Optimist International Oratorical Contest
Optimist International
About
A public speaking contest for secondary-school-aged students that progresses from club to zone, district, regional and world championship levels. District and world/regional winners receive scholarships payable to an educational institution. Speeches must follow an official topic and be the contestant's original work.
Who can apply
Be under 19 years old as of October 1 of the contest year.
“The contest is open to contestants under the age of 19 as of October 1st of the current Optimist International contest year (October 1 – September 30) and who have not yet completed secondary school or its equivalent, including CEGEP students in Québec, Canada. There is no minimum age.”
Enter through a local Optimist Club (be sponsored by a local Optimist Club).
“Contestants must enter through a local Optimist Club.”
Ineligible to compete again if previously won first place at the Regional level of the Optimist International Oratorical World Championships.
“Once a contestant wins first place at the Regional level of the Optimist International Oratorical World Championships, they are ineligible to compete in the Optimist International Oratorical Contest at any level again.”
Essay prompts
- 1."How My Actions Strengthen Those Around Me"