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SpeechMazePowered by TalkMaze
2027 waitlist

How SpeechMaze works

A free online speaking competition for students ages 5-14. An initiative of TalkMaze Foundation, powered by TalkMaze. Students record a 2-5 minute speech. Three judges score each one, and the top speakers are invited to a live final.

The 2026 season

Round 1: a recorded speech

Each student recorded a 2-5 minute speech on their age group’s topic. Three judges scored every speech on a ten-criterion rubric, and every family received a private judges’ report.

Finalists announced

54 students from 20 countries went through to the live final: 15 in ages 5-9 and 39 in ages 10-14.

The live final

Finalists spoke in seven rooms. Ten Grand Finalists then gave their speeches again in the public Championship Round, and the champions were named live.

Two age groups, two topics

Students ages 5-14 from any country. The age group goes by the student’s age on the day of the final.

Ava from Canada giving her Championship Round speechIt can begin by making room for one more person at the table.FinalistAva, Canada
Ages 5 to 9

If I Could Solve One Problem in the World

Asked students to pick one problem and argue for how to start solving it.

Eissa from the UAE giving his Championship Round speechIt needs everyone to understand each other.FinalistEissa, UAE
Ages 10 to 14

The Skill That School Doesn't Teach but Everyone Needs

Asked students to name a skill school leaves out and make the case for learning it.

These were the 2026 topics. SpeechMaze 2027 will have new topics. Join the 2027 waitlist to hear them first.

How speeches are scored

Each Round 1 speech is scored by three judges working independently. Every judge scores ten criteria from 1 to 10 and writes what the speaker did well and what to work on next.

  1. 01

    Relevance to Topic

    The speech is directly related to the given topic and shows a clear understanding of the subject.

  2. 02

    Organization

    A clear structure: an engaging introduction, a well-developed body and a strong conclusion.

  3. 03

    Creativity and Originality

    Ideas presented in a unique and interesting way, showing original thought and perspective.

  4. 04

    Clarity and Articulation

    Clear enunciation and appropriate volume, so every word is easily understood.

  5. 05

    Confidence and Poise

    Good posture, eye contact and body language that engage the audience.

  6. 06

    Pacing and Timing

    Delivered at an appropriate pace, neither too fast nor too slow, within the 5-minute limit.

  7. 07

    Expressiveness

    Varied intonation and facial expression that strengthen the message and hold the audience.

  8. 08

    Audience Engagement

    The speaker keeps the audience’s attention throughout the speech.

  9. 09

    Memorability

    The speech leaves a lasting impression, with a memorable message or call to action.

  10. 10

    Overall Effectiveness

    Content, delivery and engagement combine into a powerful, coherent message.

Judging decisions are final. Speeches are not re-scored, individual scores and rankings are not published, and appeals are not accepted.