Speakers Idol 2018

Now in its seventh year, Speakers Idol has become a widely recognized student competition in the greater Toronto area. Every year, students from across the province enter the competition by submitting their written speech. The top 20 speeches are selected to the semi-final round, where students participate in a public speaking workshop and then present their speeches in front of a highly distinguished panel of judges and an audience of over 200 guests.

Simon Wiesenthal was a man who dedicated his entire life to pursuing justice following the Holocaust. The devastating impact of losing 89 members of his family drove him to ensure that future generations learn from the lessons of the past. “Freedom, is not a gift from heaven” said Wiesenthal – “you must fight for it each and every day”. Therefore, the onus is for the next generation of student leaders to look deep into the past in order to improve the world. Winners of Speakers Idol have been students who understand that to make the world a better place, they must take action.
Speeches must include Simon Wiesenthal’s famous quote: “Freedom of Speech is not freedom to propagate hatred”, and relate this quote to how they envision creating positive change in the world.

To apply, students must submit a three minute speech to education@fswc.ca by February 9, 2018 at 5:00pm

All speeches must be submitted in the following format:

1. Word document, 12-point font and double-spaced
2. Include a separate page with the following information: name, grade, address, phone number and email, school, teacher name and email address

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

1. Speeches will be evaluated in two categories: Grades 6-8 and Grades 9-12.
2. The top ten contestants from each category will be invited to participate in a Semi-Finalist round on March 4, 2018 followed by a finalist round on March 27, 2018.
3. The Semi-Finalist round will include a workshop with award-winning debate team members from Ontario universities followed by a Finalist round where students will have a chance to present their speeches before a panel of celebrity judges. Grand prizes will be awarded.

PRIZES & AWARDS prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners

For more information please contact us at education@fswc.ca or 416.864.9735 x 40