What is a Tall Tale?

The speech must be of a highly exaggerated, improbable nature and have a theme or plot. Humor and props may be used to support or illustrate the speech. Contestants must prepare their own three to five minute speech, which must be substantially original. The subject for the Tall Tales speech shall be selected by the contestant.

Contestants are encouraged to work out of the Advanced Communication Humorously Speaking or Storytelling manuals when competing at any level and receive a written and verbal evaluation for speech credit. Contestants can also use the projects for vocal variety or body movement in the competent communicator manual for speech credit.

* Article about Tall Tales from Toastmasters International (April 2006) (PDF)
* Article about Tall Tales - You Must Be Kidding! (November 2007) (PDF)
* Tall Tales Handout from David Watkins, DTM (DOC)
Click here to read the rules for the Tall Tale Contest
Click here to attend a session on Tall Tales at any of the TLS in January
Click here for a sample judging ballot for the Tall Tales Contest

*Recently Added

Updated 1/7/08