2026-27 NH Lions Speak Out Speech Contest

Official Rules

The NH Lions Speak Out Speech Contest, a project of the NH Lions Youth Service Board, gives young people an opportunity to share their ideas, strengthen their communication skills, and have their voices heard.

These rules apply to contestants participating in both local Lions Club contests and the statewide competition.

Eligibility

Contestants must:

• Be a New Hampshire student ages 13-19

• Not yet be in college

• Participate through a sponsoring New Hampshire Lions Club

• Enter the contest only once during the 2026-27 contest year

Students from public, private, charter, religious, and home schools are welcome to participate.

2026-27 Contest Topic

How can young people use small acts of service to create harmony?

Contestants should address the topic while developing their own ideas, perspective, examples, and message.

Speech Length

Speeches must be 4 to 6 minutes long.

Contestants receive the full 10 points for Time Management when their speech is between 4:00 and 6:00 minutes.

For speeches outside the required time:

• 1 point will be deducted for each 30-second increment, or portion thereof, under 4 minutes

• 1 point will be deducted for each 30-second increment, or portion thereof, over 6 minutes

• The Time Management score cannot be less than 0 points

Original Work

The speech must be the contestant’s original work and reflect the contestant’s own ideas and voice.

Plagiarism is not permitted and may result in disqualification.

Artificial intelligence may not be used as a substitute for the contestant’s own thinking, writing, or voice. A speech may be reviewed if there is concern about plagiarism or over-reliance on artificial intelligence.

Use of Sources

Contestants may use facts, statistics, quotations, and other outside information to support their speech.

When using another person’s words, ideas, research, or statistics, the source should be appropriately credited.

Notes

Contestants may use up to three 3" x 5" index cards while delivering their speech.

Written Speech

Contestants must provide a written copy of their speech to their sponsoring Lions Club before the local competition.

Contest Format

Contestants will deliver their speech before an audience and a panel of judges.

In a change from last year, there will be no question-and-answer portion following the speech.

Respectful content and conduct

 Speeches may express differing viewpoints, but contestants should present ideas respectfully. Content that targets or degrades individuals or groups would not be appropriate for the contest. 

Use of visual aids/props

Props, slides, visual aids, and electronic devices may not be used during the speech. 

Judging

Contestants will be evaluated using the official NH Lions Speak Out scoring rubric.

Judging will consider:

• Content and originality

• Organization and clarity

• Delivery

• Connection with the audience

• Time management

Judges may consider the relevance and quality of the contestant’s ideas, use of examples, clarity and expressiveness of language, organization of the speech, vocal delivery, pacing, eye contact, body language, and overall impact. 

Local Lions Club Competition

Each participating Lions Club will organize a local competition and may advance one winner to the statewide NH Lions Speak Out Speech Contest.

Local competitions must be completed by:

December 15, 2026

The sponsoring Lions Club will provide contestants with its local contest date, time, location, and information about any local prizes or recognition.

Statewide Competition

Local Lions Club winners will advance to the statewide competition:

Saturday, January 30, 2027
MD44 Mid-Winter Convention
Nashua, New Hampshire

The contest will take place after lunch. Additional details will be provided to finalists and their families.

Statewide Prizes

• First Place: $750

• Second Place: $500

• Third Place: $250

Recognition

All contestants will be recognized for participating in the NH Lions Speak Out Speech Contest. Sponsoring Lions Clubs may also provide local prizes, certificates, or other recognition.

Accommodations

Contestants who need an accommodation to participate should contact their sponsoring Lions Club or the NH Lions Speak Out Committee as early as possible. We will work with contestants and families to support meaningful participation whenever possible. 

Inclusion

NH Lions Speak Out welcomes students of all backgrounds, abilities, identities, and experiences. Our goal is to create a respectful environment where every contestant has the opportunity to share their voice and be heard.

Contest Decisions

All contestants will be judged using the same statewide rules and scoring standards.

Judges’ decisions are final.

Questions about the rules or contest procedures may be directed to:

NH Lions Speak Out Committee
nhlionsspeakout@gmail.com

www.nhlionsspeakout.org