August 9, 2026 • Flato Markham Theatre
Please note: This contest is only open to Ontario, Canada residents. 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
Demonstrate your leadership abilities through powerful public speaking and compelling ideas.
Showcase Your Leadership
Engage Your Community
Connect with your audience on topics that matter and inspire positive change.
Engage Your Community
Share ideas that have the potential to create lasting positive change in your community.
Make a Lasting Impact
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
January 19, 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
Preliminary Round Submission
Submission Deadline: May 25, 2026, 11:59pm
Theme: Moments That Define Us
Speech Length: 3-5 minutes
1. Choose One Prompt
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.
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.
2. Record Your Speech:
Your video must:
-
Be recorded in one take with no edits
-
Avoid reading directly from a screen
-
Be delivered as if presenting live
-
Use cue cards only sparingly
At the beginning of your video, include:
-
Your name and age
-
Your city
-
Why you want to participate in the contest
3. Submit Your Speech:
Send both files to: tm@upluseducation.ca
Required files:
-
Video recording in MP4 format
-
Written speech in PDF format
Choose Prompt
Write Speech
Record Video
Submit Files
Judging Criteria
Our judges use a comprehensive framework to evaluate every aspect of your speech.
Excellence is achieved through the perfect balance of content, delivery, and impact.
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
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.
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
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.
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
Emotional Appeal
Uses storytelling or rhetoric to evoke emotion.
Previous Event Photos
Become a 2026 Community Sponsor
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
Download the Sponsorship Brochure!
Or view the preview!
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors!
Our Previous Community Partners
.png)
FAQ
