Speech Contest

From Fall, 2015 Lessons Learned

TIMING NUGGETS

Start EARLY – Plan Ahead
6-8 Weeks prior – You can’t start early enough
Find these first

• VENUE
• Contest Chair
• Chief Judge
• Toastmaster
• Refreshments Chair

RESOURCE NUGGETS

Info for Contest Organizers page

• Planning documents
  
• Scripts
  
• Forms
  

Training videos page

• Contest Chair
  
• Judge
  
• Chief Judge
  

Paying attention to DETAILS will make the difference between a good contest and a GREAT, high quality contest

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BRIEFING NUGGETS

Start Briefing ON TIME

• 45 minutes prior to contest start
• Avoid the temptation to wait for late arrivals.

Contest Chair: Customize Script for your contest. Eliminate N/A items

Conduct Contestant briefing in the Speaking Area

Forward paperwork to next level Contest Chair

REMINDER NUGGETS

OVER COMMUNICATE!!!

Send out 2 reminders the week prior to the contest. Include:

• Date/Time/Place
• What to bring
• Directions
• Parking information
• Where to enter
• Where the room is
• Links to rulebook and forms

Ask Contestants if they have any special AV requirements or props

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FLIER NUGGETS

INCLUDE:

• Date/Time/Place
• Directions
• Where to Park
• Where to Enter
• Where the Room is
• What to bring, e.g. ID

Create it EARLY!

Send Area and Division fliers to District Webmaster - let the District help you promote your contest!!

Take fliers with you when visiting clubs

INTERVIEW  NUGGETS
Keep them SHORT & SWEET

• Home Club
• How long with Toastmasters
• ONE (profile) question per contestant
  

Work with Toastmaster on interviewing skills

Assign someone to assist the Toastmaster with Paperwork (profile & certificates)

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PROMOTION NUGGETS

Start 4 weeks before the contest

Visit the clubs

Send Emails

Give them Fliers

PROMOTE, PROMOTE, PROMOTE!!

VOLUNTEER NUGGETS

Ask clubs to provide contest officials (give them a quota). Get more than the minimums

Have a Theme - Make it FUN!

Confirm, Remind & Thank

Teamwork is a dynamic resource – WORK TOGETHER!