Step Up.
Speak Out.
Stand Out.
The Gratiture Foundation Speech & Q&A Competition — empowering youth to find their voice, lead with knowledge, and shape the future.
Three Parts. One Champion.
Two judges score independently and scores are averaged for fairness. Every competitor is evaluated on the same published standard.
Prepared Speech
Deliver a structured presentation on your chosen topic — strong intro, clear main points, memorable conclusion. Speak from memory. No notecards.
Prepared Q&A
A judge asks one question about your topic immediately after your speech — testing depth of knowledge and composure under pressure.
Impromptu Speech
Receive a random prompt and deliver a confident, structured speech on the spot. Quick thinking and poise under pressure shine here.
Time Penalty
Under or over the time limit = 5-point deduction from your final score.
Dress Code
Business professional or business casual attire required. Dress for the position you want.
No Notecards
Speak from memory. Connection always beats recitation in front of a judge.
Dual Scoring
Two judges score independently. Scores are averaged for objectivity and fairness.
Transparent. Fair. Rigorous.
Every competitor knows what excellence looks like before they take the floor. No surprises — just preparation.
| Category | Excellent (13–15 pts) | Good (9–12 pts) | Needs Work (1–8 pts) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Content & Structure | Strong intro, clear main points, memorable conclusion. Well-researched. | Clear topic, but lacks organization or supporting detail. | Hard to follow; lacks a clear beginning, middle, or end. |
| Vocal Delivery | Excellent volume, clear pronunciation, and great pacing. | Mostly clear, but speaks too fast, slow, or quietly at times. | Hard to hear or understand; monotone or rushed delivery. |
| Physical Presence | Consistent eye contact, confident posture, natural gestures. | Some eye contact, but relies on notes. Minor fidgeting. | Little to no eye contact; reads from paper; heavy fidgeting. |
| Category | Excellent (9–10 pts) | Good (6–8 pts) | Needs Work (1–5 pts) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Response Quality | Answers directly, shows deep understanding, stays composed. | Answers the question, but response is brief or slightly off-topic. | Struggles to answer, shows lack of knowledge, or freezes up. |
How to Win the Room
Three things that separate good speakers from great ones.
Breathe
If you lose your place, pause and take a breath. Judges don't know your script — a deliberate pause reads as confidence, not confusion.
Recover
Stumbled? Push through. Winners are the ones who don't let a slip become a spiral. Resilience is part of the score.
Connect
Speak from the heart. Eye contact beats reading every time. Judges aren't evaluating your memory — they're evaluating your presence.
Register for the Competition
Competitor or judge — there's a place for you on August 23rd at 12800 Westridge Blvd, Frisco TX.
📍 12800 Westridge Blvd, Frisco TX 75035 · Appointment time sent to parent/guardian email after registration.