Everything your child needs to compete

Below are the details to prepare and participate. Read carefully so you're set up for a smooth and successful round.

Registration process

How registration works

1
Registration is free and open until September 30, 2026.
After you register, you will receive an email with detailed instructions for preparing and submitting your child’s Round 1 video by September 30.
2
Finalists are announced around October 15.
Finalists are invited to present live in front of an audience and a panel of judges at the virtual event on November 7, 2026 at 1 PM EST.
3
The competition will be recorded.
By registering, you consent to TalkMaze using the recording for promotional purposes, including the participant’s name and video.

Step 1 of 2 · Register

Register below

Free to enter. Open until September 30, 2026.

Who can compete

Ages 5 to 14, from anywhere in the world

Children ages 5 to 14 from around the world are invited to compete in SpeechMaze. All contestants submit a recorded speech for Round 1 by September 30. Finalists are announced around October 15 and invited to compete live at the virtual final on November 7.

Spectators are welcome. Bring parents, friends, and loved ones to cheer on our speakers.

Judging

How speeches are evaluated

Our panel of experienced judges scores each speech across the following:

Speech quality: clarity of message, creativity, and the logical flow of ideas
Audience engagement through eye contact, vocal expression, and body language
How unique and original the speaker’s perspective on the topic is
Staying within the allotted time (2 to 5 minutes) avoids point deductions

Awards and prizes

Over $600 in prizes

Distributed across both age categories. Every finalist gets recognition.

Each age category

1st place

★ Prize package valued at $300+

$100 educational achievement award
Digital gift card of the winner’s choice
1 month of TalkMaze classes
Valued at $239
Certificate of achievement
Personalized and shareable

🥈

Each age category

2nd place

Certificate of achievement

🥉

Each age category

3rd place

Certificate of achievement

Speech rules

The fine print

1
The speaker must construct an original speech meant to inform, entertain, or persuade.
2
Students must speak on the topics provided, but are welcome to take a creative spin.
3
Research is permitted, but each source must be accurately referenced.
4
Speeches must be substantially different in content from any other speech presented in a class or at a previous competition.
5
Not more than 10% of a speech may consist of quoted materials.
6
The use of props is not permitted.
7
The speech cannot be longer than 5 minutes.

This year's topics

Speech topics

Note the correct category based on your age.

Category 1 · Ages 5 to 9

“If I could solve one problem in the world”

There are so many challenges in the world today, from pollution and hunger to loneliness and inequality. If you had the power to solve just one problem, what would it be? Explain the problem you would choose, why it matters to you, and how you would begin to solve it. Think big or think local. Maybe you want to clean up the oceans, or maybe you want to make sure no kid eats lunch alone. Be specific, be passionate, and convince your audience that your cause deserves attention.

Category 2 · Ages 10 to 14

“The skill that school doesn't teach but everyone needs”

School teaches us math, science, and history, but some of the most important skills in life aren't found in any textbook. Identify one skill you believe everyone needs but that isn't formally taught in most classrooms. It could be something practical like financial literacy or cooking, something emotional like handling failure or setting boundaries, or something social like navigating difficult conversations. Explain why this skill matters, share examples of how its absence affects people, and propose how young people today can start learning it.

Ready to compete

Choose your topic. Start practicing.

Questions? hello@talkmaze.com. Good luck. We'll see you online.

Free entry. Open to ages 5 to 14 worldwide.