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Contest evenings are open to everyone. Members can participate either as a contestant, as part of the team running the event, or show their support in the audience by giving their resounding applause.
If you want to find out more about the contests and the invigorating challenge of contest speaking, or you would like to be part of the team, please speak to one of the club officers or visit the Toastmasters International website.
Competition
Toastmasters International is a worldwide organisation that provides many wonderful opportunities to thousands of intrepid members, and Norwich Speakers Club embraces the ethos of enabling every member to progress and develop all aspects of their speaking and presentation skills.
Speech contests are a Toastmaster tradition. Each year, more than 30,000 Toastmasters compete in one or more of the following contests.
Toastmasters International is a worldwide organisation that provides many wonderful opportunities to thousands of intrepid members, and Norwich Speakers Club embraces the ethos of enabling every member to progress and develop all aspects of their speaking and presentation skills.
Speech contests are a Toastmaster tradition. Each year, more than 30,000 Toastmasters compete in one or more of the following contests.
Humorous Speech
Contestants present a humorous speech that must be thematic in nature (opening, body, and close), not a monologue (series of one-liners).
Table Topics
These are impromptu speeches. All contestants are assigned the same topic, given to them when they are introduced by the contest chair.
International Speech
Contestants present a five- to seven-minute speech on any subject they choose. (eligibility criteria applicable). This contest is the only one that goes beyond District level to the World Championship of Public speaking at the International Convention held every year in August.
Evaluation
Contestants observe a five- to seven-minute test speech and then present a two- to three-minute evaluation of the test speech.
"Twice a year, Norwich Speakers Club empowers and encourages members to try this unique opportunity and take part in the contests which begin at the club level.
At NSC, we believe that everyone who takes part is a winner for simply participating, but ultimately speeches are scored by a team of judges. The winner from each round progresses through to Area level, Division level, District 71 semi-finals, and then to the Finals at the annual conference in May each year"
Seth Rowden
Vice President-PR
2023-2024
The four main categories for the contests are the Humorous Speech, Table Topics (Impromptu Speaking) in the Autumn and the International Speech and Evaluation contests in the spring.
The various categories give all members a chance to take part in the contests to enhance their own speaking style. This is an ideal opportunity for speakers to develop their speaking skills and ultimately become more confident when speaking in front of others.
"Norwich Speakers Club has been honoured over recent years with members reaching success at all levels of the competition.
So, why not try to carry on that tradition and contribute towards the ongoing success of Norwich Speakers Club?"- James Utting, Sergeant at Arms.
James Utting
Sergeant-at-Arms
2023-2024
