TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL Speech Contest Rulebook 2008€¦ · Speech Contests Toastmasters...

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Speech Contest Rulebook 2008 TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL For International, Evaluation, Humorous, Table Topics, and Tall Tales Speech Contests

Transcript of TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL Speech Contest Rulebook 2008€¦ · Speech Contests Toastmasters...

Page 1: TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL Speech Contest Rulebook 2008€¦ · Speech Contests Toastmasters International P.O. Box 9052 • Mission Viejo, California 92690 USA ... The name “Toastmasters

SpeechContestRulebook2008

T O A S T M A S T E R S I N T E R N A T I O N A L

For International, Evaluation,Humorous, Table Topics, and Tall

Tales Speech Contests

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Page 3: TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL Speech Contest Rulebook 2008€¦ · Speech Contests Toastmasters International P.O. Box 9052 • Mission Viejo, California 92690 USA ... The name “Toastmasters

ForInternational, Evaluation,

Humorous,Table Topics,and Tall Tales

Speech Contests

Toastmasters InternationalP.O. Box 9052 • Mission Viejo, California 92690 USA

949-858-8255 • Fax: 949-858-1207www.toastmasters.org

ITEM 1171© 2007 Toastmasters International. Educational materials produced and distributed by Toastmasters International are intended for use as part

of the Toastmasters educational program only. This publication is produced by Toastmasters International and may not be used outside of the

Toastmasters program nor reproduced in full or in part without written permission from World Headquarters. The name “Toastmasters

International,” “Toastmasters” and the Toastmasters International emblem are trademarks protected in the United States, Canada, the European

Union, Australia, Bahrain, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Oman, Philippines,

Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Taiwan, United Arab Emirates, and most other countries where there are Toastmasters clubs. Clubs

may use these trademarks on stationery, newsletters and other printed matter intended for communications purposes. However, these trade-

marks may not be placed, engraved or otherwise used on items such as trophies, certificates, plaques, badges, banners, clothing, ties, ?jewelry,

mugs, or any other items without the express written consent of the Executive Director. All club and district officers are asked to report to the

Executive Director all instances of illegal reproduction of copyrighted materials and illegal use of Toastmasters International trademarks.

Toastmasters International will pursue full legal recourse for any unauthorized use of its copyrighted materials and trademarks.

SpeechContestRulebook2008

T O A S T M A S T E R S I N T E R N A T I O N A L

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4 SPEECH CONTEST RULEBOOK

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SPEECH CONTEST RULEBOOK 5

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

General Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

International Contest Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Evaluation Contest Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Humorous Speech Contest Rules . . . . . . . . 20

Table Topics Contest Rules. . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Tall Tales Contest Rules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Table of Contents

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6 SPEECH CONTEST RULEBOOK

Speech contests are an important part of the ToastmastersInternational educational program. Speech contests providean opportunity for proficient speakers to gain contest experi-ence, and they provide interesting educational programs formembers and the public. They also allow those Toastmasterswho are not participating in the contest to learn by observingproficient speakers.

Since so many members participate in contests, it’s importantthat all contests be conducted fairly and that they follow therules. In this booklet are rules for the International SpeechContest, as well as rules for Evaluation, Humorous, TableTopics, and Tall Tales Contests. The International SpeechContest is conducted at the club, area, division, district,region, and International levels. All other contests originate atthe club level and proceed through the area, division, anddistrict levels. Judges’ Guides and Ballots for each contest areavailable from World Headquarters. See your Supply Catalogfor prices and ordering information.

If you are involved in conducting or participating in a speechcontest, read the rules carefully and follow them. By doing soyou will insure a fair speech contest and an enjoyable eventfor everyone. Additional information on speech contests maybe found in the Speech Contest Manual (Item 1173). Thisrulebook controls all decisions regarding contests. The com-ments in the Speech Contest Manual and training materialsare intended to give guidance but are not rules.

Rules for these contests are established by ToastmastersInternational’s Board of Directors. The Board reviews therules regularly, and any recommended changes are made thefollowing year. Changes are highlighted by a mark ( ) in theleft margin.

Introduction

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SPEECH CONTEST RULEBOOK 7

The following general provisions concern all contests con-ducted at all levels of Toastmasters International.

1. The only contest a district must conduct is the Inter-national Speech Contest. Districts have the option toconduct up to three additional contests, and these con-tests must be those contained in this rulebook. The onlycontests permitted at the area, division, or district levelsare those that originate at the club level and proceedthrough the area, division, and district levels.

2. The International Speech Contest is the only contestwhich may be conducted at the Regional Conference.

3. In those districts with 10 or more divisions, two separaterun-off competitions among division winners may beheld before the district contest finals. Insofar as practical,the number of divisions competing in each run-off will bethe same. The three highest-placed available contestantsfrom each run-off competition will then advance to thedistrict contest.

GeneralProvisions

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1. PURPOSEA. To provide an opportunity for speakers to improve

their speaking abilities and to recognize the best asencouragement to all.

B. To provide an opportunity to learn by observing themore proficient speakers who have benefited fromtheir Toastmasters training.

2. APPLICABILITYThese rules, unless otherwise noted, apply to all Toast-masters speech contests which select contestants for theannual International Speech Contest, which is conductedin English only. These rules may not be supplanted ormodified, and no exceptions may be made.

3. SELECTION SEQUENCEA. Club, Area, Division, District. Each club in good stand-

ing may select a contestant to compete in the areacontest. A club may choose its contestant by whatevermeans the club desires. If a contest is held, it mustcomply with all these rules and the contest result isfinal. The area speech contest winner then proceeds tothe division contest (if applicable). The division winnerthen proceeds to the district contest. Should an area ordivision contest winner be unable to participate in thenext level contest, the highest placed available con-testant will advance to that level. NOTE: The districtcontest chairman informs World Headquarters of thename and address of the winner and alternate in thedistrict contest. Information concerning the regionalcontest is then mailed to the winner and alternate.

B. In those areas with four assigned clubs or less eightweeks prior to the area contest, districts have the optionto allow the two highest placed available contestantsfrom each club to compete in the area contest. Shouldadditional clubs charter prior to the area contest, thetwo highest placed available contestants from each clubmay compete. In those divisions with four assignedareas or less, districts have the option to allow the twohighest placed available contestants from each area tocompete. In districts with four assigned divisions or less,districts have the option to allow the two highestplaced available contestants from each division to par-ticipate in the district contest.

InternationalSpeech Contest Rules

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The decision whether or not to allow two contestantsto advance from club to area, from area to division,and/or from division to district must be made andcommunicated throughout the district prior to thecommencement of the contest cycle – i.e. prior to anyclub contests being held. Once the decision is made, itmust be implemented consistently throughout thedistrict in all areas and divisions affected. If a districtdecides to allow two contestants to advance from clubto area, its decisions regarding the number to advancefrom area to division and/or from division to districtneed not be the same.

