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