
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.