C. Each region shall select a winner and an alternate. Thecontest chairman, usually the first-year director,informs World Headquarters of the name and addressof the winner and alternate in the regional contest.Information concerning the International SpeechContest is then mailed to the winner and alternate.One speaker from each region competes in theInternational contest. An additional speaker or speak-ers, selected in special speech contest(s) amongdistricts outside of the United States and Canada, alsowill compete in the International contest.

4. ELIGIBILITYA. To be eligible to compete at any level of the Interna-

tional Speech Contest, an individual must:1. Be a member in good standing of the club in

which he or she is competing. The club also mustbe in good standing. A new, dual, or reinstatedmember must have dues and membership applica-tion current with World Headquarters.

2. Have completed at least six manual speeches in theCompetent Communication manual prior to the clubcontest. However, a charter member of a clubchartered since the previous July 1 may competewithout having completed six manual speeches inthe Competent Communication manual. The clubmust be officially chartered before the area contest.

3. Maintain eligibility at all levels of any contest. If atany level it is discovered that a contestant wasineligible to compete at any previous level, thecontestant must be disqualified even if the ineligi-bility is not discovered until a later level and hasbeen corrected.

B. The following are ineligible to compete in this con-test: incumbent international officers and directors;district officers (governor, any lieutenant governor,secretary, treasurer, public relations officer, divisiongovernor, or area governor) whose terms expire June30; international officer and director candidates;immediate past district governors; district officers orannounced candidates for the term beginning theupcoming July 1; presenters of educational sessions atthe area, division, and district event at which the con-test will be held; presenters of educational sessions atregional conferences and/or the International Con-vention. An individual may not be a judge at any levelfor a contest in which they are still competing.

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C. The winner of the contest finals held each August dur-ing the International Convention is not eligible tocompete again at any level.

D. Toastmasters who are members in more than one cluband who meet all other eligibility requirements maycompete in each club contest in which membership ingood standing is held. However, should they win morethan one club International Speech Contest, the con-testant may represent only one of the clubs at the arealevel. No contestant can compete in more than onearea International Speech Contest, even if the twoareas are in different divisions or different districts.

E. A contestant must be a member in good standing ofthe club, area, division, district, or region being repre-sented when competing in a speech contest at thenext level.

F. Each contestant must complete the Speaker’s Certifi-cation of Eligibility and Originality (form 1183) andsubmit it to the chief judge prior to the contest.

G. Each contestant must be present to compete. Partici-pation by audio and video tape and teleconference isnot permitted.

5. SPEECH SUBJECT AND PREPARATIONA. Subject for the prepared speech shall be selected by the

contestant.B. Contestants must prepare their own five- to seven-

minute speeches, which must be substantially originaland certified as such in writing to the chief judge bythe contestants prior to the presentation of the speech-es (on form 1183, Speaker’s Certification of Eligibilityand Originality). Any quoted material must be soidentified during the speech presentation.

C. All contestants will speak from the same platform orarea designated by the contest chairman. All contest-ants and judges will be advised of the speaking areabefore the contest begins. The contestants may speakfrom any position within the designated area and arenot limited to standing at the lectern/podium.1. A lectern/podium will be available. However, the

use of the lectern/podium is optional.2. If amplification is necessary, a lectern/podium

fixed-mounted microphone and a portable micro-phone should be made available, if possible. It issuggested that the fixed-mounted microphone benondirectional. The selection and use of a micro-phone is optional for each contestant.

3. All equipment will be available for contestants topractice prior to the contest. Contestants areresponsible for arranging their preferred setup ofthe lectern/podium microphone and other equip-ment in a quiet manner before being introducedby the Toastmaster.

D. Every participant must present an entirely new anddifferent speech for the regional and for theInternational contests than given in any contest thatsame year. Up to and including the district contest,

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contestants may use the same speech, but are notrequired to do so.

E. Winners of each district contest shall present adetailed outline of their winning speech in the districtcontest to the chief judge of the regional contest.Winners of the regional contest will prepare and mailto World Headquarters outlines of their district andregional winning speeches, which will be given to thechief judge at the International contest.

6. GENERAL PROCEDUREA. At the club level contests, a contest chairman, chief

judge, at least five judges, a tiebreaking judge, threecounters, and two timers are appointed, as far aspractical.At the area level contests, there should be at least fivejudges or equal representation from the clubs compos-ing the area in addition to a contest chairman, chiefjudge, a tiebreaking judge, three counters and twotimers.At the division or district level contests, there shouldbe at least seven judges or equal representation fromthe areas composing the division or district in addi-tion to a contest chairman, chief judge, a tiebreakingjudge, three counters, and two timers. At the districtcontest, no judge shall be a member of the club repre-sented by a contestant.At the regional or International contest, there shouldbe at least nine judges or equal representation fromthe districts or regions respectively; no judge shall bea member of the club represented by a contestant. Inaddition to these judges, five qualifying judges, a con-test chairman, chief judge, a tiebreaking judge, threecounters, and two timers are appointed.All judges will judge all contestants.

B. Before the contest, contestants are briefed on the rulesby the contest chairman. Judges, counters, and timersare briefed on their duties by the chief judge.Contestants will then draw for their speaking positionwith the contest chairman.

C. If a contestant is absent from the briefing, the alternatespeaker, if present, may attend the briefing in place ofthe primary contestant. If the primary contestant isnot present when the person conducting the contest isintroduced to conduct the contest, the primary con-testant is disqualified and the alternate officiallybecomes the contestant. Should the primary contest-ant arrive after the briefing but before the personconducting the contest is introduced, the primarycontestant may compete, provided the primary con-testant: 1) reports to the contest chairman uponhis/her arrival, and 2) has all required paperwork ingood order before the person conducting the contest isintroduced to begin the contest. The primary contest-ant waives the opportunity of a briefing.

D. Introduce each contestant by announcing the contes-tant’s name, speech title, speech title, and contestant’sname.

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E. There will be one minute of silence between contest-ants, during which the judges will mark their ballots.

F. Contestants may remain in the same room through-out the duration of the contest.

G. In contests with five or more participants, a thirdplace winner (if wanted), a second place winner, and afirst place winner will be announced. In contests withfour or fewer participants, a second place and firstplace winner will be announced.

H. Announcement of contest winners is final unless thelist of winners is announced incorrectly, in which casethe chief judge, ballot counters, or timers may imme-diately interrupt to correct the error.

