In District 80, two series of contests are held each half term. Members may compete in the Evaluation Contest and/or the Humorous Speech Contest in August-November and in the Table Topics Contest and/or the International Speech Contest in Feb-May.
The purpose of a speech contest is to provide an opportunity for speakers to improve their speaking abilities, to recognize individual Toastmasters as an encouragement to all, and to provide an opportunity for all Toastmasters to learn by observing speakers who have benefited from their Toastmasters training. Each contest focuses on a particular set of skills, providing a terrific opportunity to learn about a specific area of communication. The different types of contests conducted in District 80 are summarized below.
Each of these contests begins with competitions at the club level. Club winners compete at the local Area Contest. Area Contest winners compete at the local Division Contests. Division Contest winners compete at the District Conference. District International Speech contest winners go on to represent the District at the International semi-final level.
Contestant Eligibility
In general, to be eligible for any contest, a contestant
must be a member in good standing of a club in good
standing (dues
current). If a member belongs to more than one
club, the member may enter the club contest for each
club where he/she maintains good standing. However, a
contestant may not represent more than one club at the
Area level, even if the clubs are in different Areas or
Divisions. District officers may not compete in any
contest.
For the International Speech Contest, the contestant must have completed six speech projects from the Competent Communicator manual.
See the Speech Contest Rulebook for complete eligibility requirements. An updated copy of the rulebook is sent to clubs each year. If you are unable to locate your club's, one may be downloaded from the Toastmaster International website Speech Contest information page.
Contest
Summary
The following chart summarizes some of the details about
the contests held in District 80. For more information,
contact your club's VP Education or the District Program
Quality Director
|
|
Humorous |
Evaluation |
International |
Table Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Description |
Original humorous speech with theme (no acting or monologue) |
Evaluation of test speaker |
Original speech, any subject |
Respond to impromptu question or topic (same topic for all contestants) |
|
Duration |
5 - 7 minutes |
2 - 3 minutes |
5 - 7 minutes |
1 - 2 minutes |
|
Eligibility Requirements |
Standard |
Standard |
Standard plus complete 6 speeches from Competent Communicator manual |
Standard |
|
Month Held |
|
|
|
|
|
Club |
August |
August |
February |
February |
|
Area |
September |
September |
March |
March |
|
Division |
October |
October |
April |
April |
|
District |
October/November |
October/November |
May |
May |
|
International |
--- |
--- |
August |
--- |