Speech Contest

Open to Grades 4-12
Judging Divisions: 4-6 // 7-8 // 9-12 
 

A maximum of 3 entries per division will be accepted from each school.
Please work in coordination with your school before submitting.

Prompt

Prepare a speech that presents a dream you have for your life and/or the lives of future generations. Include reference to historical events and leaders that have somehow impacted your own life or helped to shape your dream. Be sure to detail the actions you plan to take to ensure your dream becomes a reality. 

Rules

• Submit a parent permission slip via Google Forms by November 15th at 11:59 pm. See page 6 of the handbook.
   
• Students must submit a transcript or outline of the prepared speech by Friday, November 15th via Google Forms. This outline will not be seen by the judges, only our administrative team.
   
• All speeches will be delivered in person:
  • Thursday, December 12th, 2024
  • The Office of the Fresno County Superintendent of Schools
    1111 Van Ness Ave., Fresno, CA 93721
  • Room 101-T (next to EECU on the corner of Van Ness Ave. and Fresno St.)
     
• Speeches must be the original work of the student(s) and cannot have been published previously in any form, including online.
   
• Speeches should clearly address the contest theme and prompt.
   
• Speeches may not be the same as any essay submissions. 
   
• Presented speeches should be 2-3 minutes long. Points will be adjusted for going incrementally longer or shorter than this time frame (see judging rubric linked on page 6 of the handbook).
   
• The top three entries from each division will be recognized with awards on the evening of Tuesday, January 14th, 2025 at Clovis Veterans Memorial District. 
   
• First place contestants from each division will be invited to deliver their speech at the awards ceremony.