Amount: $2,500
Deadline: March 20
Level: high-school
Renewable: No
About
Youths present an oration on a pre-assigned topic. Designed to develop public speaking skills, the contest advances from local club to district and then to international level, offering scholarship prizes at each stage.
Eligibility
- Citizenship: any
- GPA: none
- Students under the age of 18 as of October 1st of the current Optimist International contest year.
Required Materials
- Original speech (4-5 minutes)
Timeline
Contest runs from October to March. Deadline varies by local club, district in March. Winners notified at district level in April, international in June.
Tips
Practice your speech extensively to ensure smooth delivery and adherence to time limits. Your oration should be well-researched, passionate, and clearly convey your perspective on the theme. Maintain eye contact and good posture.