The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives youngsters the chance to speak to the world. More than $150,000 in college scholarships funded by the Optimist International Foundations are awarded annually from this program.
Optimist International Oratorical Contest
Since its start in 1928, the Optimist Oratorical Contest has become the longest-running program sponsored by Optimist International. The contest is designed for youth to gain experience in public speaking, perfect self-expression, gain self-assurance, improve communication skills, and provide them with the opportunity to compete for a college scholarship.
2023-2024 Winners
Left to right: Leightyn Ferrel, Lauren Clancy, Lisa Vickers, and Allen Clark
The contest is open to contestants under the age of 19 as of October 1st of the current Optimist International contest year (October 1 – September 30) and who have not yet completed secondary school or its equivalent, including CEGEP students in Québec, Canada.
There is no minimum age. Students must enter in the District in which they reside. U.S. students attending school on military installations outside the U.S. are eligible to enter in their last home of record.
Contest Details
How To Enter
Interested youth should prepare a 4 to 5-minute speech on the assigned topic to be presented at their local Optimist Club’s contest. The speeches are judged at the Club level, Zone level, District Regional level (if needed) and then at the District level prior to the Optimist International Oratorical World Championships. Clubs and Districts may choose to allow contestants to compete via online streaming.
Applications are due February 22, 2025
Students should mail or email their application to:
Allen Clark, 5824 Eden Prairie Road, Minnetonka, MN 55345-6715
Questions? Call (952) 300-1308 or email ajclark95026@gmail.com
Key Dates
Applications Due: February 22, 2025
Glen Lake Club Contest: March, 2025 (date TBD)
Zone Contest: March, 2025 (date TBD)
District Contest: May 2-3, 2025, Watertown, South Dakota
Prizes
The Glen Lake Club Prize
First Place: $250 + Medallion
Second Place: $150
Third Place: $100