evaluation, and other Speech Contests.
Check here periodically or upon announcement for the updated version. Latest version: 2020/02 |
|
Sergeant at Arms
| SAA Training Slides
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1AT8C6heU2WDN2vnclewt7xPpWoMLNcYjtE-hRvDnLTk/edit?usp=sharing |
Created for 2020 contest cycle | |
| 2020-2021 Speech Contest Rulebook (ENG)
https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/2020-2021-speech-contest-rulebook (link to PDF) For other languages, see Resource Library https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/resource-library?t=speech%20contest%20rulebook |
In effect from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, features speech contest rules for the International, Evaluation, and other Speech Contests.
Check here periodically or upon announcement for the updated version. Latest version: 2020/02 |
|
Contestants
| Contestant Training & Preparation Slides
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ESTdgsE6Yj2T1FDxFpB0V7wu3l_yUt-lXfN17kvPrss/edit?usp=sharing |
Created for 2020 contest cycle | |
| Contestant Training & Preparation Video | Created for 2020 contest cycle | |
| How to Appear Your Best Online https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/magazine-issues/2020/apr/appear-your-best-online | Consider your setting, appearance, and delivery for an effective online speech.
From April 2020 Toastmasters Magazine article |
|
| Video Recording Guidelines for Online Speech Contests (PDF) | Find helpful information on how to ensure all of your contestants comply with recording rules.
Updated for 2021 contests |
|
| Changing the video layout (Active Speaker View and Gallery View)
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362323-How-Do-I-Change-The-Video-Layout- |
To ensure the Contestant is able to see the Timer, the Contestant is requested to pin the Timer, which automatically switches to Active Speaker View of Timer who shows the signal. | |
| 2020-2021 Speech Contest Rulebook (ENG)
https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/2020-2021-speech-contest-rulebook (link to PDF) For other languages, see Resource Library https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/resource-library?t=speech%20contest%20rulebook |
In effect from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, features speech contest rules for the International, Evaluation, and other Speech Contests.
Check here periodically or upon announcement for the updated version. Latest version: 2020/02 |
|
Test Speakers
| Training and Preparation slides https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1DyA1OhpQG3wRmlNdU3h_5cCKhV8EvtlXr3kq1nORGRo/edit?usp=sharing | Created for 2020 contest cycle | |
| How to Appear Your Best Online https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/magazine-issues/2020/apr/appear-your-best-online | Consider your setting, appearance, and delivery for an effective online speech.
From April 2020 Toastmasters Magazine article |
|
| Contestant Training & Preparation Slides
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ESTdgsE6Yj2T1FDxFpB0V7wu3l_yUt-lXfN17kvPrss/edit?usp=sharing |
Created for 2020 contest cycle | |
| Contestant Training & Preparation Video | Created for 2020 contest cycle | |
| Changing the video layout (Active Speaker View and Gallery View)
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362323-How-Do-I-Change-The-Video-Layout- |
To ensure the Contestant is able to see the Timer, the Contestant is requested to pin the Timer, which automatically switches to Active Speaker View of Timer who shows the signal. | |
| 2020-2021 Speech Contest Rulebook (ENG)
https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/2020-2021-speech-contest-rulebook (link to PDF) For other languages, see Resource Library https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/resource-library?t=speech%20contest%20rulebook |
Target Speakers shall be paid Toastmasters.
Check here periodically or upon announcement for the updated version. Latest version: 2020/02 |
|
Zoom Skills
| Meeting and Webinar Best Practices and Resources
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/209743263-Meeting-and-Webinar-Best-Practices-and-Resources |
||
| Zoom Help Center | Frequently asked questions https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206175806 | |
| Zoom Official YouTube Channel “How to Zoom” Playlist
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKpRxBfeD1kEM_I1lId3N_Xl77fKDzSXe |
||
| Zoom 101 Sign Up & Download Meeting Client | Getting started guide for new users https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360034967471 | |
| How to Update Your Zoom Client (0:58) | New Updates for Zoom Client https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360042414611-New-Updates-for-Zoom-Client | |
| How to Join a Zoom Meeting (1:10) https://www.youtube.com/embed/hIkCmbvAHQQ | ||
| Joining & Configuring Audio & Video in Zoom (1:43) | Audio, Video, Sharing https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/categories/201137166 | |
| Zoom Meeting Controls Overview (10:17) | Host and co-host controls in a meeting https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362603-Host-and-co-host-controls-in-a-meeting | |
| How To Secure Your Zoom Meeting (6:36) | Zoom Tech Hosts/Zoommasters/Contest Chair | |
| How to use Zoom Meeting Passwords (1:49) | ||
| How to use Zoom Virtual Backgrounds (3:34) | Contestants are not allowed to use virtual background.
Learn how to add an image or video as your background in a Zoom meeting. https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/210707503 |
|
| Accessibility features: How to with Zoom | ||
| How to Schedule a Zoom Meeting | For Zoom meeting/contest Technical Host/account owner | |
| How to use Zoom Waiting Room | For Zoom meeting/contest Technical Host/account owner | |
| How to use Breakout Room in Zoom (3:19)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jbPpdyn16sY Participating in breakout rooms https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/115005769646-Participating-in-breakout-rooms |
For Zoom meeting/contest Technical Host, Co-Host, and Sergeant-At-Arms | |
| Zoom EDU: Turn on Participant Share Screen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DFcsWLnFZwo | Typically for Contest Chair (certificate of participation presentation, for example) | |
| Zoom Phone User Training | Intended for audience only | |
| Changing the video layout (Active Speaker View and Gallery View)
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362323-How-Do-I-Change-The-Video-Layout- |
||
|
Passing host controls and leaving the meeting
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201362573-Passing-host-controls-and-leaving-the-meeting |
||
|
Using in-meeting chat
https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/203650445-Using-in-meeting-chat |
||
| Controlling and disabling in-meeting chat https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/115004809306-Controlling-and-disabling-in-meeting-chat | ||
| Streaming your Zoom meeting to YouTube Live. https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/360028478292-Streaming-a-Meeting-or-Webinar-on-YouTube-Live | If you wish to live stream your event using a paid account | |
| Technical Deep Dive: How We Live Streamed Zoomtopia Without a Hitch – October 20, 2017 https://blog.zoom.us/technical-deep-dive-how-we-live-streamed-zoomtopia-without-a-hitch/ | If you wish to live stream your event using a paid account | |
Change Log
| Date | Description | Who |
| 14 JAN 2020 | Initial 2020 revision | WKL |
Update: 14 Jan 2020
Last updated: 1/14/21