7. TIMING OF THE SPEECHESA. Speeches will be five to seven minutes. A contestant

will be disqualified from the contest if the speech isless than four minutes 30 seconds or more than sevenminutes 30 seconds.

B. Upon being introduced, the contestant shall proceedimmediately to the speaking position. Timing willbegin with the contestant’s first definite verbal or non-verbal communication with the audience. This usual-ly will be the first word uttered by the contestant, butwould include any other communication such assound effects, a staged act by another person, etc.

C. Timers shall provide warning signals to the contestants,which shall be clearly visible to the speakers but notobvious to the audience.1. A green signal will be displayed at five minutes and

remain displayed for one minute.2. An amber signal will be displayed at six minutes

and remain displayed for one minute.3. A red signal will be displayed at seven minutes

and remain on until the conclusion of the speech.4. No signal shall be given for the overtime period.5. Any visually impaired contestant may request and

must be granted a form of warning signal of his orher own choosing. Acceptable warning signalswould include, but not be limited to: a buzzer, abell, or a person announcing the times at five, six,and seven minutes. If any special device and/orspecific instructions for such signal is/arerequired, the contestant must provide same.

6. In the event of technical failure of the signal, aspeaker is allowed 30 seconds extra overtimebefore being disqualified.

D. Prior to announcing results, the chairman shouldannounce if time disqualification(s) occurred, but notname the contestant(s) involved.

8. PROTESTS AND DISQUALIFICATIONSA. Protests concerning eligibility and originality will be

limited to judges and contestants. Any protest will be lodged with the chief judge and/or contest chair-man prior to the announcement of the winner and

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alternate(s). The contest chairman shall notify thecontestant of a disqualification regarding originalityor eligibility prior to that announcement before themeeting at which the contest took place is adjourned.

B. Before a contestant can be disqualified on the basis oforiginality, the contestant must be given an opportu-nity to respond to the judges. A majority of the judgesmust concur in the decision to disqualify.The contest chairman can disqualify a contestant onthe basis of eligibility.

C. At regional and international contests, should qualify-ing judges determine that a contestant did not presentan entirely new and different speech, the chief judgeshall notify the contestant of a disqualification priorto the announcement of the winner and alternate(s).The disqualified contestant does not have the oppor-tunity to respond to the qualifying judges. A contest-ant receiving three or more disqualifying votes fromthe qualifying judges is disqualified.

D. All decisions of the judges and qualifying judges arefinal.

9. TRAVEL ALLOWANCESA. Toastmasters International shall pay the travel

expenses of each district’s contestant participating inthe International Speech Contest at regional, inter-district and International levels. Neither ToastmastersInternational nor its districts shall reimburse thesecontestants for any other expenses. Reimbursementshall be as follows:1. Air, Bus, or Train – Full reimbursement, round trip at

the lowest rate (coach air fare, or discount fare ifapplicable) between the commercial airport or pas-senger terminals nearest the regional conference orconvention site and the home of each contestant.

2. Car – On the basis of reimbursement at 32 cents permile by the most direct route not exceeding thelowest air fare rate (coach or discount if applicable).

3. Any other mode of transportation – Actual costsincurred not exceeding the lowest air fare rate(coach or discount if applicable).

A person riding with another person receiving reim-bursement is not entitled to reimbursement.

C. Reimbursement will be made by World Headquartersas soon as practicable on receipt of certification ofattendance at the regional, interdistrict and Inter-national levels or at speech contest by the districtgovernor and on receipt of ticket receipt(s) for air, bus,or train travel, or mileage for car travel.

D. Hotel or room accommodations are not included inallowances for contestants, unless otherwise stated.

10. INTERNATIONAL TAPED SPEECH CONTESTA. Members of undistricted clubs and provisional dis-

tricts are invited to participate in the InternationalTaped Speech Contest. Tapes must be in English.

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B. The Toastmasters International Speech Contest Rulesare to be followed as far as they are applicable.Naturally, there is no area, division, district, or region-al competition, nor are there any travel allowances.To enter, clubs should conduct a speech contest andsubmit a tape of the winning speech. Only one tapedspeech per club may be submitted.

C. The tape shall be made using the following procedures:1. Use fresh tape and record on a standard audio

cassette before a live audience. Video tapes will notbe accepted.

2. Time the speech carefully to comply with the speechcontest rules.

3. Clearly mark the audio tape and container with theparticipant’s name and club number and be sure toenclose a completed Certification of Eligibility andOriginality form.

4. Tapes must be received at World Headquarters onor before 5 p.m. Pacific Time March 31 to be eligi-ble for competition.

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SPEECH CONTEST RULEBOOK 15

EvaluationContest Rules

These rules apply to all Evaluation Contests, which are con-ducted in English only. These rules may not be supplanted ormodified, and no exceptions may be made.

1. PURPOSEA. To encourage development of evaluation skills and to

recognize the best as encouragement to all.B. To provide an opportunity to learn by observing the

more proficient evaluators who have benefited fromtheir Toastmasters training.

2. SELECTION SEQUENCEA. Each club in good standing may select its club Eval-

uation Contest winner to compete in the area contest.A club may choose its contestant by whatever meansthe club desires. If a contest is held, it must complywith all these rules and the contest result is final. Thearea speech contest winner then proceeds to thedivision contest (if applicable). The division winnerthen proceeds to the district contest. Should an area or division contest winner be unable to participate inthe next contest level, the highest placed availablecontestant will advance to that level.

B. In those areas with four assigned clubs or less eightweeks prior to the area contest, districts have theoption to allow the two highest placed available con-testants from each club to compete in the area contest.Should additional clubs charter prior to the area con-test, the two highest placed available contestants fromeach club may compete. In those divisions with fourassigned areas or less, districts have the option to allowthe two highest placed available contestants from eacharea to compete. In districts with four assigned divisionsor less, districts have the option to allow the two high-est placed available contestants from each division toparticipate in the district contest.The decision whether or not to allow two contestantsto advance from club to area, from area to division,and/or from division to district must be made andcommunicated throughout the district prior to thecommencement of the contest cycle – i.e. prior to anyclub contests being held. Once the decision is made, itmust be implemented consistently throughout thedistrict in all areas and divisions affected. If a districtdecides to allow two contestants to advance from clubto area, its decisions regarding the number to advance

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from area to division and/or from division to districtneed not be the same.

3. ELIGIBILITYA. All Toastmasters who are members in good standing of

the club in which they are competing are eligible to com-pete. The club also must be in good standing. New, dual,or reinstated members must have dues and membershipapplication current with Toastmasters International.A member must maintain eligibility at all levels of anycontest. If at any level it is discovered that a contestantwas ineligible to compete at any previous level, the con-testant must be disqualified even if the ineligibility isnot discovered until a later level and has been corrected.

