The Voice Competition
Pitching solutions to the world's big issues
A competition for High School students across Australia
Public Speaking with an Impact; exploring solutions to issues that affect our global communities
The Voice Competition (Voice) transforms traditional public speaking into a problem-solving competition that invites students in Years 7 to 10 to tackle issues that affect your community, country, and the world.
From homelessness to climate change, we want you to go beyond how well you speak to pitching your big and creative ideas to solve the world’s most pressing issues.
Pitch your Solution
Think outside the box and put your design thinking skills to the test in order to develop innovative and creative, yet feasible, solutions to real-world problems.
Defend your Solution
Answer questions post-pitch to defend the feasibility and impact of your solution.
How to compete in Voice
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 judging criteria outlined below.
Judges will not interact with the participants during their Pitch.
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. 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.
Judging Criteria
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.
Matter
- Analysis of topic
- Research
- Feasibility of proposal
- Effectiveness of solution
- Creativity and Originality
Manner
- Clarity of voice
- Eye contact
- Use of gesture and expression
- Appropriate use of notes
- Ability to engage
Method
- Clarity of voice
- Eye contact
- Use of gesture and expression
- Appropriate use of notes
- Ability to engage
To Register, select your State or Territory
UN Youth Australia runs programs across all Australian states and territories. Select your state or territory to discover what is coming up in your area.