Online speech contests in Toastmasters competitions are a relatively new format designed to provide flexibility and accessibility for members to participate in public speaking events from physically distant locations. These contests allow participants to deliver speeches live and online, utilizing digital platforms for competition.
This format emerged as an official contest type in the 2024-2025 program year, following exceptions made by the Toastmasters International Board of Directors due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which had previously necessitated virtual contests. While the initial exceptions allowed for online participation across various contest types, the Online Speech Contest is now a distinct category, separate from traditional in-person contests like Evaluation, Humorous, Table Topics, and Tall Tales.
The Online Speech Contest is a specific type of Toastmasters competition where contestants present a five- to seven-minute speech on any chosen subject while participating live and online from physically distant locations. This contest enables members to practice public speaking and content development in a competitive online setting. Unlike other contest types that are generally required to be conducted in person from the Area level onwards, the Online Speech Contest is held exclusively online.
Key characteristics and guidelines for online speech contests include:
- Format and Participation: All participants, including contestants, judges, and audience members, are online. Contestants use their own equipment and must be present in real-time for the live online event.
- Rules and Eligibility: Detailed rules for the Online Speech Contest are included in the Toastmasters International Speech Contest Rulebook. Eligibility generally requires members to be in good standing. Unlike the International Speech Contest, there is no specific educational requirement (like completing Pathways Levels 1 and 2) to participate in the Online Speech Contest.
- Advancement: While the International Speech Contest winner can advance to the World Championship of Public Speaking, the Online Speech Contest typically does not advance beyond the District level.
- Technical Considerations: It is recommended to avoid using reaction buttons, emojis, or chat features during the contest to prevent distractions. Contestants are allowed to use props, music, PowerPoint presentations, and virtual backgrounds, provided they notify the contest chair, comply with venue restrictions, and can set up and remove props within the allotted time. Technical issues during a speech should be addressed by immediately notifying the contest chair.
- Recording: If recordings are made, all participants must sign a Photo/Video Release Form, and personal recordings by audience members are not permitted.
- Officials and Judging: Contest officials, including judges, must be paid members and generally cannot serve in more than one role at the same contest. The names of voting judges and the tiebreaking judge must remain anonymous. A member competing in one contest type cannot serve as a judge for the same contest type at any level.
The introduction of the Online Speech Contest provides an additional avenue for Toastmasters to develop their public speaking skills, offering flexibility and accessibility for those who may not be able to compete in person.
Go Back
