Speech Contests
Each year, Toastmasters from across the world compete in speech contests. The competition begins with club contests and winners continue competing through the area, division, district levels. For the 2020-21 program year, Toastmasters requires districts to conduct all district-run contests virtually. District 31 will conduct its area, division, and district level speech contests via Zoom.
2020-21 District 31 Speech Contests
District 31 will conduct the International Speech Contest and the Humorous Speech Contest at the area, division, and district levels in the Spring of 2021. Only paid members in good standing of a club in good standing are eligible to compete.
International Speech Contest
Contestants present a 5 to 7 minute speech on any subject they choose. International Speech contestants must have earned awards for completion of Level 1 and Level 2 in the Pathways educational program. Members who joined prior to May of 2018 may also qualify if they have completed at least 6 speeches in the Competent Communicator manual. The District 31 winner will advance to the Region Quarterfinals for a chance to compete in the World Championship of Public Speaking.
Humorous Speech Contest
Contestants present a 5 to 7 minute humorous speech that must be thematic in nature (opening, body, and close), not a monologue (series of one-liners).
Other Contests
Clubs may conduct their own contests for Evaluation, Table Topics, and Tall Tales at any point, but winners of these contests will not advance beyond the club.
Contest Resources
We have collected numerous resources to help conduct speech contests at the club level.
Speech Contest Dates
Spring 2021 International and Humorous Speech Contests
Club: by February 14, 2021
Club contest winners must be submitted to your club’s Area Director by Sunday February 14, 2021 to advance to the area contest. If you club elects not to conduct a contest, your club may nominate one member per contest to compete in the area contest.
Area: February 15 – March 14, 2021
Division: March 15 – April 4, 2021
District: May 2021 at CLCON, the District 31 Conference
Contests must be conducted according to the guidelines in the Toastmasters International 2020-2021 Contest Rulebook. Refer to our Contest Resources page for planning resources, promotion resources, contest kits, sample agendas, flyers, and lots more!
A webinar on how to conduct a Toastmasters contest will be held live on September 30 and made available as a recording. Register in advance to view the webinar live.
Questions? Contact our Program Quality Director.
2021 District 31 Speech Contests Announcement
Get ready to laugh in the face of online meetings! District 31 Toastmasters is pleased to announce the return of the Humorous Speech Contest advancing to the district level in 2021, at CLCON, District 31's Communication and Leadership Conference. Speakers from across...