Contest Rules


for the


American Enterprise Speech Contest

  1. No introductions can be made prior to the contest. Contestants should not be aware of the identity of the judges. Speakers will be introduced as "Speaker #1..., Speaker #2..." and the name of the speech.

  2. Contestants may not identify themselves or their school within the text of their speech. (Disqualification Factor).

  3. After the contest, students and their guests will be introduced in the order shown on the program. Judges will be introduced after the tallying of the results.

  4. Students will choose speaking order randomly and identify order to the Contestant Coordinator. Speaker number and title of speech will be correlated at this time.

  5. Speakers must wait in a room that is separated from the contest to prevent hearing other speakers. Contestant Coordinator will escort speakers to give speech and upon return to the room.

  6. Judges are seated in the audience and are associated with Toastmasters International, Inc. An alternate judge is available in the event of a tie. There will only be one winner.

  7. Speeches may be referred to but may not be read verbatim. No audio or visual aids are permitted.

  8. Speeches will range from 4 to 6 minutes. One penalty point will be assessed for each 30 seconds over and under the limit. The timekeeper will use timing lights or colored cards, visible in front of you. LOCATE AND WATCH THEM to indicate how close you are to your limit:

    • Green Light - 4 minute mark (2 minutes remain)
    • Yellow Light - 5 1/2 minute mark (30 seconds remain)
    • Red Light - 6 minute mark (Penalty points begin)

    NOTE: If you stop BEFORE the green light comes on, you will also be assessed penalty point(s). This is not a disqualification factor.

  9. Winners will be announced. All participants will receive a Certificate of Achievement. The winner will receive no more that $300.00 (prize set by chapter). Other winners may be delared at chapters option. The 2nd place winner will compete in the Council Contest if the 1st place winner cannot attend.

  10. The decision of the judges is final.

For More information, contact Kent Bierley at (937) 257-4694, or Email the chapter.


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This page updated on 3/4/04.