The Engagement Room, Session 9 with Terri Orban-"Mastering the Chief Judge Role: Ensuring Fair, Smooth & Successful Speech Contests"

Terri introduces us to one of the most essential leadership roles in any Toastmasters speech contest, the Chief Judge. This training equips you with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to serve as an effective Chief Judge—the person responsible for safeguarding the integrity, fairness, and professionalism of every contest. Participants will learn how to recruit and brief judging teams, manage ballots and tiebreakers, oversee contest rules, handle eligibility requirements, and ensure a seamless, unbiased experience for contestants and officials. Drawing from Toastmasters International’s official contest rulebook and best practices, this session provides step-by-step guidance, real-world scenarios, and practical tools so you can lead contests with clarity, confidence, and credibility. Perfect for anyone preparing to serve as Chief Judge or looking to deepen their contest leadership expertise.Terri Orban is the Marketing Director for The Advance Group and its family of companies, with offices in New York, New Jersey, and Florida. With nearly 30 years of relocation marketing experience, Terri has worked with some of the most recognized brands in the industry, including Mayflower Transit and United Van Lines. In these roles, she managed local marketing efforts for more than 500 locations nationwide, specializing in digital presence optimization.Terri holds a BS in Organizational Leadership and an MBA from Maryville University. She has been an active member of Toastmasters since 2017, completing three paths, DynamicLeadership, Presentation Mastery and Engaging Humor, and is currently on the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) track. Terri has served as a District Admin Manager, Division Director, Area Director, and has been a member of the District Leadership Committee (DLC) and District Education Committee. She has also held every officer position at the club level, demonstrating her commitment to personal growth and leadership development.