DISTRICT 44 TOASTMASTERS

HOST A Speech Contest

How to Run a Speech Contest

Your all-in-one resource hub for planning, promoting, and executing successful Toastmasters speech contests at every level.

This page is designed to guide Club Officers, Area Directors, Division Directors, and District Leaders through every step of running a Toastmasters speech contest. You’ll find:

  • A breakdown of current-year contest formats and eligibility
  • Training videos for Contest Chairs, Contest Masters, and Judges
  • Downloadable contest materials and planning tools
  • A submission form to inform the District of your contest date and details
  • A mock contest video to see how everything comes together in action

About Toastmasters Speech Contests

Speech contests are a long-standing Toastmasters tradition that help members sharpen their skills and gain recognition. Each year, thousands compete in contests like Humorous, Evaluation, Tall Tales, Table Topics, and International Speech.

Winners advance from Club to Area, Division, and District levels—with International Speech Contest winners having a chance to compete on the world stage.

Questions? Contact our District Contest Team:
📧 speechcontests@d44toastmasters.org

2025–2026 Contest Season

For the 2025–2026 Toastmasters year, District 44 will host Table Topics and International Speech Contests at all levels—Club, Area, Division, and District.

Key Dates

  • Club Contests: August 1 – October 30, 2025

  • Area Contests: November 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026

  • Division Contests: March 1 – March 31, 2026

  • District Contest: May 14–16, 2026 (during the District Conference)

We encourage every club and division to participate! Use the tools and resources below to get started—and don’t forget to submit your contest details to be added to the District Calendar.

Contest Training Videos

Watch Contest Trainings

Club Contest Chair Training
Secrets to Running a Successful Contest
▶ Watch Now »

Contest Master Training
Keeping the Audience Engaged
▶ Watch Now »

Judges Training
Judging with Integrity: A Guide to Fair and Effective Contest Judging
▶ Watch Now »

Mock Contest Video
▶ Watch Now »

    Download Contest Materials

    All official and supporting contest materials—Table Topics, International Speech, and Contest Functionary resources—are available in our shared drive:

    Speech Contest Flyer Template

    8.5 x 11 flyer designed for print.  Available in black, blue, maroon, and yellow.

    GOT QUESTIONS?

    Our District Contest Team is here to help you run a successful, memorable contest—email speechcontests@d44toastmasters.org.

    Submit Your Contest Details?

    Help us support and promote your contest—just fill out this quick form with your contest level, type, date, location, and Contest Chair info so we can add it to the District Calendar and provide the support you need.

    Contest Information

    ex. Room To Speak 04205963, Area B3, Division F
    **IF PAIRING YOUR CONTEST PLEASE ENTER BOTH NAMES AND NUMBERS**

    Contest Type

    e.g., special instructions, parking, meeting entry

    Contest Chair Information