LOCUST GROVE, Okla. – The Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW), a local language arts curricula publisher, is hosting a worldwide speech competition with cash prizes to encourage students to develop their oral communication skills.

“One of the most important skills students can develop is the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both on paper and orally,” said Andrew Pudewa, founder and director of IEW. “We’re hopeful that this competition will encourage teachers and parents to set time aside to help their students become confident public speakers and oral communicators.”

Students ages 12-16 can participate in the speech competition and may enter one or more of the speech categories. Categories include a self-introductory speech, a narrative speech, an expository speech, and a persuasive speech. Competitors can submit their recorded speeches starting October 1, 2023, and the deadline is December 4, 2023.

In January 2024, IEW will judge the speeches and award the firstplace winners up to $500 cash and their teacher or parent an IEW gift certificate. Second- and thirdplace winners will also receive cash prizes while their teacher or parent will receive an IEW gift certificate.

“Many of my students, once they start their career, happily report that their communication skills have carried over and helped them succeed,” said Pudewa. “I hope this competition will not only encourage more of the next generation to participate in public speaking but that it also equips these students with skills that will last them a lifetime.”