Public Speaking Contest

The Oratorical Contest is the longest-running Optimist International program. This contest is designed for young people to gain experience in public speaking . Our Club-level Oratorical contest is planned for March 4, 2023 and will be held following the public health guidelines at that time.

Register by February 25, 2023

22-23_Oratorical_Application_46249 Download

Prepare and deliver a 4-5 minute speech on our 2023 topic: Discovering the Optimism within Me

First and Second place winners in our club contest can move on to compete for up to $22,500 in scholarships at the district, regional and international levels. Scholarships are funded by the Canadian Children’s Optimist Foundation.

Eligibility Criteria:
- Open to students under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2022 and who have not yet completed secondary school. There is no minimum age.
- Contestants are eligible to enter/compete in only one Optimist Oratorical contest during a contest year.
- Contestants who win 1st place at the Regional level are ineligible to compete in subsequent years.
Key Dates for 2023:
- February 25 (midnight) – Deadline to submit signed contest application form (by email or regular mail)
- March 3 – Deadline to submit a typed copy of speech (email)
- Saturday, March 4
  - Contest Day – Optimistically we are planning on hosting an in-person event, but we will be prepared if a virtual contest is required.
  - Winners provide copy of birth certificate or passport (required to move on to District level contest)
- Early April – Zone level contest
  - First and Second place finishers in club contest are eligible to compete in the Zone (Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge) contest.
- Early May – District level contest