District 1 2025 Speech Contest: Humorous & International
Speech Contests
Speech contests are an integral part of the Toastmasters educational experience. They provide an opportunity for Toastmasters to gain “stage-time” speaking experience and “back-stage” leadership experience. And don’t forget the trophies, the certificates, and the effusive “thanks” from the contest chair!
International
Contestants present a five to seven minute speech on any subject they choose. All districts must conduct this contest. The International competition has two additional levels — semifinal and the World Championship of Public Speaking®.
Humorous
Contestants present a humorous speech that must be thematic in nature (opening, body, and close), not a monologue (series of one-liners).
Evaluation
Contestants observe a five-to seven-minute test speech and then present a two-to three-minute evaluation of the test speech.
Tall Tales
Contestants present a speech on a topic that is highly-exaggerated and improbable in theme or plot.
Table Topics
An impromptu speech, all contestants are assigned the same topic, told to them when they are introduced by the contest chair.
Begin Your Learning Here:
- How to Conduct Quality Speech Contests
- Speech Contest Frequently Asked Questions
- Contest Rule Book (2024-2025)
- Best Practices for Online Speech Contests
Toastmasters Speech Contest Video Tutorials
Speech Contest Roles
- Contest Chair
- Chief Judge
- Contest Toastmaster
- Ballot Counter
- Contestant Liaison
- Food and Decorations
- Registration
- Sergeant-at-Arms
- Timer
Forms
- Speaker Certification of Eligibility and Originality
- Speech Contestant Profile
- Counter’s Tally Sheet
- Speech Contest Time Record Sheet and Instructions for the Timers
- Results Form
- Humorous Speech Contest Judge’s Ballot
- Humorous Speech Contest Tiebreaker Judge’s Ballot
- International Speech Contest Judge’s Ballot
- International Speech Contest Tiebreaker Judge’s Ballot
- Notification of Contest Winner