Historical Perspective

Speech contests are a Toastmasters tradition. Each year, thousands of Toastmasters compete in the Humorous, Evaluation, Tall Tales, Table Topics and International speech contests. Competition begins with club contests, and winners continue competing through the Area, Division and District levels. Winners of the District level International Speech Contest proceed to the region quarterfinal level. Following region quarterfinals, winners advance to the semifinals for a chance to take part in the World Championship of Public Speaking^®.

Each year, more than 30,000 Toastmasters compete in one or more contests.

In District 64 Clubs typically started their contests in March, followed by Area Contests, Division Contests and ending at the District Speech Contests in late April or early May held during the Spring Convention.  Starting the 2021-22 Toastmaster year, District 64 are starting the club contests in January, then Area in February, and Division in March..

In 2020 and 2021 the speech contests were held 100% online due to COVID restrictions.  However 2022 saw a return to in person contests.