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Voice is a unique public speaking competition for students in Year 7-10. Voice invites you to solve issues that affect your community, nation, and the world. From homelessness to climate change, we want to hear you pitch your big ideas.

Why compete in Voice?

  • Develop skills in public speaking and research!
  • Hone your ability to think on your feet, assisting you in leadership positions or debating competition in the future.
  • Build an increased knowledge about areas pertinent to you as students.
  • A chance to meet likeminded and engaged young people.

The competition is split into two parts — the Pitch and Question Time.

The Pitch

Juniors (Years 7-8): 4-minute prepared speech

Seniors (Years 9-10): 5-minute prepared speech

Participants are to outline their solution for the provided topic in as much detail as they deem necessary. Their responses will be assessed in accordance with the criteria outlined below. Participants may not use supportive materials to assist in their Pitch. This includes, but is not limited to, maps, charts, graphs, timelines, or presentations of any form.

Judges will not interact with the participants during their Pitch.

Question Time

All participants: 2-minute response

Participants are to answer two questions posed by the judging panel in regard to their solutions. Their responses will be assessed in regard to both the general criteria, as well as the additional criteria below.

Judges may ask any and all questions pertaining to the substance of the proposal as outlined in the sub-sections of the Matter judging criteria. Questions will only be directed towards the proposed solution, but may include aspects the participant has not touched upon.

Participants may ask for clarification regarding a question, however may not enquire as to the validity, completeness, or relevance of their responses.

Participants may choose not to answer a question; however this is not viewed favourably. Brevity and concise responses are viewed favourably. Responses to questions will also be reviewed in regards to the following criteria:

  • Comprehensiveness of the response to the question
  • Addition of new information
  • Evidence of a strong level of research/knowledge
  • Justification of response
  • Succinctness and brevity of response

Both the Pitch and Question Time are taken into account for the judging process. The three core areas that are judged in a participant’s speech in both The Pitch and Question Time are, in order of importance: Matter, Manner, and Method.

Find your state/territory competition and sign up!

“Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family.”
– Kofi Annan

For Teachers

The educational outcomes for students participating in Voice are extensive and invaluable. The unique structure of this competition facilitates the development of the following:

  • Critical reasoning and problem solving skills
  • Independent formulation of ideas
  • Self-monitored research habits
  • Innovation and creativity
  • Self-confidence and personal presentation skills
  • Knowledge of current international events

The ability to speak in front of an audience with poise and passion is a crucial skill in the 21st Century not only for education, but also to be successful in the workforce. Thus, UN Voice is a fantastic co-curricular activity to further student learning.

All UN Youth events are run by trained facilitators – all you need to do is get your students to sign up!

Contact Details

Students who compete in their State or Territory Preliminary Rounds in 2019 will progress to the Voice National Finals in 2020.

Please feel free to get in touch with any questions you have about the Voice National Finals 2020.

For state & territory competitions, please contact the relevant organiser.

For media inquiries, contact communications@unyouth.org.au.

Community Partner

National Finals

The Voice 2020 National Finals is the culmination of the Voice competition, Australia’s most prestigious public speaking competition for grades 7–10 focused on young people’s creative solutions to the globe’s most pressing issues.

The Voice National Finals took place on the 15th and 16th of April, and became UN Youth Australia’s first fully online event!Voice is a public speaking and problem solving competition, where students in years 7-10 are given a problem, and tasked with solving it. They then present that solution in a short pitch to the judges. Rounds are held in most states and territories, with the winners advancing to the national finals.Congratulations to everyone who made it to the national finals on your innovative and exciting solutions, especially to our winners!

Junior Division
1st Place: Tara Sabet (QLD)
2nd Place: Finn Duncombe (QLD)
3rd Place: Indigo Lee-Wilson (NSW)
Honourable Mentions: Ethan Zhu (NSW) & Claire den Hollander (WA)

Senior Division
1st Place: Siena Fagan (QLD)
2nd Place: Gypsy Polacheck (Tas)
3rd Place: Holly Wallman-Craddock (SA)
Honourable Mentions: Estella Le (QLD) & Savannah Rogers (WA)

Best Delegation
Queensland

A huge thanks to everyone who made this event possible: from the organising committee, welfare officers, and facilitators who ran the event, to all the delegates and parents for their patience and understanding through our efforts to adapt the event to an online format in such a short time. I think the innovations pioneered in this event are a really positive sign for how we can all adapt to these trying circumstances, and still enjoy ourselves.

Sincerely,

Ned Feary
Voice National Finals 2020 Convenor 

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