Regional Speech Contest 2025
YRES is thrilled to be collaborating with U+ Toastmasters in releasing the 2025 Children and Youth Regional Speech Contest at the Palmerston Branch Theatre this coming June!
This event provides children and youth a platform to demonstrate their leadership abilities and passion for public speaking by sharing valuable ideas that have the potential to make a meaningful and lasting impact on their communities.
The theme for this year’s speech contest is titled “Memory Box – Significant Moments in Our Lives.” Register below for more information!
Past 2024 Speech Contest Photos
How to Participate?
- After completing the registration form, you will receive an email with instructions regarding your preliminary round submission. The submission window closes on June 1, 2024.
- Submissions will be evaluated by our preliminary judge panel, and participants will be notified via email whether they have been selected to proceed to the Regional Speech Contest.
- Participants who have been selected will have the opportunity to request and receive personalized feedback from the U+ Toastmasters team during the two-month preparatory period to take place before the event.
The Regional Speech Contest is open to individuals between the age of 8 and 18 who have a passion for effective communication.
Participant must be a resident of Ontario.
Online registration for the contest will open on Dec. 20, 2023.
Participants can click the sign up button on the right to access the registration form
After completing the registration, participants will receive a confirmation email with further instructions.
Ensure your submission reflects the essence of your speech and showcases your communication style.
Participants can choose their preferred category for the contest: Oratory, Storytelling, Impromptu Speaking, and, optionally, Multilingual Communication.
Consider your strengths and interests when selecting a category to ensure a fulfilling and enjoyable experience.
Once registered, participants should begin preparing their speeches, keeping in mind the criteria for their chosen category.
Practice your delivery, refine your content, and seek feedback from peers or mentors.
On the day of the contest, arrive at the venue at least 30 minutes before your scheduled time.
Check in at the registration desk and receive your contestant number.
Relax, take a deep breath, and be ready to unleash your voice on the stage.
The Regional Speech Contest is not just a competition; it's an opportunity to grow, connect with like-minded individuals, and showcase your unique voice.
Embrace the experience, make new connections, and celebrate the power of effective communication.
Contest Timeline
Preliminary Round
Submission Details and Instructions
Submission Deadline: Monday April 7, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST
- Prepare your speech:
Choose a topic that you are passionate about and that you believe will engage your community. Make sure the topic is relevant and meaningful to you. This will help you connect better with your audience.
Record your speech (see below for Privacy Disclaimer)
Record a video of yourself delivering your speech. Please avoid reading directly from a screen. Physical cue cards are fine, but make sure you maintain eye contact with the camera to engage your audience.
Begin your video with a self-introduction:
Your Name & Age
City of Residence
Why do you want to participate in this contest? (Share a brief personal reason for your interest)
Submission formats:
Video in MP4 format
Written speech in PDF format
Send both files to: tm@upluseducation.ca
Special accommodations:
If you require any special accommodations, please contact us directly at tm@upluseducation.ca
Privacy Disclaimer:
Video submissions will be used solely for the preliminary round of the competition and will be accessible only to the designated preliminary judging panel and the U+ Toastmasters team. Following the announcement of finalists on April 11, 2025, all video submissions of non-qualifying participants will be permanently deleted. Finalist video submissions will be deleted no later than June 21, 2025.
Judging Criteria
To ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation of participants’ speeches, the Regional Speech Contest 2025 employs a robust set of judging criteria that considers various aspects of content, delivery, and overall impact. Judges will assess each participant based on the following criteria:
Content
Originality: The uniqueness and creativity of the speech content, showcasing novel ideas and perspectives.
Depth: The depth of research and analysis evident in the speech, demonstrating a well-rounded understanding of the topic.
Relevance: The speech’s alignment with the chosen category and its relevance to the audience.
Delivery
Confidence: The speaker’s level of self-assurance and poise on stage, conveying a sense of conviction in their message.
Voice Modulation: Effective use of pitch, tone, and pacing to enhance the overall delivery and captivate the audience.
Body Language: Awareness and purposeful use of gestures, facial expressions, and body movements to complement the spoken words.
Impact
Connection with the Audience: The ability to engage and connect with the audience emotionally, fostering a sense of resonance.
Emotional Appeal: The speech’s capacity to evoke emotions, whether through storytelling, persuasion, or other rhetorical techniques.
Overall Impression: The lasting impression created by the speech, considering its memorability and influence.
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