CONTEST TIME

Author: Karl Hughes DTM, Program Quality Director 2020-21, District 73 Toastmasters

It’s that time again when club contests will soon start.

With the global challenges of COVID-19, many clubs will have to approach their contests differently this year.

The decision on how a club will run its contest will depend on two things –

1.   Local government restrictions

2.   Member comfort levels

There are different restrictions in place across District 73 depending on which state you live in.

Metropolitan Melbourne is currently in a second lockdown, while other states are beginning to open and relax their restrictions. Those clubs in Metropolitan Melbourne will not be able to meet face-to-face to hold a contest.

In Tasmania and South Australia, it may be possible to hold a face-to-face competition, but social distancing will still need to be taken into consideration. Some members may also feel they are not yet comfortable coming back to an in-person environment.

If a club wishes to hold a contest, then the Club Executive Team will need to discuss with their members the best approach for the club.

Where do I find the rules on how to run a contest?

The Toastmasters International Rulebook is the official source on how contests should be run. Contests should always follow the rules laid out in this rulebook.

The new Speech Contest Rulebook 1 July 2020 – 30 June 2021 is now available at: https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/2020-2021-speech-contest-rulebook

Please note any changes in the rulebook this year. Changes are highlighted by a diamond symbol in the left margin.

How do I determine how many contestants go through to the next level?

District 73 operating procedures follow the selection sequence outlined in the rulebook which is:

1. To allow two participants from each club to compete in an Area contest if an Area has four assigned clubs or fewer in good standing.

2. Should additional clubs charter in an Area prior to the Area contest, two contestants from each club in that Area will be permitted to compete.

3. In those Divisions with four assigned Areas or less, the two highest-placed available contestants from each Area will be allowed to compete.

Please note that District 73 does not reimburse gifts to Contest Officials at Area, Division and District contests.

Where can I find more resources on how to run speech contests?

Toastmasters International has several contest resources available on its website which can be found at:

https://www.toastmasters.org/leadershipcentral/speech-contests

https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/news%20and%20announcements/online%20meetings

For those of you who missed the event, the recording of the workshop ‘How to Run an Online Speech Contest’ with Danielle Jones-Resnik (Admin Manager, District 73 Toastmasters) is available on the District 73 website. Here’s the link: https://d73.toastmasters.org.au/presentations/?fbclid=IwAR00b-OVJZxKx3KsiQ2J4TpTWBqPPFfC0fAjqdNy475POOIiwPgk19n_d8M

Wishing you all the best with your speech contests.

This article first appeared in the July edition of District 73 Toastmasters' newsletter.