Oratorical Contest
This year's topic:
“How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times”
Deadline: April 5th, 2025
The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives youngsters the chance to speak to the world. More than $150,000 in college scholarships funded by the Optimist International Foundations is awarded annually from this program.
First conducted in 1928, this is the second most popular Optimist International Program. Nearly 2,000 clubs participate in this program each year. The winners at the Club level receive medallions and Zone winners receive a plaque. Districts have the opportunity to provide a first place scholarship of $2,500, a second place scholarship of $1,500, and a third place scholarship of $1,000.
2025 WNO Prizes
1st place $300
2nd place $200
3rd place $100
- 2020 Winner -
“Where are my roots of optimism?"
Rules, deadlines and regulations
Topic for the 2024-2025 school year is: “How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times”
Who: Youth under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2024 (and is not enrolled as a degree seeking student of a post-secondary institution) in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean. There is no minimum age.
How To Enter: Interested students submit a speech on the pre-assigned topic to their local Optimist Club.
Students
The deadline to enter is determined by the sponsoring Optimist Club. All Club-level contests are typically held by late March.
Clubs and Districts
Districts and Clubs may opt to hold an online Oratorical Contest.
2025 Optimist International Oratorical World Championships
Saint Louis University St. Louis, Missouri, USA
The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives youth the chance to speak to the world. More than $150,000 in college scholarships funded by the Optimist International Foundations is awarded annually from this program.
First conducted in 1928, this is the second most popular Optimist International Program. Nearly 2,000 clubs participate in this program each year. The winners at the Club level receive medallions and Zone winners receive a plaque. Districts have the opportunity to provide a first place scholarship of $2,500, a second place scholarship of $1,500, and a third place scholarship of $1,000.