Regional Speech Contest
Thank you for attending this year's Regional Speech Contest!
Held August 9th, 2026
At the Flato Markham Theatre
Attend the Regional Speech Contest
Missed the 2026 Regional Speech Contest? Come join us in 2027 for an inspiring event featuring powerful speeches, fresh perspectives, and talented speakers from across the region!
Hear Inspiring Ideas
Hear speakers explore meaningful topics, share personal experiences, and present solutions to real community challenges.
Support Young Speakers
Your presence creates an encouraging atmosphere and helps make the event more exciting for every contestant.
Experience the Competition
Watch contestants deliver speeches, engage audiences, and compete for recognition from the judges and attendees.
Audience Participation
Your Vote Matters!
The audience did not simply watch the competition. They helped shape the outcome.
Every registered attendee was invited to vote for the speaker who made the strongest impression. The contestant with the most audience votes received the Audience Choice Award.
Congratulations to our 2026 Audience Choice Award Winner Maxon Tai!
What the Finalists Shared
Inspired by the theme “Moments That Define Us”, finalists shared personal stories, meaningful lessons, and experiences that shaped who they are.
Their speeches explored the following topics:
1
Describe a meaningful experience, challenge, or turning point that shaped you.
2
Share a belief, lesson, or value that matters to you.
3
Tell a story about a person, idea, or experience that influenced your growth.
Contest Format: Each finalist delivered a 3–5 minute speech.
Regional Speech Contest Top 3
After much debilitation between our judges, they decided on three top performers from the ages 8 - 12 cohort and the ages 13 - 18 cohort. Congratulations to our top performers for the 2026 Regional Speech Contest!
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
Age 8 - 12 Cohort
Maxon Tai
Eishaan Kisshore
Sofia Linda Mateo
GOLD
SILVER
BRONZE
Age 13 - 18 Cohort
Shaun Santhosh Kumar
Raya Sahebgharani
Marie Guan
Event Photos
Timeline
Begin your journey! Registration portal opens for all interested participants.
January 19, 2026
Registration Opens
Final deadline to submit your video recording (MP4) and written speech (PDF).
May 25, 2026
Submission Deadline
Finalists receive feedback
and coaching to refine their presentations. Ends July 27.
June 9, 2026
Preparation & Feedback
Last day to register for the contest. Make sure to submit your registration on time!
Registration Closes
May 31, 2026
Qualified candidates will be announced. Congratulations to all finalists!
Finalists Announcement
June 8, 2026
The big day! Showcase your speaking skills at Flato Theatre.
Contest Day
August 9, 2026
Judging Criteria
Our judges used a comprehensive framework to evaluate every aspect of the finalists' speeches.
Excellence is achieved through the perfect balance of content, delivery, and impact.
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Delivery
Confidence
Speaker shows poise, assurance, and conviction.
Body Language
Gestures, expressions, and movement support the speech.
Voice Modulation
Effective pitch, tone, and pacing that engage listeners.
Content
Originality
Fresh, creative ideas that offer a unique perspective.
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Depth
Strong research and clear understanding of the topic.
Relevance
Content aligns with the category and audience.
Impact
Connection With Audience
Engages the audience and creates a strong response.
Overall Impression
Leaves a memorable and influential final impact.
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Emotional Appeal
Uses storytelling or rhetoric to evoke emotion.
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors!
Interested in becoming a future sponsor?
Keep an eye out for details on future events! Download the Sponsorship Brochure or view the preview to see details on our 2026 sponsor process!
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors!
Our Previous Community Partners
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FAQ
