Toastmasters UK North & Ireland

Toastmasters Speech Contests

Learn from others best practice

Why take part in contests?

Contests offer members of Toastmasters an opportunity to compete against their peers, they also give a chance for improvement whether as a competitor or as an observer.

Enjoyment for contestants and observers is derived from a sense of fairness, and Toastmasters competitions are run with attention to correct judging, timing and ballot counting.

Useful resources

Contests & Judging team

The Contests & Judging team shares expertise in the effective management of contests for Clubs, Areas, Divisions and the District, assists with the coordination of judges and officials for Division-level contests and manages the District-level contests.

District contests

This spring, District 71 runs International speech and Evaluation contests through to Division finals. 

The District finals for International Speech, Evaluation, Humorous Speech and Table Topics  will be held during the District conference in Liverpool

Countdown to the conference

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Contest news

What is the Hall of Fame?

It’s always good to reflect on our achievements and celebrate the excellent contributions of our members as they build their skills in communication and leadership. The Hall of Fame is a highlight of our Toastmasters year. But just what is the Hall of Fame?

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Meet the District Contest Team

Contests certainly create fun and new challenges for our members, whether competing, judging or supporting a successful contests. The District contests and judging team is here to help, and in this article we get to meet them

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Brenda Lannon

Brenda Lannon, Program Quality Director

It is important for all committee members in a club to understand what it is the other members are trying to achieve, why they are doing it and how they can support each other.

This incentive supports the Club’s Success Plan by providing clubs with a better chance of achieving their goals under the Distinguished Club Program (DCP)

Elizabeth Jordan
Elizabeth Jordan, DTM, Club Growth Director

Elizabeth Jordan, Club Growth Director

Many clubs experience a loss in membership at September renewals as existing members leave the club for lots of different reasons. This incentive rewards clubs which renew 80% or more of their membership base at 30th June 2021. Having a good base of experienced members is important to offer mentoring to new members and stability to the club. 

It’s a good idea to follow up with members who do not renew to help club officers to understand the reason for not renewing and to extend an invite to rejoin at a future stage. They may be happy to stay on the club’s email list with this in mind.

James Finnegan

James Finnegan, Public Relations Manager

Good PR attracts new guests, invites discussion and improves the reputation of the Club and Toastmasters generally.

Elizabeth Jordan
Elizabeth Jordan, DTM, Club Growth Director

Elizabeth Jordan, Club Growth Director

Many clubs experience a loss in membership at September renewals as existing members leave the club for lots of different reasons. Recruiting in the early months helps to maintain the membership based upon the number of members at 30 June.

Maintaining a healthy membership number (25+) gives the club a much better opportunity to hold quality meetings with enough members to avoid double roles. Quality club meetings attract new members. Healthy club growth is an important part of Club Success.