Complete Contest Toolkit
Everything you need to run successful speech contests at club, area, division, and district levels
The District 85 Speech Contest Kit provides comprehensive resources for contest chairs, officials, contestants, and volunteers. This kit is updated annually to reflect the latest Toastmasters International rules and best practices.
2025-2026 Contest Season Updates
This year's contest kit includes updated rules for virtual and hybrid contests, new judging criteria, and enhanced accessibility guidelines. All contest officials must review the updated rulebook before participating.
Essential Contest Documents
2026 Contest Rulebook
Complete official rules for all Toastmasters speech contests, including International, Evaluation, Humorous, Table Topics, and Tall Tales contests.
Download RulebookJudge's Guide & Ballots
Complete judging package including scoring criteria, judge's certification, sample ballots, and tie-breaking procedures.
Download Judge's KitContestant Preparation Guide
Step-by-step guide for contestants including speech development, delivery tips, timing strategies, and contest day checklist.
Download GuideTimer & Ballot Counter Guides
Detailed instructions for contest officials including signal cards, timing procedures, and ballot counting protocols.
Download GuidesContest Chair Checklist
Comprehensive timeline and checklist for contest chairs covering planning, promotion, execution, and follow-up.
Download ChecklistComplete Scripts Package
Sample scripts for all contest officials including Contest Chair, Chief Judge, Topicsmaster, and Awards Presenter.
Download ScriptsDownload Complete Contest Kit
Get all resources in one convenient ZIP file. Includes rulebook, guides, checklists, scripts, and templates.
Download Full Kit (ZIP, 45 MB)2025 D85 Contest Finalists
International speech contest finalists
Watch the outstanding speeches from our 2025 District 85 International Speech Contest finalists. These speeches represent the highest level of speaking excellence in our district.
A test video
"Free Software"
A short video that makes free software easy for everyone to understand.
Watch Video 2:53 βΆIris BI
"The Power of Vulnerability"
An inspiring speech about embracing vulnerability as a strength in leadership and communication.
Watch Video 7:28 βΆLessie CHEN
"Breaking the Glass Ceiling"
Inspiring speech about overcoming barriers and creating opportunities for the next generation.
Watch Video 6:59 βΆVijay VASANT
"The Bridge Builder"
A powerful metaphor about building connections between cultures, generations, and ideas.
Watch Video 7:21 βΆJames WANG
"The Art of Listening"
Exploring how true listening transforms relationships and creates understanding in a noisy world.
Watch Video 7:05 βΆHazel XU
"Courage to Begin"
Motivational speech about taking the first step, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
Watch Video 7:45 βΆJohn ZHANG
"The Gift of Failure"
How embracing failure leads to growth, resilience, and ultimately, greater success.
Watch Video 7:10 βΆNote: These videos are provided for educational purposes to help contestants and clubs prepare for speech contests. Please respect the copyright of the speakers.
Additional Contest Resources
More tools to support your contest preparation
Virtual Contest Guide
Complete guide to running online contests including platform setup, technical checklist, and virtual audience engagement.
View Guide βPast Winners Archive
Collection of winning speeches from previous years with analysis of what made them effective.
Browse Archive βContest Analytics Dashboard
Track contest participation, results, and trends across District 85 over the past 5 years.
View Dashboard β