About Contests

Speech Contests are an important part of  the Toastmasters education program. They provide an opportunity for Toastmasters to gain speaking experience, as well as an opportunity for other Toastmasters to learn by observing proficient speakers. 

Club Contests are organised by the Club and overseen by the Club's Vice President Education. Area and Division Contests are District events and are conducted under the authority of the District Director. The person responsible for the organisation of a contest is either the Area or Division Director. The sooner the questions are answered the better organised the Contest Chair will be and work on promoting the contest. 

• Club Contests must take place no later than two weeks before their Area Contest.

• Clubs consult with their members and Executives on the date, timing, roles, and confirms eligibility of its contestants. 

• Most Humorous Speech and Table Topics are conducted from August through September. International Speech and Evaluation Contests take place anywhere from October through February. Some clubs may hold Tall Tales Contests. 

• At Area Contests all clubs must be consulted with a unanimous decision on how the Area Contest is to take place. 

Questions to address at the Area Council are: 

• Why the contest is being held (confirm value of contest to all, benefits to clubs and members, type of contests to run).

• Who will host the contest(s) and be key contacts from the clubs. 

• What contests are taking place (and any themes, catering, raffles, sponsors, presentations, promotions)

• When will the contest(s) be held (over 2 days, full day, etc.)

• Where will the contest(s) be held (close to transport, ample parking, and accessibility)

• How will the clubs support the contests (e.g. every club supply two roles, a judge, raffle prize, catering, treasurer, bank, budget, actuals, receipts, petty cash, contest contact to add on flyers/website, purchase supplies, design flyers and programme, print flyers, programmes, briefing notes contest forms and certificates, how will the clubs communicate and how many times.)

HOST CLUB

A host club/event organiser must be appointed for all contests. The host club/event organiser is to work with the Area/Division Director in organising and running the contest on behalf of the District. 

BANK ACCOUNT

All moneys received for the contest are banked by the host club and the host club/event organiser ensures payment of all expenses associated with the contest. No form of Area, Division or personal bank account is to be used for running a contest. Key expenses are for Trophies and engraving where applicable. For physical contests, these include the venue, catering, print material as well. 

BUDGETS

Each Area/Division Director is required to prepare a budget in conjunction with the appointed host club/event organiser. This budget must be submitted to the Contest Budgets Officer at least 28 days prior to the contest at pqd@toastmastersd70.org

RAFFLES

Host clubs/event organisers may conduct a raffle in association with the contest during some physical contests.

CONTEST FEES

No contestant for either Area or Division level may be charged any fee to enter the Contests. Refer to Rulebook.

POST CONTEST ACTUALS $

After a contest, each Area/Division Director (in conjunction with the host club/event organiser), is to prepare an Actual v Budget financial statement.  This is to be submitted to the District 70 Contest Budgets Officer.