Contest Rules and Information

Thank you for your overwhelming interest in the contest.

Please note that the Group 1 Storytelling (6 to 9 years) , Group 2 Persuasive (10 to 13 years) and

Group 3 (14 to 17 years) Impromptu contest have reached their maximum capacity.

We would be happy to add your participant's name to our waiting list. If a spot becomes available due to a cancellation, our team will contact you immediately.

To be added to the waiting list, please email us at us.speechcontest@gmail.com and provide the following information: Participant’s Name, Parent's Name, Email, Mobile number and Group.

Thank you again for your enthusiasm.

Rules and Information

Registration Instructions

To Pay with Credit or Debit card Please click on PayPal Checkout It will give an option to Pay with Credit or Debit card

U.S. OPEN SPEECH CONTEST

Saturday, December 6, 2025

Contest Rules and Information

Location: UT Dallas

Richardson, TX 75080

Welcome to the U.S. Open Speech Contest, taking place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at UT Dallas in Richardson, TX. Below are the rules and information to guide you as you prepare for the contest:

All participants must attend a mandatory briefing on their designated date and time:

Group 1 (6 to 9 years): Storytelling at 2 pm
Group 2 (10 to 13 years): Persuasive at 9 am
Group 3 (14 to 17 years): Impromptu at 4 pm

2. All participants are required to adhere to the contest's theme.

3. Age and Time Requirements:

Group 1 (6 to 9 years):

Topic / Theme: Storytelling

Time Requirement: 1 to 3 minutes

(must speak for at least 1 minute to qualify; disqualification at 3 minutes and 31 seconds).

Group 2 (10 to 13 years):

Topic / Theme: Persuasive Speech

Time Requirement: 3 to 4 minutes

(must speak for at least 3 minutes to qualify; disqualification at 4 minutes and 31 seconds).

Group 3 (14 to 17 years):

Topic / Theme: Impromptu Speech

Time Requirement: 2 to 3 minutes

(must speak for at least 2 minutes to qualify; disqualification at 3 minutes and 31 seconds).

4. Important:

Participants must join at their designated time.
Speaking order will be provided before the contest begins.
Group 1 and Group 2 participants can email their speech title, name, and group in advance to us.speechcontest@gmail.com.

5. Speaking Area and Time: Participants must speak from the designated area and meet the specified time requirements.

6. Timing Assistance: Timers will use green, yellow, and red cards to help speakers track their time.

7. Winner Announcements: Winners will be announced after all participants in a group have presented and judges have evaluated scores.

8. Participation Recognition: All participants will receive a certificate of participation.

9. Awards for Winners: 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th place winners in each category will receive certificates and trophies.

10. Photography and Recording Policy: Participants are strictly prohibited from taking pictures, recording any part of the competition, or live streaming on platforms like Facebook or YouTube. Failure to comply may result in immediate disqualification.

11. Photography and Videography: Please refrain from taking pictures or videos during the event, except when your own participant is performing.

12.Judges' Decision: All decisions made by the judges are final.

Questions: For any questions or concerns, please contact the contest organizers.

Good luck to all participants!

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the frequently asked questions section for the U.S. Open Speech Contest! Here are some common inquiries we receive:

Q: Who can participate?
A: Any student residing in the U.S. is eligible to enter.

Q: Is there a specific theme?
A: Yes, all participants will be given a theme and must adhere to it for their speech to qualify.

Q: How should I prepare?
A: Identify your age group, research the assigned theme for that group, and develop your speech accordingly.

Q: What are the judging criteria?
A: Speeches will be evaluated on content quality, delivery, confidence, clarity, effective use of props, and body language.

Q: Can I use presentations (e.g., Google Slides, PowerPoint)?
A: No, the focus is on your live stage presentation. While digital aids are not permitted, you are welcome to use physical props, pictures, or posters. Please plan your speech with this in mind.

Q:What if I need to withdraw my registration?
A: Unfortunately, contest registrations are non-refundable. However, all proceeds are donated to Vibha, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting children's education.

Q: Can I attend the speech contest even if my student isn't participating?

A: The speech contest is exclusively for participants and their parents. It is not open to the general public, and only participants and their parents will be granted entry to the room.

Still have questions? Please email us at us.speechcontest@gmail.com and include your phone number.