Oratorical Competition

Arizona District Oratorical Contest

WHAT: This is a speech contest for any student under the age of 19 as of        October 1st of the current Optimist International contest year. The speech needs to be between 4-5 minutes in length.

TOPIC: “Discovering the Optimism Within Me” (all club submissions should run through a plagiarism checker before being forwarded to the next level).

WHY: The contest is designed for you to gain experience in public speaking, perfect self-expression, gain self-assurance, improve communication skills, and provide an opportunity to compete for a college scholarship.

CONTESTS:  Each local club set up their own contest with the two winners proceeding to compete at the Zone level. The top two contestants from each zone will be eligible to compete at the District Level.

DATES:                      Local Clubs due date:            February 21, 2023                                                                   Zone due date:                        March 6, 2023

                                    Paperwork due via email       March 20, 2023

                                    District competition               April 1, 2023 

These contest can be held any time prior to the due dates. The two winners’ information from the Zones will need to be:  

     1. Emailed as soon as possible

     2. Mailed as a hard copy as a follow up    

DISTRICT:  The District will hold the Oratorical Competition on Saturday, April 1 in Tucson at the District Meeting, in Tucson

PRIZES: The top three Oratorical contestants will receive college scholarships.

1st Place $2,500       2nd Place $1,500    3rd Place   $1,000

Marcia Aurand      AZ District Oratorical Chair                                                             

10125. E. Rainbow Meadow Dr.                                                                                          

Tucson, AZ, 85747        520-309-0481 

oratorical@arizonaoptimists.com        

 

The District winner goes on to compete at the Regional Level. Regional Level winners receive a $5,000 scholarship and then move on to compete at the World Championships level. Scholarships will be awarded in the amounts of $15,000, $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.

Specific rules for Oratorical chairs can be found on the Optimist International website.