The Optimist International Oratorical Contest is designed for youth to gain experience in public speaking, perfect self-expression, gain self-assurance, improve communication skills, and provide them with the opportunity to compete for a college scholarship. Interested youth should prepare a 4-5 minute speech on the topic: "How Optimism Has Guided Me Through Trying Times." The contest is open to contestants under the age of 19 as of October 1st of the current Optimist International contest year. Club contest dates are set by the Club Chair, once the Zone and District dates have been obtained. Zone contest dates are set by...