Welcome to the DAV Website
The DAV is a non-profit association which exists to promote debate. It
is the peak debating body in Victoria and runs large competitions for
adults and for schools across Victoria. It provides training and
resources for debaters, teachers and adjudicators.
Junior Public Speaking Competition 2026 - Online
Every year the DAV runs a state-wide Junior Public Speaking Competition for students in Years 7 and 8. This year we will be offering an online competition to supplement the face to face program below.
Students will be required to submit an unedited video of a 4-5 minute speech on a set topic, which must be persuasive in nature. This will then be assessed by two DAV adjudicators who will provide a score and written feedback by email. Top ranked students will progress to a finals series, which will require a second video speech to be submitted. There is no limit to the number of students that can participate, but a maximum of three students per school will be permitted to progress to finals.
Who: Students in Years 7 and 8.
Format: Students will present one prepared speech.
Cost: $15 per student
To register, complete this form. Registration closes at 5pm, Friday 1 May or when we reach capacity.
Junior Public Speaking Competition 2026 - Face to Face
The Junior division is for students in year 7 and 8. Students will be required to present a 4-5 minute speech on a topic of their choosing from the list below, which must be persuasive in nature, as well as two impromptu speeches. Each day begins with a short training session with tips for approaching impromptu topics.
Who: Students in year 7 and 8
Format: Students will present one prepared speech and two impromptu speeches.
Cost: $45 per student
Capacity limits: 6 students per school per region. Schools are permitted to enter students in multiple regions.
|
Region
|
Venue
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| Toorak | Loreto Mandeville Hall | Sunday 16th August |
| Mentone | Mentone Grammar School | Sunday 3rd May |
Click here to register.
Registration for Mentone closes at 4pm on Friday 24th April or when we reach capacity.
Registration for Toorak closes at 4pm on Friday 7th August or when we reach capacity.
Topics for 2026
Students must prepare a 4-5 minute speech on one of the following topics. This speech must be persuasive in nature.
Topics for this year's junior competitions will be:
- TBC
- TBC
- TBC
To have a better understanding on how our adjudicators mark speeches, see Public Speaking Adjudication Criteria.