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The Toastmasters Humorous Speech Contest is an event where participants deliver original, humorous speeches to entertain and engage the audience. The contest encourages speakers to use wit, cleverness, and personal stories to create laughter while maintaining a clear structure and message.
Each contestant presents a 5-7 minute speech, and while humour is key, the speech must also have a purpose, with clear organisation and smooth delivery. The goal is not just to tell jokes, but to weave humour into a cohesive narrative or message.
The contest is a fun way for Toastmasters members to refine their public speaking skills, adding humour as an essential tool for engagement. It’s about striking a balance between entertaining the audience and delivering a well-rounded, meaningful speech. It’s also a great opportunity for participants and spectators alike to enjoy some light-hearted, creative storytelling.
Contests start at the club level and progress through area, division, and district levels. Winning at each level advances the contestant to the next round, culminating in the district finals.
Judging criteria
Judging criteria includes speech content (originality, structure, and appropriateness), delivery (voice, gestures, and timing), and of course, the speaker's ability to make the audience laugh. Laughter isn’t just about punchlines; it can come from wordplay, exaggeration, irony, or a funny twist on everyday situations.
- Content: 55%
- Speech Development: Structure, Organisation, Support Material
- Effectiveness: Achievement of Purpose, Interest, Reception
- Speech Value: Ideas, Logic, Original Thoughts
- Audience Response: Attentiveness, Laughter, Interest, Reception
- Delivery: 30%
- Physical: Appearance, Body Language, Speaking Area
- Voice: Flexibility, Volume
- Manner: Directness, Assurance, Enthursiasm
- Language: 15%
- Appropriateness: To Speech Purpose and Audience
- Correctness: Grammar, Pronunciation, Word Selection
View the Humorous Speech judging form: www.miranda-toastmasters.org.au/Docs/HumorCont%20Ballot.pdf
Timing
5-7 minutes
Contests will be disqualified if they speak for less than 4 minutes 30 seconds, or longer than 7 minutes 30 seconds.
Eligibility
Contestants must be a Toastmasters member.