Each judge rates each speech in the various categories.  Then they add up the total score.  A perfect speech would score 100.  When all the speeches are done, each judge then ranks the speakers, based on their numerical scores as one, two or three.  They record their rankings on a ballot and then turn them into the chief judge.

            The contestant with the most number one rankings wins the contest.  The chief judge also does the same scoring and keeps his/her ballot in reserve.  Should a tie occur, the chief judge’s ballot will be used to break the tie.

Evaluation Contest Scoring

            To compete in the Evaluation contest, the contestant need only be a member in good standing.

            In the evaluation contest, a “target” speaker gives a speech.  At the conclusion of the speech, all the evaluation contestants are given five minutes to analyze the speech and summarize their findings.  Their notes are confiscated and they are lead from the room.

            Then the contestants are brought back into the room one at a time and each one gives their evaluation of the target speaker.  As in the Speech contest, the judges give numerical rankings to various categories for the evaluators.  Here’s how the judges rank the evaluators.

            The timing on the evaluation contest is two to three minuets.  That means the contestant is within time if the speech is between 1:30 and 3:30 in length.  Evaluations that are outside that range are disqualified.  The same technique for choosing the winner of the Speech contest is also used in the Evaluation contest.

Humorous Speech and

Table Topics Contests

            In September the Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contest series is started.  Like in the Speech and evaluation contests, the winners can progress through the various levels.  The only difference is, this contest series does not progress beyond the District level.  The District 38 contest is the last stop.

            In both these contests, the only requirements for a contestant are that they must be a Toastmaster in good standing.

Humorous Speech Contest Scoring

            The speech for the speech contest can be on any subject the contestant desires.  The timing on the speech is five to seven minutes.  That means the contestant is within time if the speech is between 4:30 and 7:30 in length.  Speeches that are outside that range are disqualified.

            As in the other contests, the judges give numerical rankings to various categories for the evaluators.  Here’s how the judges rank the humorous speeches.

Table Topics Contest Scoring

            In the Table Topics contest, the contestants are escorted from the room and then brought back into the room one at a time.  Each contestant is given the same table topic on which to speak.  The contestant must then speak on the subject without any preparation.

            The timing on the table topics is one to two minutes.  That means the contestant is within time if the speech is between 0:30 and 2:30 in length.  Speeches that are outside that range are disqualified.

            As in the other contests, the judges give numerical rankings to various categories for the evaluators.  Here’s how the judges rank the table topics speeches.

Boardwalk Toastmasters, Ocean City, New Jersey.  Building eloquent speakers from the terrified and the tongue tied.