Competition Details
We're thrilled that you're interested in joining SpeechMaze. Below are the essential details you'll need to prepare and participate. Please read carefully so you're set up for a smooth and successful round.
Registration Process
How registration works.
To sign up, fill out the registration form below. We can't wait to see what you bring to the competition.
Registration is free and open until September 30, 2026.
After registering, participants receive an email with detailed instructions for preparing and submitting their Round 1 speeches by September 30.
Finalists are announced around October 15.
They'll be invited to present live in front of an audience and our panel of judges at the virtual event on November 7, 2026 at 1 PM EST.
The competition will be recorded.
By registering, you consent to the use of the recording by TalkMaze 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 between the ages of 5 and 14 from around the world are invited to compete in the Virtual SpeechMaze Games. All contestants are invited to submit a recorded speech for Round 1 on a predetermined topic by September 30. Finalists are announced around October 15 and invited to compete live at our virtual event on November 7.
Spectators are welcome to join. 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:
The quality of the speech, including the clarity of the message, creativity, and the logical flow of ideas
The participant's ability to engage the audience through eye contact, vocal expression, and body language
How unique and original the speech is, in both topic choice and perspective
Staying within the allotted time (2 to 5 minutes) is important to avoid point deductions
Awards & Prizes
Over $600 in prizes.
Distributed across both age categories. Every finalist gets recognition.
Each Age Category
1st Place
$100 Educational Achievement Award
Digital gift card of the winner's choice
1 Month of TalkMaze Classes
Valued at $199
Winner's Medal
Mailed to your home
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
Be sure to note the correct category based on your age.
“If I Could Solve One Problem in the World”
Look around you. 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. The best solutions often start with one person who cares enough to speak up.
“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. Use personal experience, observation, or research to make your case compelling.
Ready to Compete?
Choose your topic. Start practicing.
If you have any questions, write to hello@talkmaze.com. Good luck — we'll see you online.
Register Now — Free