B. The following are ineligible to compete in this con-test: incumbent international officers and directors;district officers (governor, any lieutenant governor,secretary, treasurer, public relations officer, divisiongovernor, or area governor) whose terms expire June30; international officer and director candidates; im-mediate past district governors; district officers orannounced candidates for the term beginning theupcoming July 1; presenters of educational sessions atthe area, division, and district event at which the con-test will be held. An individual may not be a judge atany level for a contest in which they are still competing.

C. Toastmasters who are members in more than one cluband who meet all other eligibility requirements maycompete in each club contest in which membership ingood standing is held. However, should they win morethan one club Evaluation Contest, they can representonly one of the clubs at the area level. No contestantcan compete in more than one area Evaluation Contest,even if the two areas are in different divisions.

D. A contestant must be a member in good standing ofthe club, area, or division being represented whencompeting in a speech contest at the next level.

E. Each contestant must complete the Speaker’s Certifi-cation of Eligibility and Originality (form 1183) andsubmit it to the chief judge prior to the contest.

F. Each contestant must be present to compete. Partici-pation by audio and video tape and teleconference isnot permitted.

4. GENERAL PROCEDUREA. At the club level contests, a contest chairman, chief

judge, at least five judges, a tiebreaking judge, threecounters, and two timers are appointed, as far aspractical.At the area level contests, there should be at least fivejudges or equal representation from the clubs com-posing the area in addition to a contest chairman,chief judge, a tiebreaking judge, three counters andtwo timers.At the division or district level contests, there shouldbe at least seven judges or equal representation fromthe areas composing the division or district in addi-tion to a contest chairman, chief judge, a tiebreaking

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judge, three counters, and two timers. At the districtcontest, no judge shall be a member of the club repre-sented by a contestant.

B. Before the contest, contestants and the contest ser-geant at arms are briefed on the rules by the contestchairman. Judges, counters, and timers are briefed ontheir duties by the chief judge. Contestants will then drawfor their speaking position with the contest chairman.

C. If a contestant is absent from the briefing, the alter-nate speaker, if present, may attend the briefing inplace of the primary contestant. If the primarycontestant is not present when the person conductingthe contest is introduced to conduct the contest, theprimary contestant is disqualified and the alternateofficially becomes the contestant. Should the primarycontestant arrive after the briefing but before the personconducting the contest is introduced, the primarycontestant may compete, provided the primary contest-ant: 1) reports to the contest chairman upon his/herarrival, and 2) has all required paperwork in good orderbefore the person conducting the contest is introduced tobegin the contest. The primary contestant waives theopportunity of a briefing.

D. All contestants will speak from the same platform orarea designated by the contest chairman. All contest-ant and judges will be advised of the speaking areabefore the contest begins. The contestants may speakfrom any position within the designated area and arenot limited to standing at the lectern/podium.1. A lectern/podium will be available. However, the

use of the lectern/podium is optional.2. If amplification is necessary, a lectern/podium

fixed-mounted microphone and a portable micro-phone should be made available, if possible. It issuggested that the fixed-mounted microphone benondirectional. The selection and use of a micro-phone is optional for each contestant.

3. All equipment will be available for contestants topractice prior to the contest. Contestants areresponsible for arranging their preferred setup ofthe lectern/podium microphone and other equip-ment in a quiet manner before being introducedby the Toastmaster.

E. At the beginning of this contest a five- to seven-minute test speech will be presented. The test speechshould be either a contest-type speech, or taken fromone of the assignments in the Competent Communicationmanual. Contestants may make preparatory notes dur-ing the test speech using materials of their choice. It isrecommended that at all levels of the contest, theToastmaster giving the test speech is not a member ofthe same club as any one of the contestants. The testspeaker shall be introduced by announcing the speak-er’s name, speech title, speech title, and the speaker’sname. Neither the manual project nor any objectivesthat the speaker may have shall be made known to thecontestants, judges, or audience.

F. At the conclusion of the test speech, all contestantsshall leave the room. They then have five minutes to

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prepare their evaluation using materials of theirchoice. Timing and preparation supervision shall beunder the control of the contest sergeant at arms.Where this is not practical, contestants will completetheir five minute preparation in the same room underthe control of the contest sergeant at arms.

G. After five minutes has elapsed no further preparationshall be allowed and with the exception of the firstcontestant, who shall be called back as first evaluator(where preparation is done in the same room , withthe exception of the first contestant, the others shallleave the room), all others shall hand all written mate-rial to the contest sergeant at arms. Preparation mate-rial shall be handed back to contestants as they areintroduced to present their evaluation.

H. Introduce each contestant by announcing the contes-tant’s name twice.

I. There will be one minute of silence between contest-ants, during which the judges will mark their ballots.

J. Announcement of contest winners is final, unless thelist of winners is announced incorrectly, in which casethe chief judge, ballot counters, or timers may imme-diately interrupt to correct the error.

5. TIMINGA. Evaluations shall be from two to three minutes. Con-

testants who speak less than one minute 30 seconds ormore than three minutes 30 seconds will be disqualified.

B. Timing will begin with the contestant’s first definite ver-bal or non-verbal communication with the audience.This usually will be the first word uttered by the contest-ant, but would include any other communication suchas sound effects, a staged act by another person, etc.

C. The green signal will be displayed at two minutes andremain displayed for 30 seconds. The amber signal willbe displayed at two minutes and thirty seconds andremain displayed for 30 seconds. The red signal will bedisplayed at three minutes and remain displayed untilthe evaluation is concluded. No audible device, suchas a buzzer, shall be used for the overtime period.

D. Any visually impaired contestant may request andmust be granted a form of warning signal of his or herown choosing. Acceptable warning signals wouldinclude, but not be limited to: a buzzer, a bell, or a per-son announcing the times at two minutes, two min-utes 30 seconds, and three minutes. If any specialdevice and/or specific instructions for such signalis/are required, the contestant must provide same.

E. In the event of technical failure of the signal, a speak-er is allowed 30 seconds extra overtime before beingdisqualified.

F. Prior to announcing results, the chairman shouldannounce if time disqualification(s) occurred, but notname the contestant(s) involved.

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SPEECH CONTEST RULEBOOK 19

6. PROTESTS AND DISQUALIFICATIONA. Protests will be limited to judges and contestants. Any

protest will be lodged with the chief judge and/orcontest chairman prior to the announcement of thewinner and alternate(s). The contest chairman shallnotify the contestant of a disqualification regardingeligibility prior to that announcement before themeeting at which the contest took place is adjourned.

B. The contest chairman can disqualify a contestant onthe basis of eligibility.

C. All decisions of the judges are final.

7. WINNERSIn contests with five or more participants, a third placewinner (if wanted), a second place winner, and a firstplace winner will be announced. In contests with four orfewer participants, a second place and first place winnerwill be announced.

