FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

DECIDING ABOUT COMPETING

  • I’ve never competed in this kind of event and would like to give it a try.
  • I love oratory competitions and enter every one I can.
  • I’m really proud to be an American and not afraid to say so.
  • It will require me to think deeply about an important topic.
  • The prize money ($2,000, $1,500 and $1,000) is tempting.
  • I have something to say about my country and want people to hear it.
  • It will astound my family and teachers.
  • It will look great on my college-entrance application.
  • It gives me a chance to make a speech at the State Capitol – just like a legislator!

It probably will be, if you’re serious about giving an excellent speech. It also can be rewarding academically, emotionally and, perhaps, financially.

APPLYING

The earlier the better, so you have a chance to think about this year’s topic, develop your thoughts, complete the application form and write a speech description that will impress the selection committee and earn you an invitation to compete. You’ll also want to review carefully the competition’s rules and procedures and the Getting Started information.

Applications must be received or postmarked between March 1 and April 1, 2023.

No. The application deadline and all other deadlines are absolute – no extensions allowed.

We want Speaking Proudly to be as fair as possible. We’re Republicans, so we believe everyone should have an equal opportunity to succeed and everyone should be judged solely on the basis of merit, meaning the quality of your application and speech.

The selection committee and competition judges will not know competitors’ names, schools or other personal information. The Speaking Proudly registrar, to whom you mail your application will have this data. (Her address is on the application form.) She will assign a number to identify each applicant for selection and judging.

We want students to apply who are committed to actually competing. The $50 deposit is an incentive to accomplish that. Any student who accepts an invitation to compete but fails to participate deprives another applicant of the opportunity.

Deposits will be refunded promptly by mail to students who are not invited to compete. Competitors and alternates will receive their deposits back promptly after the competition. We cannot return deposits on competition day because Capitol rules prohibit all monetary exchanges on the premises. 

Yes, definitely. There’s no restriction on having more than one student from the same family or same school or town.

No. Do not let mobility problems keep you from participating. Capitol Complex facilities are  handicapped accessible, with elevators serving all floors and accessible competition rooms, restrooms and other spaces. A Speaking Proudly volunteer can help you, if you wish.

APPLICANT SELECTION

The Speaking Proudly Steering Committee will review all speech descriptions submitted and select competitors and alternates. The committee is made up of members of Metro Republican Women, the competition’s organizer. The Steering Committee will not see application forms or other identifying information about a competitor.

We will send invitations to compete as soon as possible after April 1.

The invitation to compete will include details about the deadline to accept, when and where you should arrive on competition day, parking, lunch and Capitol tour (both free to you) and other essential information

Alternates will be ranked on the basis of their speech description and will be called to compete in that order, in the event an invited competitor cancels in advance or does not compete. Alternates not selected to compete in advance are welcome to attend the competition and be on call to fill a vacancy.

PRE-COMPETITION PREP

Be sure to read Getting Started. It provides a lot of helpful information about oratory competition. Also, read and follow closely the Rules and Procedures. To know how the judges will evaluate you, check the Judge’s Ballot.

They will include Minnesota teachers, government officials, public figures and other skilled speakers. We’ll list the judges and their titles in the competition’s printed program.

The dress code for Speaking Proudly is basically common sense. Impress the judges by being clean, tidy and well groomed. Dresses, skirts and pants are all acceptable. Also, the Capitol’s floors can be slippery, so low-heeled shoes are safest.

Space in some competition rooms is quite limited. Room managers will decide how many persons, if any, can be present with the competitors and judges. All persons admitted to competition rooms must be totally quiet and respectful of every competitor. Relatives and friends are welcome to attend the competition’s final round in the Capitol Rotunda.

Email us at student@speakingproudly.org as soon as possible!

If you cancel before June 15, 2023, we will refund your $50 deposit. If you cancel after that date, you forfeit your deposit. All cancellations are final, because we will notify the highest-ranking alternate to take your place.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

In advance we’ll provide you with as much detail as we can. Volunteers will be on hand to escort or direct you to the registration area, competition rooms and other locations.

Definitely! The day includes a special tour for competitors. It takes about 45 minutes and is free of charge to you. Relatives and friends may schedule free tours through the Minnesota Historical Society’s office near the south entrance to the Capitol.

Competitors’ lunches are available at no charge. You and your guests will be able to pre-order box lunches; guests will pay in advance for their lunches. All food and beverages must be consumed in the Capitol’s Rathskeller. If you have special dietary needs, be sure to tell us so we can make arrangements for you.

No. Capitol rules require that all food be provided by the approved vendor, unless you have special dietary needs we cannot accommodate through the vendor. The Rathskeller will not sell other food or beverages June 17 so you will need to pre-order lunch through Speaking Proudly.

Tabulating of scores will be done as quickly as possible, so you know which competitors advance to the final round. All competitors, guests, judges and volunteers are invited to attend the afternoon final round and awards ceremony.

“It felt good to be in a community with others that have the same interests and beliefs…

“The speaking experience in the Rotunda felt like the entire space was carrying my world… would do it again.”

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