Overview

Power of Words Academy, in collaboration with World Speech Day proudly presents the Unexpected Voices Speech Competition. This initiative seeks to amplify young voices across Canada by encouraging students to discuss the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The competition not only raises awareness of the SDGs but also enhances students' writing and speaking skills while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

 
 

Competition Details

Theme

Students will articulate their thoughts on one of the United Nations’ 17 SDGs. Speeches must be written in English.

Age Categories (as of December 31, 2024)

  • 7-8 years old

  • 9-10 years old

  • 11-12 years old

  • 13-15 years old

Word Limits

  • 300 words for the 7-8 and 9-10 age categories

  • 500 words for the 11-12 and 13-15 age categories

Entry Submission

Teachers or parents are required to submit selected student speeches via the Online Form by January 31, 2025. Submission is free, but authenticity will be verified by schools to ensure originality.

Competition Dates

  • Opening Date: October 1, 2024

  • Closing Date: January 31, 2025

  • Finals: April 13, 2025 at York Woods Theatre, 1785 Finch Ave W, North York.

Competition Rounds

 

Submit written speeches by January 31, 2025 using the Online Form. A panel of judges, including professional speechwriters, will select fifteen speeches from each age category for Round 2.

RESULTS OF ROUND 1 WILL BE POSTED HERE ON February 15, 2025

 


Selected students will present their speeches at York Woods Theatre in Toronto on Sunday, April 13, 2025.


Judging Criteria for Round 2

Prizes

First, Second and Third place from each age category will receive the following:

FIRST PLACE

$100 cash prize

Trophie and 1st Place Medal

Certificate of Distinction

$500 Power of Words Academy Gift Certificate

SECOND PLACE

2nd Place Medal

Certificate of Distinction

$250 Power of Words Academy Gift Certificate

THIRD PLACE

3rd Place Medal

Certificate of Distinction

$100 Power of Words Academy Gift Certificate

All students who submitted speeches and attend the ceremony will receive Certificates of Distinction. Finalists who present their speeches will be honoured with medals. Additionally, first, second, and third place winners from each age category will be awarded prestigious trophies and exciting prizes.

Finals and Awards Ceremony

Join us for the Finals and Award Ceremony on Sunday, April 13, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM at York Woods Theatre. All students who submit speeches and attend will receive Certificates of Distinction, and those who present in Round Two will also receive medals. Admission is free for contestants, with tickets at $25 each for family, teachers, and friends, available starting February 1, 2025.