Annual training ensures fairness and professionalism for upcoming speech contests
With Contest Season at Toastmasters around the corner District 41 that comprises Nepal and parts of North India, took a proactive step forward in continuing its commitment to competitive excellence through its annual Judge and Chief Judge Certification Program.
Conducted on October 11, 2025, at Apex College, Mid-Baneshwor, this year's training session equipped participants with essential skills and knowledge to officiate at upcoming International Speech and Table Topics contests, while also announcing an upcoming online session to accommodate Toastmasters outside the valley.
Training is an ongoing process at Toastmasters clubs around the globe. This particular certification program addresses the ongoing need within the Toastmasters ecosystem for consistent, professional judging standards across all competition levels. As District 41 prepares for another season of premier speaking events, this annual certification ensures that every participant receives fair and expert evaluation.
Another mantra that is celebrated at Toastmasters is the spirit of teamwork. The success of this program stemmed from coordinated efforts across multiple Club, Division, and District leaders, with guidance from District Chief Judge DTM Neelima Wali and motivational support from Club Growth Director DTM Diptee Acharya. "The integrity of our contests begins with the quality of our judges," emphasized DTM Wali while designing the session. "This annual certification program represents our ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of excellence in every evaluation." DTM Acharya added, "Our growth as a district depends on fair competition and meaningful feedback. These trained judges will ensure that every speaker receives the constructive assessment they need to improve."
The operational leadership of Associate Program Quality Directors TM Anjila Bista and TM Nirajan Shrestha guaranteed seamless event execution, supported by Toastmasters across the district whose enthusiastic participation demonstrated the community's commitment to excellence.
"The quality of our contests directly reflects the quality of our judges," a core belief of Program Quality Director DTM Shwetank Sharma that forms the foundation of this yearly training. His conviction that "such initiatives are crucial for District 41 to maintain the highest standards of evaluation, ensuring every competitor receives the fair and expert assessment they truly deserve," continues to drive the program's development.
To ensure comprehensive district-wide participation, an additional online training session will be conducted for Toastmasters residing outside the Kathmandu valley, demonstrating District 41's commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
The program featured parallel tracks designed to address the unique responsibilities of each role. The Chief Judge Certification, led by Immediate Past District Director DTM Moon Pradhan, provided intensive instruction in contest management protocols, ballot security procedures, and dispute resolution mechanisms. "A Chief Judge carries the ultimate responsibility for contest integrity," DTM Pradhan explained. "Our training focuses on developing the administrative precision and leadership required to oversee competitions at every level."
Simultaneously, the Judge Certification track, facilitated by District Finance Manager TM Ankit Goenka, delved into detailed evaluation criteria, scoring methodology, and ethical considerations. "Judging is both an art and a science," TM Goenka noted. "We equip our judges with the framework to make consistent, objective assessments while appreciating each speaker's unique style."
The theoretical training was reinforced through practical scoring exercises using speeches delivered by test speakers TM Prasanna Shrestha, TM Prajwol Tamrakar, and TM Jeevan Ghimire.
A significant outcome of the training was the implementation of a two-year certification period, creating stability in the district's judging roster while ensuring consistent application of standards across multiple contest seasons. "The two-year certification represents a strategic investment in our district's competitive infrastructure," said District Director TM Gaurav Chaudhary. "It ensures that we maintain a deep bench of qualified officials who can uphold our standards of excellence."
The event featured contributions from Emcees TM Aditya Shah and TM Kiran Silwal Karki, who maintained program momentum, and Timer TM Susan Dangol, who ensured strict adherence to the schedule.
As the newly certified judges take up their responsibilities, District 41 looks forward to a contest season marked by exceptional professionalism and unwavering fairness. This annual initiative not only strengthens the district's judging capabilities but also reinforces its commitment to nurturing speaking talent through competitions where every voice is heard and every speech is valued equally. The stage is now set for what promises to be another professionally evaluated contest season in District 41's history.
