The Oratorical Contest is the longest-running Optimist International program. This contest is designed for young people to gain experience in public speaking .
We regret to announce that our Club-level Oratorical contest will not be held this year (2025).
Do you have other questions? Email us.
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2024 Oratorical & Essay Contest Results
On Saturday, March 23, contestants and their families joined us to compete in our annual public speaking contest. We heard inspiring speeches from our Oratorical Contestants on this year’s topic “How to Change the World with Optimism.” Contest finalist were Nicole, Jasmine and Adina, with Nicole moving on to the Midwestern Ontario District contest. Following the Oratorical Contest speeches, our Essay Contest winner read her Essay on the 2024 topic, “Optimism: How It Connects Us.” Essay contest…
2023 Oratorical & Essay Contest Results
On Saturday, March 3, contestants and their families dug themselves out from a winter storm to gather for our annual contest. We heard inspiring speeches from our Oratorical Contestants, making for difficult decisions for the Judges. This year’s topic for the speeches was “Discovering the Optimism within Me.” Following the Oratorical Contest speeches, our Essay Contest winner read her Essay on the 2023 topic, “Who is an Everyday Hero that Brings Out the Optimism in You?” .…
2022 Oratorical & Essay Contest Results
It was nice to be back in-person for our 2022 Contest Day. We heard inspiring speeches from our Oratorical Contestants, making it a difficult time for the Judges. This year’s topic for the speeches was “Staying Optimistic in Challenging Times.” Following the Oratorical Contest speeches, our Essay Contest winner read her Essay on the 2022 topic, “How Does an Optimistic Mindset Change My Tomorrow?” . Congratulations to all our participants and good luck to the contestants moving…
Optimist Club of Waterloo North 