Register Below!
We’re thrilled that you’re interested in joining SpeechMaze! To help you prepare for this exciting event, we’ve outlined the essential details you need to know. Please carefully read the rules and guidelines below to ensure a smooth and successful participation.
Registration Process
To sign up, please fill out the registration form. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the competition!
- Registration open until May 31, 2026: $20
- After registering, participants will receive an email with detailed instructions for preparing and submitting their speeches for Round 1 by May 31.
- Finalists will be invited to present their speeches live in front of an audience and our panel of judges at the virtual event on June 20, 2025 at 1pm EST.
- The competition will be recorded. By registering, you consent to the use of the recording by TalkMaze for promotional purposes. This may include you or your child’s name and video.
Register Here
Competition Details
Who Can Compete?
Ages
- Children between the ages of 5-14 from around the world are invited to compete in the Virtual SpeechMaze Games
- All contestants will be invited to submit a recorded speech for Round 1 on a predetermined topic by May 31. Finalists will be announced by June 2 and invited to compete live at our virtual event on June 20.
- Spectators are welcome to join so we encourage parents, friends, and loved ones to come cheer on our SpeechMaze speakers!
Judging Criteria
- Our panel of experienced judges will evaluate speeches based on the following:
- The quality of the speech, including the clarity of the message, creativity, and the logical flow of ideas
- The participant’s ability to engage the audience through eye contact, vocal expression, and body language
- How unique and original the speech is, in both topic choice and perspective
- Staying within the allotted time (2-5 minutes) is important to avoid point deductions
Awards and Prizes
The winner of the SpeechMaze Competition will be awarded an official certificate of achievement, recognizing their hard work and outstanding performance. An exciting prize package will also be offered, with details to be revealed as the event approaches.
Stay tuned for updates!
Speech Rules
- The speaker must construct an original speech meant to inform, entertain, or persuade
- Students must speak on the topics provided, but are welcome to take a creative spin
- Research is permitted, but each source must be accurately referenced
- Speeches must be substantially different in content from any other speech presented in a class or at a previous competition
- Not more than 10% of a speech may consist of quoted materials
- The use of props is not permitted
- The speech cannot be longer than 5 minutes
Speech Topics
*Be sure to note the correct category based on your age.*
Category 1: Ages 5 to 9
Topic: “If I Could Solve One Problem in the World”
Look around you. There are so many challenges in the world today, from pollution and hunger to loneliness and inequality. If you had the power to solve just one problem, what would it be? In your speech, explain the problem you would choose, why it matters to you, and how you would begin to solve it. Think big or think local. Maybe you want to clean up the oceans, or maybe you want to make sure no kid eats lunch alone. Be specific, be passionate, and convince your audience that your cause deserves attention. Remember, the best solutions often start with one person who cares enough to speak up.
Category 2: Ages 10 to 14
Topic: “The Skill That School Doesn’t Teach but Everyone Needs”
School teaches us math, science, and history, but some of the most important skills in life aren’t found in any textbook. In your speech, identify one skill you believe everyone needs but that isn’t formally taught in most classrooms. It could be something practical like financial literacy or cooking, something emotional like handling failure or setting boundaries, or something social like navigating difficult conversations. Explain why this skill matters, share examples of how its absence affects people, and propose how young people today can start learning it. Use personal experience, observation, or research to make your case compelling.
Ready to Compete?
Now that you’ve reviewed the rules and guidelines, it’s time to choose your topic and start practicing your speech! Be sure to visit our FAQ page for helpful tips on how to craft a winning speech and improve your public speaking skills.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at hello@talkmaze.com. We’re happy to help with anything you need.
Good luck, and we look forward to seeing you online!
