Master Public Speaking Skills in One Semester
1. English-speaking Union International Public Speaking Competition
The International Public Speaking Competition (IPSC), organized by the English-Speaking Union, invites students aged 16 to 20 from over 50 countries to participate. It emphasizes oracy, cultural exchange, and public speaking excellence. Participants deliver speeches on annual themes, with national winners advancing to the finals held in London each May. The competition promotes research, presentation skills, confidence, and international understanding.
Past themes have included ‘Culture is not a luxury but a necessity’ and ‘The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they have none.’
Eligibility: Students aged 16 to 20
Registration Deadline: February each year.
For more details, visit the English-speaking Union International Public Speaking Competition website.
2. Institute for Excellence in Writing Speech Contest
The IEW Speech Contest is open to students aged 12-17. Participants can choose their speech topic and submit a video. Speeches must be original, family-friendly, and within specified time limits. Videos must be unedited, single-take recordings uploaded as “unlisted” on YouTube. Winners receive cash prizes, and their teachers or parents receive IEW gift certificates. Winners are announced in December.
Eligibility: Students aged 12-17 at the time of filming
Submission Deadline: May 8, 2024 – October 25, 202
For more details, visit the Institute for Excellence in Writing Speech Contest website.
3. New South Wales Government The Arts Unit's Speaking Competitions
Key competitions include the Premier’s Debating Challenge, the Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition for primary students, the Junior Secondary Speaking Award for students 14 or younger, and the Plain English Speaking Award for students 15 or older.
- The NSW Public Speaking Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition is open to all NSW government primary schools. The competition has two divisions – one for Years 3 and 4 students and one for Years 5 and 6 students. The deadline to register is March 22, 2024.
- NSW Public Speaking JSSA Junior Secondary Speaking Award is open to NSW government and nongovernment secondary schools. Students must be 14 years of age or younger on 1 January 2024. The deadline to register is April 2, 2024.
- NSW Public Speaking PESA Plain English Speaking Award is open to NSW government and non-government secondary schools. Contestants must be either Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia. Contestants must be between 15 and 18 on 1 January 2024.
4. Poetry Out Loud
Poetry Out Loud is a different kind of competition compared to the traditional public speaking competition as above. Poetry Out Loud is a national recitation competition that encourages high school students to learn about poetry through memorization and performance. Participants select poems from an anthology, perform at school, regional, and state levels, and potentially advance to the national finals. The program aims to improve public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and enhance students’ appreciation of poetry.
Eligibility: Students in the US in grades 9-12
Award: $200 + $500 materials stipend for state winners, up to $20,000 for national winners
Deadline: Depends on the state
For more details, visit the official website.
5. National Speech & Debate Tournament
The National Speech and Debate Tournament has been held by the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) since 1931 and is considered the pinnacle of High School speech and debate. Registered students are required to compete in preliminary rounds in their respective events before being selected for the finals. After months of preparation and qualifying tournaments, only 2-7 finalists move forward with the national debate competition. Many National Champions and runners-up get scholarships to college.
There are two tournaments each year: The National Speech & Debate Tournament and The Middle School National Speech & Debate Tournament.
Competition Date: June 16-21, 2024
Eligibility:
- Middle school and high school students: To attend the middle school tournament, students must have been in the fifth, sixth, seventh, or eighth grade during this academic school year. For the National Speech and Debate Tournament, students should currently be attending high school during this academic year.
- International schools that are interested in attending the tournament can reach out to info@speechanddebate.org.
Deadline: Varies.
Entry fee: Middle school students are required to pay $45-50 per student. High school students are required to pay $75-100 per student.
More information on the timeline is available here.
Enroll in Aralia’s Comprehensive Public Speaking Classes
6. MLK Jr. Oratory Competition
The Foley & Lardner LLP Annual MLK Jr. Oratory Competition celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by encouraging students to write and present original speeches. The competition emphasizes cultural diversity, public speaking, and writing skills. Students are judged on delivery, stage presence, content interpretation, and memorization. The 2024 topic is “How would Dr. King reflect on the 60 years since his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech?” Contestants participate in the three-part program format: In-School Competitions, Semifinals then Finals. Finals occur on January 12, 2024, in each participating city. The eight finalists will receive a monetary award and a participation plaque, among other gifts.
Eligibility: Students in 4th and 5th grade from Dallas, Houston, and Chicago Independent School District elementary schools.
For more information, visit Foley’s MLK Jr. Oratory Competition page.
7. American Legion Oratorical Contest
The American Legion Oratorical Contest aims to deepen high school students’ knowledge and appreciation of the U.S. Constitution. Participants deliver 8-10 minute speeches on constitutional topics, emphasizing citizens’ duties and obligations, followed by a 3-5-minute speech on an assigned topic. The competition starts locally and progresses to the state and national levels, where winners will have a chance to receive scholarships.
Eligibility: High school students under 20 are eligible to participate.
Deadline: Contact your local high school representative for more information
For more details, visit the American Legion Oratorical Contest
8. California High School Speech Association
The California High School Speech Association (CHSSA) State Championship is an annual event for California high school students, held at Clovis North High School. The competition includes various speech and debate categories, and only students who have qualified through local tournaments can participate.
Eligibility: Students in grades 9-12
Registration Deadline: March 22, 2024
Tournament Dates: April 21st to April 23rd
For more details, visit the California High School Speech Association.
9. Practice Public Speaking Skills with Aralia Education
Aralia Education offers comprehensive support for students looking to enhance their public speaking abilities. Our programs are designed to build confidence and improve skills through a structured approach. The curriculum also covers various public speaking formats, such as debates, presentations, and oratory competitions. With award-winning instructors and a supportive environment, we helps students improve in public speaking.
