It wasn’t long after joining Toastmasters that I decided to jump into speaking competitions. I said to myself “Theres nothing to lose in doing this.” I didn’t know it then, but I have learned so much from participating in speaking competitions and I encourage anyone whose interested to do it.
When people hear the phrase competitive public speaking, they imagine trophies, applause, and the adrenaline rush of stepping onto a stage where every word counts. And yes—those moments matter. They shape you, fuel you, and push you to sharpen your craft.
But if you’ve ever truly immersed yourself in the world of speaking competitions, you already know something that newcomers eventually discover:
The greatest rewards aren’t handed out at the end of the event. They happen in the hallways, the warm-up rooms, the practice circles, and the quiet moments of connection with other speakers who are on the same journey.
Winning is exciting.
Growing alongside others? That’s the real prize.
1. The Unexpected Camaraderie of Competition
At first, competition seems like the last place to find community—after all, everyone is technically trying to outperform one another.
And yet, something surprising happens when passionate people gather with the shared goal of expressing ideas and stories:
Competition becomes collaboration.
You meet speakers who:
- stay up practicing with you even though you’re both in the same category
- give you honest, thoughtful feedback minutes before they go on stage
- celebrate your breakthroughs as sincerely as their own
These are people who understand the nerves, the effort, and the vulnerability that come with stepping behind a microphone. The bonds formed in that space are rare and genuine.
2. Learning From Those Who Walk the Same Path
Every competitor brings their own style, background, and strengths.
Every round becomes a classroom.
You learn from:
- someone whose storytelling feels like a movie
- someone who can deliver humor with surgical precision
- someone whose calm confidence steadies the whole room
- someone who reveals a kind of courage you haven’t yet tapped into
In competition, you’re constantly exposed to new ways of speaking—new structures, new metaphors, new techniques, new risks. You find pieces of yourself in others’ voices, and you discover skills you didn’t know you needed.
This kind of education doesn’t come from textbooks.
It comes from witnessing real, raw talent up close.
3. The Humbling Power of Not Winning
Not winning can teach you more than winning ever will.
Why?
Because you’re surrounded by speakers who are better in certain ways—funnier, clearer, more confident, more emotionally grounded, more technically polished.
Instead of feeling threatened, you begin to feel inspired.
Losing becomes:
- a mirror showing where you can grow
- a catalyst for refining your craft
- a reminder that your journey doesn’t depend on rankings
- a chance to cheer for someone deserving
You quickly realize that the trophy measures a moment, not your worth.
4. The Gift of Being Surrounded by Courage
Everyone in a speaking competition stepped onto that stage even though they were afraid.
Everyone chose bravery.
There’s something powerful about being surrounded by people who also feel the fear, but speak anyway. You start absorbing their courage. You start believing in your own voice more deeply because you see so many others believing in theirs.
And that environment—supportive, energizing, driven—is transformative.
5. The Real Prize: A Community That Makes You Better
When you leave the venue, you carry more than your score sheet.
You carry:
- new friendships
- new mentors
- new inspiration
- new skills
- new stories
- a renewed sense of purpose
You carry the voices of people who challenged you, encouraged you, and showed you what’s possible.
The greatest prize in competitive public speaking isn’t the one you take home—it’s the one you become.
6. Why These Connections Matter Long After the Event
Many competitors go on to become:
- professional speakers
- coaches
- leaders
- teachers
- storytellers
- advocates
And your paths cross again and again, often in unexpected ways. The people you met as “competitors” often become collaborators, co-speakers, colleagues, or lifelong friends.
In the end, the community you build through competition shapes your growth more profoundly than any title ever could.
Final Thought
Competitive speaking sharpens your voice, yes—but more importantly, it expands your world.
It shows you that your journey is not a solo performance, but a shared experience filled with learning, encouragement, and inspiration from those who stand beside you (and sometimes against you) on the stage.
Winning feels good.
But growing with others feels unforgettable.
And that is a prize no judge can award—only experience can.
Jessica Sloane Speaks 
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