The Optimist Oratorical Contest gives youngsters the chance to speak to the world. More than $150,000 in college scholarships funded by the Optimist International Foundations is awarded annually from this program.

First conducted in 1928, this is the second most popular Optimist International Program. Nearly 2,000 clubs participate in this program each year. The winners at the Club level receive medallions and Zone winners receive a plaque. Districts have the opportunity to provide a first place scholarship of $2,500, a second place scholarship of $1,500, and a third place scholarship of $1,000.

Each year the Optimist Club of Arlington sponsors an Oratorical Contest for middle and high school students. The topic touches on optimism and is selected by Optimist International.

Contestants use the topic as they develop a theme for their five-minute speech. They are judged by members of the club and the winner, and often the first runner-up, move on to compete at the District level and the District winner goes on to the Regional level. Each year approximately 40-80 competitors give speeches.