The speech contest is one of the most honored traditions in Toastmasters. In the 2025–2026 program year, two contests will be held: the International Speech Contest and the Table Topics Contest.

For many Toastmasters members, the speech contest is a milestone — a chance to showcase your best performance, sharpen your skills, and share your ideas on a bigger stage. It is both a test of your ability and an opportunity to grow.

The question is: are you ready to become a winner?

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility

Before stepping onto the stage, make sure you are eligible to compete.

• You must be anactive, paid member in good standing.
• For theInternational Speech Contest, you must also have completed at least two levels in Pathways.
• At the club level, contests may be held inboth English and French, especially in bilingual cities such as Montréal.

Always confirm the rules and contest types with your contest chair or club officers, as requirements may vary slightly depending on the district.

Step 2: Understand the Contest Types

The two official contests this year are:

1. International Speech Contest: a 5-7 minute prepared speech, usually inspirational or motivational.
2. Table Topics Contest: an impromptu 1-2 minute response to a surprise question.

At the club level, additional contests (such as Humorous Speech or Evaluation Contests) may sometimes be held for fun or training purposes, but the two official ones above are the pathway to Area, Division, District, and even World Championship stages.

Step 3: Craft a Speech That Connects

Every winning speech begins with connection. To connect, you must first speak from your own conviction — choose a theme that you truly believe in. Then, shape it so that your listeners see themselves in your story.

Think of it this way: your speech is not a monologue, but a conversation with many people at once. When the audience feels that you are speaking with them and not merely to them, a bridge is built. That bridge is the connection.

Audiences remember the speeches that touch their hearts and awaken their thoughts. Inspiration, laughter, or even a moment of silence — all of these can create that spark of connection.

Step 4: Keep It Clear and Memorable

In 5–7 minutes, you cannot cover everything. Great speeches are not overloaded; they are simple, concise, and powerful.

• Focus on one clear central idea.
• Support it with vivid examples, stories, or analogies.
• Use humor, but naturally — don’t force it.

Remember the timeless advice: “Don’t try to impress. Just express.”

Step 5: Study the Judge’s Guide

Winning is not only about performance; it’s also about understanding the criteria.

The International Speech Contest judges use a standard ballot that measures:

• Content (speech development, effectiveness, value to audience)
• Delivery (physical, vocal, and manner)
• Language (appropriateness and correctness)

You can download the full guide here:
👉 International Speech Contest Judges Guide and Ballot

Familiarize yourself with it. When you know how you will be judged, you can prepare strategically.

Step 6: Practice with Purpose

Practice is where good speakers become great contestants.

• Record yourself and review critically: are you clear, engaging, and well-paced?
• Refine your gestures, voice variety, and pauses.
• Mark where a joke should land or where your tone should rise.
• Ask mentors and peers for feedback — and apply it.

The goal is not to memorize mechanically, but to own your speech so deeply that it feels natural, alive, and adaptable even under pressure.

Step 7: Learn from Champions

Many past champions have speeches available online. Study them, but not to copy. Instead, observe:

• How they connect with the audience
• How they use pauses, humor, and emotion
• How they craft a central message

Then, develop your own voice and style. Authenticity always wins hearts.

Final Thoughts

The Toastmasters speech contest is not only about winning trophies — it is about growth, courage, and connection. Whether you advance beyond the club level or not, by preparing and competing you will sharpen your skills, inspire others, and become a stronger communicator and leader.

So step forward with confidence. This is your stage, your message, and your moment.