2026 Public Speaking Contest
Contest Day
Aug 9, 2026
Please note: This contest is exclusively open to Ontario, Canada residents only. Participants must be eligible to travel and present in-person at the contest location.
About the Contest
Share valuable ideas that have the potential to make a positive and lasting impact on your community
Showcase Leadership
Demonstrate your leadership abilities through powerful public speaking and compelling ideas.
Engage Your Community
Connect with your audience on topics that matter and inspire positive change.
Make an Impact
Share ideas that have the potential to create lasting positive change in your community.
Timeline
Important Dates
Preliminary Round
Submission Details and Instructions
Submission Deadline: May 25th, 2026
Please note: This contest is exclusively open to Ontario, Canada residents only. Participants must be eligible to travel and present in-person at the contest location.
Instructions
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Prepare your speech:
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The theme for this year’s speech contest is: Moments That Define Us
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Prepare a speech 3-5 minutes in length based on one of the following prompts:
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Describe a meaningful experience, challenge, or turning point that shaped who you are or how you see the world
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Share a belief, lesson, or value that is important to you and explain why it matters
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Tell a story about someone, something, or an idea that has influenced your growth and goals
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Choose a prompt that is meaningful to you and allows you to speak honestly and confidently. Your speech should help the audience understand your perspective, experiences and personal growth
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Record your speech:
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Record a video of yourself delivering your speech as if you were presenting live at the contest
Please avoid reading directly from a screen -
Physical cue cards are permitted, but they should be used sparingly so that you can maintain eye contact with the camera and engage your audience
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The video must be recorded in a single take with no edits
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Begin your video:
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At the beginning of your video, please include:
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Your name and age
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Your city of residence
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Why you would like to participate in this contest
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Submit your materials:
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Please submit the following materials:
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Video recording in MP4 format
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Written speech in PDF format
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Send both files to: tm@upluseducation.ca
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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 only be accessible to the designated preliminary judging panel and the U+ Community team. After the announcement of finalists on June 8, 2026, all video submissions from non-finalists will be permanently deleted. Finalists’ video submissions will be deleted no later than August 9, 2026.
Judging Criteria
To ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation of participants' speeches, the Regional Speech Contest 2026 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.
Previous Event Photos
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Get in Touch
Have any questions? Please use this form to contact us or email tm@upluseducation.ca and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!
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