The Top 10 Reasons Toastmasters Speech Contests Are a Game-Changer

Speech contests at Toastmasters offer a variety of benefits to contestants and officials, as well as the promotion of our organization. Consider whether any of these side effects of competition would interest you!

1. Improved Presentation Delivery: Participants gain experience delivering speeches under pressure, which helps them refine their speaking skills and confidence.
2. Enhanced Specific Skills for Connection: Contestants focus on effective speech delivery and improving their use of language, body language, tone, and voice control.
3. Increased Poise: Successfully participating in a contest builds self-assurance in speaking in front of larger audiences and tackling challenging speaking scenarios.
4. Goal Setting Success: The contest offers a tangible goal for members to work towards, motivating them to push their speaking skills outside their comfort zone and challenge them.
5. Sense of Accomplishment: Winning and participating in a contest can give individuals a sense of achievement, encouraging them to continue to work on their craft and improve themselves.
6. Public Recognition: Contestants who advance to higher levels, gain exposure to new opportunities to meet new people and broaden professional and social networks.
7. Professional Advancement: Many members leverage their Toastmasters contest improving their ability to communicate effectively in meetings, presentations, and interviews.
8. Stirring Excellence: The contests foster a healthy competitive environment where participants strive for excellence elevating their skills and reaching for the best version of their speeches.
9. Role Models and Inspiration: Contestants become role models who inspire others to work harder on their communication and leadership abilities.
10. Creating Community: Contests increase member engagement and encourage club members to support their fellow members, whether they are competitors, officials or audience members, leading to the discovery of new leaders and inspiring speakers for our district.

Take the initiative and attend So You Think You Can Judge! Session and learn to be fair, accurate, effective and trustworthy as a judge, an official, or a contestant this contest season!

Bring your A-Game to speech contests this year!

Register at  https://d42tm.org/events/judges-training/

Looking forward to connecting with you.

Christina Kruis, District Contest Chair (In-Person)