8. CONTEST SCHEDULEDistricts conducting Evaluation Contests should announcethe date of the district contest and establish dates by whichthe division, area, and club contests must be completed.

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HumorousSpeech Contest Rules

These rules apply to all Humorous Speech Contests, whichare conducted in English only. These rules may not be sup-planted or modified, and no exceptions may be made.

1. PURPOSEA. To provide an opportunity for speakers to improve

their speaking abilities and to recognize the best asencouragement to all.

B. To provide an opportunity to learn by observing themore proficient speakers who have benefited fromtheir Toastmasters training.

C. To recognize the value of humor in speaking.

2. SELECTION SEQUENCEA. Each club in good standing may select a contestant to

compete in the area contest. A club may choose its con-testant by whatever means the club desires. If a contestis held, it must comply with all these rules and thecontest result is final. The area speech contest winnerthen proceeds to the division contest (if applicable). Thedivision winner then proceeds to the district contest.Should an area or division contest winner be unable toparticipate in the next contest level, the highest placedavailable contestant will advance to that level.

B. In those areas with four assigned clubs or less eightweeks prior to the area contest, districts have theoption to allow the two highest placed available con-testants from each club to compete in the area contest.Should additional clubs charter prior to the area con-test, the two highest placed available contestants fromeach club may compete. In those divisions with fourassigned areas or less, districts have the option to allowthe two highest placed available contestants from eacharea to compete. In districts with four assigned divisionsor less, districts have the option to allow the two high-est placed available contestants from each division toparticipate in the district contest.The decision whether or not to allow two contestants toadvance from club to area, from area to division, and/orfrom division to district must be made and communicat-ed throughout the district prior to the commencement ofthe contest cycle – i.e. prior to any club contests beingheld. Once the decision is made, it must be implementedconsistently throughout the district in all areas and divi-sions affected. If a district decides to allow two contestantsto advance from club to area, its decisions regarding the

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SPEECH CONTEST RULEBOOK 21

number to advance from area to division and/or fromdivision to district need not be the same.

3. ELIGIBILITYA. All Toastmasters who are members in good standing of

the club in which they are competing are eligible to com-pete. The club also must be in good standing. New, dual,or reinstated members must have dues and membershipapplication current with Toastmasters International.A member must maintain eligibility at all levels of anycontest. If at any level it is discovered that a contestantwas ineligible to compete at any previous level, the con-testant must be disqualified even if the ineligibility isnot discovered until a later level and has been corrected.

B. The following are ineligible to compete in this con-test: incumbent international officers and directors;district officers (governor, any lieutenant governor,secretary, treasurer, public relations officer, divisiongovernor, or area governor) whose terms expire June 30;international officer and director candidates; immediatepast district governors; district officers or announcedcandidates for the term beginning the upcoming July 1;presenters of educational sessions at the area, division,and district event at which the contest will be held. Anindividual may not be a judge at any level for a contestin which they are still competing.

C. Toastmasters who are members in more than one cluband who meet all other eligibility requirements maycompete in each club Humorous Speech Contest inwhich membership in good standing is held. However,should they win more than one club HumorousSpeech Contest, they can represent only one of theclubs at the area level. No contestant can compete inmore than one area Humorous Speech Contest, even ifthe two areas are in different divisions.

D. A contestant must be a member in good standing ofthe club, area, or division being represented whencompeting in a speech contest at the next level.

E. Each contestant must complete the Speaker’s Certifi-cation of Eligibility and Originality (form 1183) andsubmit it to the chief judge prior to the contest.

F. Each contestant must be present to compete. Partici-pation by audio and video tape and teleconference isnot permitted.

4. SPEECH PREPARATIONA. The subject for the humorous speech shall be selected

by the contestant. The speaker should avoid poten-tially objectionable language, anecdotes, and material.

B. Contestants must prepare their own five- to seven-minute speech, which must be substantially originaland certified as such in writing to the chief judge bythe contestants prior to the presentation of thespeeches (on form 1183, Speaker’s Certification ofEligibility and Originality). Any quoted material mustbe so identified during the speech presentation.

C. The speech must be thematic in nature (opening, body,and close), not a monologue (series of one-liners).

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22 SPEECH CONTEST RULEBOOK

5. GENERAL PROCEDUREA. At the club level contests, a contest chairman, chief

judge, at least five judges, a tiebreaking judge, threecounters, and two timers are appointed, as far aspractical.At the area level contests, there should be at least fivejudges or equal representation from the clubs com-posing the area in addition to a contest chairman,chief judge, a tiebreaking judge, three counters andtwo timers.At the division or district level contests, there shouldbe at least seven judges or equal representation fromthe areas composing the division or district in addi-tion to a contest chairman, chief judge, a tiebreakingjudge, three counters, and two timers. At the districtcontest, no judge shall be a member of the club repre-sented by a contestant.

B. Before the contest, contestants are briefed on the rulesby the contest chairman. Judges, counters, and timersare briefed on their duties by the chief judge.Contestants will then draw for their speaking positionwith the contest chairman.

C. If a contestant is absent from the briefing, the alter-nate speaker, if present, may attend the briefing inplace of the primary contestant. If the primary con-testant is not present when the person conducting thecontest is introduced to conduct the contest, theprimary contestant is disqualified and the alternateofficially becomes the contestant. Should the primarycontestant arrive after the briefing but before the per-son conducting the contest is introduced, the primarycontestant may compete, provided the primary con-testant: 1) reports to the contest chairman uponhis/her arrival, and 2) has all required paperwork ingood order before the person conducting the contest isintroduced to begin the contest. The primary contest-ant waives the opportunity of a briefing.

D. All contestants will speak from the same platform orarea designated by the contest chairman. All contest-ants and judges will be advised of the speaking areabefore the contest begins. The contestants may speakfrom any position within the designated area and arenot limited to standing at the lectern/podium.1. A lectern/podium will be available. However, the

use of the lectern/podium is optional.2. If amplification is necessary, a lectern/podium

fixed-mounted microphone and a portable micro-phone should be made available, if possible. It issuggested that the fixed-mounted microphone benondirectional. The selection and use of a micro-phone is optional for each contestant.

3. All equipment will be available for contestants topractice prior to the contest. Contestants areresponsible for arranging their preferred setup ofthe lectern/podium microphone and other equip-ment in a quiet manner before being introducedby the Toastmaster.

