- The speech contest registration deadline is Sunday, October 23, 2022.
- A speech preview is due no later than Sunday, October 30, 2022. The speech preview is a two-to-three-minute video highlighting what the speech is about. Once the registration form is complete, the contestant will receive a link via email showing where to place the video.
- The categories are Junior youth (ages 10-14) | Senior youth (ages 15-18).
- The oration (speech) must be typed and double spaced and emailed to speech@txsda.org before the Sunday, October 30, 2022, deadline.
- The speech must be original and convey a spiritual message relatable and relevant to today’s youth (i.e., temperance message on drugs, sexual immorality, music, dress, depression, relationship with Christ, etc…).
- Each speech must be written by the contestant and not by any other author. If the judges have the impression that a speech was not written by a particular contestant, the judges may ask questions to verify the information.
- Factual material is very important. Source of facts must be stated. Current news and personal experience(s) will add emphasis.
- Speech must have 10-15 stated facts for senior youth and 7-10 facts for junior youth. Include “at least” three Bible texts. Speech should be memorized. Memorizing previously published speeches is not permissible.
- Visual aids such as PowerPoint or Google slide presentations are encouraged. If chosen for the live event, the visual aid must be emailed to speech@txsda.org no later than Sunday, November 13, 2022.
- Props may be used. They will need to be cleared by the judges before the Sunday, November 13, 2022, deadline. Failure to do so may lead to disqualification. Props include, but are not limited to, hats, gloves, sunglasses, chairs, canes, bottles, cans, character outfit, etc.
- Proper attire for oratorical contestants is pre-approved costumes or Sabbath attire (suit, shirt and tie for guys, skirts, blouses or dresses for young ladies) any other type of clothing will disqualify contestants from participation unless approved.
- Videos will be reviewed and 12 contestants chosen to move forward to the live contest on Sabbath, November 19, 2022, at the Houston West Seventh-day Adventist Church.
- First, second and third placements will be decided and awarded in each category.
- If you have additional questions, please email speech@txsda.org.
- Contestants will be notified no later than Sunday, November 6, 2022, if they are chosen to participate in the live event on Sabbath, November 19, 2022. Please plan to attend the event, even if not chosen, to support your fellow orators.
