Each program year, the District Executive Committee (DEC) decides which speech contest types will be run at Area, Division and District level. Following a discussion and vote on 13th July 2026, it was decided that we will run the International Speech, Evaluation, Humorous Speech and Online Speech contest types in 2026-27.
This decision does not affect club-level contests. Individual clubs that choose to run speech contests can run any or all of the contest types described in the speech contest rulebook.
The committee considered:
- The District mission: to build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence
- The core values of Toastmasters International: Integrity, Respect, Service and Excellence
- The history and traditions of our District
- Information from a survey that had been sent to club Presidents, Vice Presidents Education & Vice Presidents Membership
- Decisions that had been made in previous years
- Contributions from DEC members based on conversations with club leaders and personal experience
After all DEC members had had an opportunity to contribute to the discussion, it was proposed that for the 2026-27 program year, in addition to the International Speech Contest, the District shall run the Evaluation, Humorous and Online Speech Contests. The proposal was adopted by a clear majority vote.
For more information, including deadlines, please refer to our Speech Contest Frequently Asked Questions.