E. Introduce each contestant by announcing the contestant’sname, speech title, speech title, and contestant’s name.

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SPEECH CONTEST RULEBOOK 23

F. There will be one minute of silence between contest-ants, during which the judges will mark their ballots.

G. Contestants may remain throughout the duration ofthe contest, in the same room.

H. Announcement of contest winners is final unless thelist of winners is announced incorrectly, in which casethe chief judge, ballot counters, or timers may imme-diately interrupt to correct the error.

6. TIMINGA. Speeches shall be from five to seven minutes. Con-

testants who speak less than four minutes 30 seconds ormore than seven minutes 30 seconds will be disqualified.

B. Time will begin with the first word uttered by the con-testant. However, should the contestant engage in def-inite verbal or nonverbal communication with theaudience (including the playing of music or othersound effects, a staged act by another person, etc.)prior to reaching the speaking position and utteringthe first word of the speech, the timer shall activatethe timing device at that point. If this results in thecontestant going overtime, the contestant will be dis-qualified.The green signal will be displayed at five minutes andremain displayed for one minute. The amber signalwill be displayed at six minutes and remain displayedfor one minute. The red signal will be displayed atseven minutes and remain displayed until the speechis concluded. No audible device, such as a buzzer, shallbe used for the overtime period.

C. Any visually impaired contestant may request andmust be granted a form of warning signal of his or herown choosing. Acceptable warning signals wouldinclude, but not be limited to: a buzzer, a bell, or aperson announcing the times at five, six, and sevenminutes. If any special device and/or specific instruc-tions for such signal is/are required, the contestantmust provide same.

D. In the event of technical failure of the signal, a speak-er is allowed 30 seconds extra overtime before beingdisqualified.

E. Prior to announcing results, the chairman shouldannounce if time disqualification(s) occurred, but notname the contestant(s) involved.

7. PROTESTS AND DISQUALIFICATIONSA. Protests will be limited to judges and contestants. Any

protest will be lodged with the chief judge and/or con-test chairman prior to the announcement of the win-ner and alternate(s). The contest chairman shall noti-fy the contestant of a disqualification regarding origi-nality or eligibility prior to that announcement beforethe meeting at which the contest took place isadjourned.

B. Before a contestant can be disqualified on the basis oforiginality, the contestant must be given an opportu-nity to respond to the judges. A majority of the judgesmust concur in the decision to disqualify. The contest

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24 SPEECH CONTEST RULEBOOK

chairman can disqualify a contestant on the basis ofeligibility.

C. All decisions of the judges are final.

8. WINNERSIn contests with five or more participants, a third placewinner (if wanted), a second place winner, and a firstplace winner will be announced. In contests with four orfewer participants, a second place and first place winnerwill be announced.

9. CONTEST SCHEDULEDistricts conducting Humorous Speech Contests shouldannounce the date of the district contest and establishdates by which the division, area, and club contests mustbe completed.

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SPEECH CONTEST RULEBOOK 25

Table TopicsContest Rules

These rules apply to all Table Topics Contests, which are con-ducted in English only. These rules may not be supplanted ormodified, and no exceptions may be made.

1. PURPOSEA. To provide an opportunity to learn by observing the

more proficient speakers who have benefited fromtheir Toastmasters training.

B. To encourage development of impromptu and/orextemporaneous speaking skills and to recognize thebest as encouragement to all.

2. SELECTION SEQUENCEA. Each club in good standing may select a contestant to

compete in the area contest. A club may choose its con-testant by whatever means the club desires. If a contestis held, it must comply with all these rules and thecontest result is final. The area speech contest winnerthen proceeds to the division contest (if applicable). Thedivision winner then proceeds to the district contest.Should an area or division contest winner be unable toparticipate in the next contest level, the highest placedavailable contestant will advance to that level.

B. In those areas with four assigned clubs or less eightweeks prior to the area contest, districts have theoption to allow the two highest placed available con-testants from each club to compete in the area contest.Should additional clubs charter prior to the area con-test, the two highest placed available contestants fromeach club may compete. In those divisions with fourassigned areas or less, districts have the option to allowthe two highest placed available contestants from eacharea to compete. In districts with four assigned divisionsor less, districts have the option to allow the two high-est placed available contestants from each division toparticipate in the district contest.The decision whether or not to allow two contestantsto advance from club to area, from area to division,and/or from division to district must be made andcommunicated throughout the district prior to thecommencement of the contest cycle – i.e. prior to anyclub contests being held. Once the decision is made, itmust be implemented consistently throughout thedistrict in all areas and divisions affected. If a districtdecides to allow two contestants to advance from clubto area, its decisions regarding the number to advancefrom area to division and/or from division to districtneed not be the same.

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26 SPEECH CONTEST RULEBOOK

3. ELIGIBILITYA. All Toastmasters who are members in good standing of

the club in which they are competing are eligible to com-pete. The club also must be in good standing. New, dual,or reinstated members must have dues and membershipapplication current with Toastmasters International.A member must maintain eligibility at all levels of anycontest. If at any level it is discovered that a contestantwas ineligible to compete at any previous level, the con-testant must be disqualified even if the ineligibility is notdiscovered until a later level and has been corrected.

B. The following are ineligible to compete in this contest:incumbent international officers and directors; districtofficers (governor, any lieutenant governor, secretary,treasurer, public relations officer, division governor, orarea governor) whose terms expire June 30; inter-national officer and director candidates; immediate pastdistrict governors; district officers or announced candi-dates for the term beginning the upcoming July 1; pre-senters of educational sessions at the area, division, anddistrict event at which the contest will be held. An indi-vidual may not be a judge at any level for a contest inwhich they are still competing.

C. Toastmasters who are members in more than one cluband who meet all other eligibility requirements maycompete in each club Table Topics Contest in whichmembership in good standing is held. However,should they win more than one club Table TopicsContest, they can represent only one of the clubs atthe area level. No contestant can compete in morethan one area Table Topics Contest, even if the twoareas are in different divisions.

D. A contestant must be a member in good standing ofthe club, area, or division being represented whencompeting in a speech contest at the next level.

E. Each contestant must complete the Speaker’s Certifica-tion of Eligibility and Originality (form 1183) and sub-mit it to the chief judge prior to the contest.

F. Each contestant must be present to compete. Partici-pation by audio and video tape and teleconference isnot permitted.

4. TOPICSA. All contestants shall receive the same topic, which shall

be of a general nature, and shall speak for two minutes.B. The topic shall be of reasonable length, shall not require

a detailed knowledge and should lead to an opinion orconclusion.

