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 to Change the World with Optimism." 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 the District Oratorical Chair with the Lieutenant Governors to occur prior to the District contest date. The District contest date is set by the District Chair. The deadline to submit District winners to Optimist International is May 15, 2024. Please visit the award's website for more information.