Toastmasters International published new rules for International Speech and Evaluation Contests during the late fall of 2010. Here are some of the changes:
- Contestants: To be eligible to compete in the International Speech contest, a member must have completed at least six speeches from the Competent Communication (Item 225) manual prior to the club contest. (Note: Toastmasters who completed older speaking awards like CTM or Able Toastmaster are considered to have met the 6 speech requirement). *Exception: A charter member of a club chartered since the previous July 1 is permitted to compete without having completed this requirement. The club must have officially chartered before the area contest.
- Judges: All judges at area, division, district, semifinal, and International speech contests must have been a Toastmasters member in good standing since July 1 of the previous year and have completed at least six Competent Communication (Item 225) manual projects.
- Timing: Two timers are appointed by the chief judge. One is provided with a stopwatch and the other with a timing device that displays green, yellow, and red colors
- Tiebreaking: The tiebreaking judge’s ballot must be collected by the chief judge while the counters are collecting all other judges’ ballots.
- Official Forms: Only official forms may be used for speech contests Visit this link for details of the changes covered above and information on ordering contest materials. Contest season is an exciting time and an excellent opportunity to showcase the leadership skills learned in Toastmasters. **Do not forget the Club and Area Contest Coordinators receive credit in the Competent Leadership Manual towards the CL credential.
Click here to access the District 27 Conference Protocol
Click here to access contest resources