5. GENERAL PROCEDUREA. At the club level contests, a contest chairman, chief

judge, at least five judges, a tiebreaking judge, threecounters, and two timers are appointed, as far aspractical.At the area level contests, there should be at least fivejudges or equal representation from the clubs com-posing the area in addition to a contest chairman,

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SPEECH CONTEST RULEBOOK 27

chief judge, a tiebreaking judge, three counters andtwo timers.At the division or district level contests, there shouldbe at least seven judges or equal representation fromthe areas composing the division or district in addi-tion to a contest chairman, chief judge, a tiebreakingjudge, three counters, and two timers. At the districtcontest, no judge shall be a member of the club repre-sented by a contestant.

B. Before the contest, contestants and the contest sergeantat arms are briefed on the rules by the contest chair-man. Judges, counters, and timers are briefed on theirduties by the chief judge. Contestants will then drawfor their speaking position with the contest chairman.

C. If a contestant is absent from the briefing, the alter-nate speaker, if present, may attend the briefing inplace of the primary contestant. If the primary con-testant is not present when the person conducting thecontest is introduced to conduct the contest, theprimary contestant is disqualified and the alternateofficially becomes the contestant. Should the primarycontestant arrive after the briefing but before theperson conducting the contest is introduced, the pri-mary contestant may compete, provided the primarycontestant: 1) reports to the contest chairman uponhis/her arrival, and 2) has all required paperwork ingood order before the person conducting the contest is introduced to begin the contest. The primary con-testant waives the opportunity of a briefing.

D. All contestants will speak from the same platform orarea designated by the contest chairman. All contest-ant and judges will be advised of the speaking areabefore the contest begins. The contestants may speakfrom any position within the designated area and arenot limited to standing at the lectern/podium.1. A lectern/podium will be available. However, the

use of the lectern/podium is optional.2. If amplification is necessary, a lectern/podium

fixed-mounted microphone and a portable micro-phone should be made available, if possible. It issuggested that the fixed-mounted microphone benondirectional. The selection and use of a micro-phone is optional for each contestant.

3. All equipment will be available for contestants topractice prior to the contest. Contestants areresponsible for arranging for their preferred setupof the lectern/podium microphone and otherequipment in a quiet manner before being intro-duced by the Toastmaster.

E. When the contest begins, all contestants except thefirst shall leave the room.

F. Introduce each contestant by announcing the contes-tant’s name, the topic, the topic, the name.

G. There will be one minute of silence between contes-tants, during which the judges will mark their ballots.

H. Announcement of contest winners is final unless thelist of winners is announced incorrectly, in which casethe chief judge, ballot counters, or timers may imme-diately interrupt to correct the error.

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28 SPEECH CONTEST RULEBOOK

6. TIMINGA. Speeches shall be two minutes long. Contestants who

speak less than one minute or more than two minutes30 seconds shall be disqualified.Time will begin with the contestant’s first definite ver-bal or non-verbal communication with the audience.This usually will be the first word uttered by the contest-ant, but would include any other communication suchas sound effects, a staged act by another person, etc.

B. The green signal will be displayed at one minute andremain displayed for 30 seconds. The amber signalwill be displayed at one minute 30 seconds andremain displayed for 30 seconds. The red signal will bedisplayed at two minutes and remain displayed untilthe speech is concluded. No audible device, such as abuzzer, shall be used for the overtime period.

C. Any visually impaired contestant may request andmust be granted a form of warning signal of his or herown choosing. Acceptable warning signals wouldinclude, but not be limited to: a buzzer, a bell, or a per-son announcing the times at one minute, one minute30 seconds, and two minutes. If any special deviceand/or specific instructions for such signal is/arerequired, the contestant must provide same.

D. In the event of technical failure of the signal, a speak-er is allowed 30 seconds extra overtime before beingdisqualified.

E. Prior to announcing results, the chairman shouldannounce if time disqualification(s) occurred, but notname the contestant(s) involved.

7. PROTESTS AND DISQUALIFICATIONSA. Protests will be limited to judges and contestants. Any

protest will be lodged with the chief judge and/or con-test chairman prior to the announcement of the win-ner and alternate(s). The contest chairman shall noti-fy the contestant of a disqualification regarding eligi-bility prior to that announcement before the meetingat which the contest took place is adjourned.

B. The contest chairman can disqualify a contestant onthe basis of eligibility.

C. All decisions of the judges are final.

8. WINNERSIn contests with five or more participants, a third placewinner (if wanted), a second place winner, and a firstplace winner will be announced. In contests with four orfewer participants, a second place and first place winnerwill be announced.

9. CONTEST SCHEDULEDistricts conducting Table Topics Contests shouldannounce the date of the district contest and establishdates by which the division, area, and club contests mustbe completed.

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SPEECH CONTEST RULEBOOK 29

These rules apply to all Tall Tales Speech Contests, which areconducted in English only. These rules may not be supplant-ed or modified, and no exceptions may be made.

1. PURPOSEA. To provide an opportunity for speakers to improve

their speaking abilities.B. To provide an opportunity to learn by observing the

more proficient speakers who have benefited fromtheir Toastmasters training.

C. To provide participants with the opportunity to createan original, highly improbable, humorous tale.

2. SELECTION SEQUENCEA. Each club in good standing may select a contestant to

compete in the area contest. A club may choose itscontestant by whatever means the club desires. If acontest is held, it must comply with all these rules andthe contest result is final. The area speech contestwinner then proceeds to the division contest (if appli-cable). The division winner then proceeds to thedistrict contest. Should an area or division contestwinner be unable to participate in the next contestlevel, the highest placed available contestant willadvance to that level.

B. In those areas with four assigned clubs or less eightweeks prior to the area contest, districts have the optionto allow the two highest placed available contestantsfrom each club to compete in the area contest. Shouldadditional clubs charter prior to the area contest, thetwo highest placed available contestants from each clubmay compete. In those divisions with four assignedAreas or less, districts have the option to allow the twohighest placed available contestants from each area tocompete. In districts with four assigned divisions or less,districts have the option to allow the two highestplaced available contestants from each division to par-ticipate in the district contest.The decision whether or not to allow two contestantsto advance from club to area, from area to division,and/or from division to district must be made andcommunicated throughout the district prior to thecommencement of the contest cycle – i.e. prior to anyclub contests being held. Once the decision is made, itmust be implemented consistently throughout the

Tall TalesContest Rules

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30 SPEECH CONTEST RULEBOOK

district in all areas and divisions affected. If a districtdecides to allow two contestants to advance from clubto area, its decisions regarding the number to advancefrom area to division and/or from division to districtneed not be the same.

3. ELIGIBILITYA. All Toastmasters who are members in good standing of

the club in which they are competing are eligible to com-pete. The club also must be in good standing. New, dual,or reinstated members must have dues and membershipapplication current with Toastmasters International.A member must maintain eligibility at all levels of anycontest. If at any level it is discovered that a contestantwas ineligible to compete at any previous level, the con-testant must be disqualified even if the ineligibility isnot discovered until a later level and has been corrected.

