Clubs Are Planning Events

It's great to see so many Clubs planning so many events. Right now, clubs that planning Oratorical Contests are in full swing. They are also getting ready for Optimist International Junior Golf Qualifiers. This post will focus on the Optimist International Oratorical Contest.

What's an Oratorical Contest?

It's a structured public speaking opportunity for children 16 and under. They must prepare a 4-5 minutes speech on a topic announced by Optimist International. This year's topic is, "Cyber Communication: Progress or Problem?"

They are judged on poise, content, presentation, and overall effectiveness. Points can be deducted for long or short speeches, use of props, and a few other infractions of the official rules. All contestants receive a copy of the rules.

Club winners progress to a Regional contest. Regional winners (Michigan has five regions) compete in the Michigan District contest, where the boy & girl winners get a $2,500 scholarship and the opportunity to compete for Optimist International's $6,000 scholarship.

It's an amazing contest, and I am floored every year by the competitors. I remember myself at their age. There's no way that I would have been able to stand before a room of mostly strangers and speak as these kids do. It seems that every year, there is more ability and passion among the contestants. Many adults could learn a lesson about getting across a point in a short amount of time from these remarkable young people.

Contests are being held by clubs across Michigan in March. Find an Optimist Club near you and check one out. It's just one of the things that Optimists do for our youth. And you don't have to be a pie-in-the-sky, 'Pollyanna' type to be an Optimist. You just need a desire to serve your community and to help provide positive opportunities to the youth in your community. Even if you're a pessimist, don't worry. Our positive attitude is contagious!

My club, the Brighton Optimist Club, will have their Oratorical Contest on March 21, 2010.