The Oratorical Contest gives youngsters that chance to speak to the world. The winners at the club level receive medallions. District winners have the opportunity for a college scholarship.
This speech contest is designed to inspire today's youth to motivate and inform others through the art of public speaking. It provides young people with the opportunity to compete for a college scholarship and express their views on a pre-assigned topic. Scholarship amounts may vary.
Interested students prepare a speech on the pre-assigned topic to be presented at their local Optimist Club's contest. The speeches are judged at the club level, and at the district level.
The contest is open to all young people who have not reached age 16 as of January 1st of the current School year.
The speech must be at least 4 minutes but not over 5 minutes in length.