B. The following are ineligible to compete in this contest:incumbent International Officers and Directors; districtofficers (governor, any lieutenant governor, secretary,treasurer, public relations officer, division governor, orarea governor) whose terms expire June 30; Inter-national Officer and Director candidates; immediatepast district governors; district officers or announcedcandidates for the term beginning the upcoming July 1;presenters of educational sessions at the area, division,and district event at which the contest will be held. Anindividual may not be a judge at any level for a contestin which they are still competing.

C. Toastmasters who are members in more than one cluband who meet all other eligibility requirements maycompete in each club Tall Tales contest in whichmembership in good standing is held. However,should they win more than one club Tall Tales contest,they can represent only one of the clubs at the arealevel contest. No contestant can compete in morethan one area Tall Tales Contest, even if the two areasare in different Divisions.

D. A contestant must be a member in good standing ofthe club, area, or division being represented whencompeting in a speech contest at the next level.

E. Each contestant must complete the Speaker’s Certifica-tion of Eligibility and Originality (form 1183) and sub-mit it to the chief judge prior to the contest.

F. Each contestant must be present to compete. Partici-pation by audio and video tape and teleconference isnot permitted.

4. SPEECH PREPARATIONA. The subject for the Tall Tales speech shall be selected

by the contestant.B. Contestants must prepare their own three- to five-

minute speech, which must be substantially originaland certified as such in writing to the chief judge bythe contestants prior to the presentation of thespeeches (on form 1183, Speaker’s Certification ofEligibility and Originality). Any quoted material mustbe so identified during the speech presentation.

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SPEECH CONTEST RULEBOOK 31

C. The speech must be of a highly exaggerated, improba-ble nature and have a theme or plot. Humor and propsmay be used to support or illustrate the speech.

5. GENERAL PROCEDUREA. At the club level contests, a contest chairman, chief

judge, at least five judges, a tiebreaking judge, threecounters, and two timers are appointed, as far aspractical.At the area level contests, there should be at least fivejudges or equal representation from the clubs com-posing the area in addition to a contest chairman,chief judge, a tiebreaking judge, three counters andtwo timers.At the division or district level contests, there shouldbe at least seven judges or equal representation fromthe areas composing the division or district in addi-tion to a contest chairman, chief judge, a tiebreakingjudge, three counters, and two timers. At the districtcontest, no judge shall be a member of the club rep-resented by a contestant.

B. Before the contest, contestants are briefed on the rulesby the contest chairman. Judges, counters, and timersare briefed on their duties by the chief judge.Contestants will then draw for their speaking positionwith the contest chairman.

C. If a contestant is absent from the briefing, the alter-nate speaker, if present, may attend the briefing inplace of the primary contestant. If the primary con-testant is not present when the person conducting thecontest is introduced to conduct the contest, theprimary contestant is disqualified and the alternateofficially becomes the contestant. Should the primarycontestant arrive after the briefing but before theperson conducting the contest is introduced, the pri-mary contestant may compete, provided the primarycontestant: 1) reports to the contest chairman uponhis/her arrival, and 2) has all required paperwork ingood order before the person conducting the contest is introduced to begin the contest. The primary con-testant waives the opportunity of a briefing.

D. All contestants will speak from the same platform orarea designated by the contest chairman. All contest-ant and judges will be advised of the speaking areabefore the contest begins. The contestants may speakfrom any position within the designated area and arenot limited to standing at the lectern/podium.1. A lectern/podium will be available. However, the

use of the lectern/podium is optional.2. If amplification is necessary, a lectern/podium

fixed-mounted microphone and a portable micro-phone should be made available, if possible. It issuggested that the fixed-mounted microphone benondirectional. The selection and use of a micro-phone is optional for each contestant.

3. All equipment will be available for contestants topractice prior to the contest. Contestants areresponsible for arranging their preferred setup of

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32 SPEECH CONTEST RULEBOOK

the lectern/podium microphone and other equip-ment in a quiet manner before being introducedby the Toastmaster.

E. Introduce each contestant by announcing the contestant’sname, speech title, speech title, and contestant’s name.

F. There will be one minute of silence between contest-ants, during which the judges will mark their ballots.

G. Contestants may remain throughout the duration ofthe contest in the same room.

H. Announcement of contest winners is final unless thelist of winners is announced incorrectly, in which casethe chief judge, ballot counters, or timers may imme-diately interrupt to correct the error.

6. TIMINGA. All speeches shall be from three to five minutes.

Contestants who speak for less than two minutes 30seconds or more than five minutes 30 seconds will bedisqualified.

B. Time will begin with the first word uttered by the con-testant. However, should the contestant engage in defi-nite verbal or nonverbal communication with the audi-ence (including the playing of music or other soundeffects, a staged act by another person, etc.) prior toreaching the speaking position and uttering the firstword of the speech, the timer must activate the timingdevice at that point. If this results in the contestantgoing overtime, the contestant will be disqualified.The green signal will be displayed at three minutes.The amber signal will be displayed at four minutes.The red signal will be displayed at five minutes andremain displayed until the speech is concluded. Noaudible device, such as a buzzer, shall be used for theovertime period.

C. Any visually impaired contestant may request andmust be granted a form of warning signal of his or herown choosing. Acceptable warning signals wouldinclude, but not be limited to: a buzzer, a bell, or a per-son announcing the times at three, four, and five min-utes. If any special device and/or specific instructionsfor such signal is/are required, the contestant mustprovide same.

D. In the event of technical failure of the signal, a speak-er is allowed 30 seconds extra overtime before beingdisqualified.

E. Prior to announcing results, the chairman shouldannounce if time disqualification(s) occurred, but notname the contestant(s) involved.

7. PROTESTS AND DISQUALIFICATIONSA. Protests will be limited to judges and contestants. Any

protest will be lodged with the chief judge and/or con-test chairman prior to announcement of the winnerand alternate(s). The contest chairman shall notify thecontestant of a disqualification regarding originalityor eligibility prior to that announcement before themeeting at which the contest took place is adjourned.

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B. Before a contestant can be disqualified on the basis oforiginality, the contestant must be given an opportu-nity to respond to the judges. A majority of the judgesmust concur in the decision.The contest chairman can disqualify a contestant onthe basis of eligibility.

C. All decisions of the judges are final.

8. WINNERSIn contests with five or more participants, a third placewinner (if wanted), a second place winner, and a firstplace winner will be announced. In contests with four orfewer participants, a second place and first place winnerwill be announced.

9. CONTEST SCHEDULEDistricts conducting Tall Tales Contests should announcethe date of the district contest and establish dates bywhich the division, area, and club contests must becompleted.

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