Youth Oratorical Competition Informational

🎤 Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders – Youth Oratorical Competition

Middle & High School Students | Phoenix Metro Area

The DTL Oratorical Competition empowers youth to develop confidence, leadership, and communication skills through the art of public speaking. Students will prepare and deliver an original speech addressing a social issue or special topic aligned to this year’s official theme.

This experience is designed to strengthen critical thinking, writing, and presentation skills—essential tools for academic success, leadership, and future careers.

✅Who Can Participate

• Middle and High School students (grades 6–12)
• Must reside in Phoenix or surrounding communities
• Parent/guardian consent required

📝Entry Requirements

• Completed registration and consent form
• Short audition video reciting “Invictus” by William Ernest Henley
• Finalists will be invited to prepare a full original speech based on the official contest theme
  

🗣️Speech Guidelines (Finalists)

• Original speech written by the student
• Length: 4:30 – 7:30 minutes
• Must clearly address the official theme
• Speech must include an introduction, body, and conclusion
• Typed and submitted in advance of the event
  

🏆Judging Criteria (100 Points Total)

Speeches are evaluated across three major areas:

Content (50%)

• Speech development & structure
• Effectiveness & clarity
• Strength and value of ideas

Delivery (30%)

• Confidence & physical presence
• Voice, tone, and expression
• Enthusiasm and connection with the audience

Language (20%)

• Appropriate word choice
• Grammar, pronunciation, and professionalism

⏱️Timing Rules

• Speeches under 4:30 or over 7:30 are disqualified
• Time signals will be given during the speech
• Timing begins with the speaker’s first word
  

🌟Why Participate

• Build confidence and public speaking mastery
• Develop leadership and critical thinking skills
• Gain performance experience in a formal judged competition
• Receive recognition and awards

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Alonzo & Essie Williams Foundation