Speak Up! Youth Speech Competition
First Annual Speech Competition Join us at the Islamic Society of Baltimore (6631 Johnnycake Rd, Windsor Mill, MD 21244) for an inspiring showcase of talent. The competition will be held on Friday, May 30th, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, and Saturday, May 31st, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. With 100 middle schoolers and 100 high schoolers competing, this is your chance to witness the power of public speaking. Entry fee is $30.
Theme: Prophetic Portraits
Highlight an incident of change that occurred within the lives of the Prophets, and reflect on what that change meant for them and how it impacted others around them. Showcase what it means to change, and how positive change can eventually lead to a difference not just in oneself but to everyone around us.
Divisions:
- Middle School (6th - 8th Grade)
- High School (9th - 12th Grade)
Rounds:
Preliminary Round (May 30th | 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM | time subject to change depending on # of applicants)
- All participants present prepared speeches.
- 6 Judges will score based on the grading rubric.
- Prayer Times: Asr - 6:30 PM | Maghrib - 8:29 PM | Isha - 10:10 PM
- Top 7 from each division advance.
- Participants present a second speech (prepared or impromptu).
- Judged by 3 judges.
Prizes
Prizes
High School Division (Separate for Boys & Girls):- 🥇 1st Place: iPad Mini + Trophy + Yasir Qadhi’s Seerah Book + a chance to make speech at the annual Seerah Conference
- 🥈 2nd Place: $150 Gift Card + Trophy
- 🥉 3rd Place: $50 + Trophy
- 🥇 1st Place: $250 + Trophy + Book + Seerah Conference Presentation
- 🥈 2nd Place: $150 Gift Card + Trophy
- 🥉 3rd Place: $50 + Trophy
- Certificates of Participation
Judging Criteria
Content (30 points):
- Clarity of Main Idea (15 points)
- Organization and Structure (15 points)
- Pace and Fluency (10 points)
- Use of Gestures and Body Language (20 points)
- Connection with Audience (10 points)
- Staying Within Time Limit (3-5 mins, with 10-second grace)
- Impact and Memorability (5 points)
- Speaker's Presence (5 points)
Speech Guidelines
1. Eligibility:
- Middle School: Grades 6-8
- High School: Grades 9-12
- Participants must be full-time students (public, private, or homeschool).
- Length: 3-5 minutes
- Original content only (proper citations required).
- Props and visual aids allowed but must complement the speech.
- Preliminary: Prepared speech.
- Final: Second speech (prepared or impromptu).
- Maintain silence during speeches.
- Applause is encouraged after each speech.
- Respectful and attentive behavior is expected.
- Modest and formal attire in line with Islamic principles.
- Men: Business casual or traditional attire.
- Women: Modest dresses, skirts, or pantsuits.
- Respect and tolerance for all.
- No bullying, harassment, or disruptive behavior.
- Violations may result in disqualification.
- All decisions are final and binding.