Venkat Raman, District Contest Co-Chair
Ananda Sen, District Contest Co-Chair
Hans E. Thoma, District Chief Judge
Overview
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®.
The Toastmasters International (TI) Board of Directors has allowed Districts to decide contest format for the 2023-2024 Contest Cycle. All contests at the Area and Division with be VIRTUAL ONLY. Clubs can decide on their contest formats.
The District level speech and evaluation contests for the 2023-2024 Toastmasters program year will be Hybrid. All participants at the District level contests can decide to be virtual or in-person on May 11, 2024. Each contestant participates that chooses to participant virtually, from physically-distant locations, must use equipment that contestants obtain themselves.
General Toastmasters Rules and Updates – For All Contestants and Participants
2023-24 Contest Official TMI Rulebook | D57 – Eligibility rules for contestants and participants – summary of official rules |
OLD 2022-23 Official TMI – Contest Best Practices (check D57 guides below and newest rulebook for some changes) | |
Judging Criteria for Speeches and Evaluations |
Rules Verification Q&A by D57 Chief Judge |
For Contest Chairs, Judges, Tech Host, Timers, Ballot Counters, Toastmasters, SAA – The materials below are either old, or offer suggested ideas, and may be adapted in accordance with the 2023-24 Contest Official TMI Rulebook.
Contest Checklist | Judges Guide and Ballots Video |
Contest Script – Contest Agenda | Contest Overview and Roles |
Dual Area Contest Script and Agenda | Roles summary |
D57 Contest Roles Training Schedule | TMI Online Tutorials |
TMI Speech Contest Materials | TMI Speech Contest FAQ |
When You’re The Judge |
For Speech and Evaluation Contestants
Eligibility for Contestants | Evaluation Contest and Guidelines – Summary |
Speech Guidelines – Summary |
D57 Speech Contest Training Workshops and older resources from previous contest cycles – The materials below are either old, or offer suggested ideas, and may be adapted in accordance with the 2023-24 Contest Official TMI Rulebook.
December 1, 2022 Video (courtesy Maureen Filler) |
TBD For Judges and Contest Chairs – Eligibility and Rules review For Zoom Tech Hosts |
TBD For Contest Chairs, Toastmaster, Sergeant at Arms – Nuts and bolts of the agenda and using a script. |
TBD – [Link TBA] For Chief Judges – using digital ballots effectively |
TBD – [Link TBA] For Chief Judges – using digital ballots effectively |
Subject: Area and Division contest dates
Clubs should do theirs between Jan 1 – Feb 1
Areas should do theirs between Feb 1 – February 29
Change Log
Date | Description | Who |
2023-01-13 | Original Version | LJM |