Primary School Public Speaking Competition 2026 - In-Person
The competition aims to give young speakers the opportunity to put their ideas forward in front of an audience whilst expanding their knowledge of current affairs. Students will develop the “building blocks” of public presentation—confidence, clarity, and the development of arguments—which are very important skills both in and out of school.
The day will also include a training component. Trainers from the DAV, one of the largest debating and public speaking organisations in Australia, will help students develop and practise their skills.
Schools may enter up to 6 students per competition day. If you are interested to enter additional students, please email debater@dav.com.au to be placed on a waitlist.
Primary Public Speaking North
Where: Yirramboi Campus, 2/50 Overnewton Rd, Overnewton Anglican Community College, Keilor
When: Thursday 22nd October
Who: Students in Years 5 and 6
Format: Students will present one 2-3 minute speech of a persuasive nature on one of two set topics and two impromptu speeches of 1-2 minutes.
Cost: $45 per student, limit of 6 students per school per region. Schools are permitted to enter students in multiple regions.
Prepared Speech:
Students must prepare a 2-3 minute persuasive speech on one of the following topics:
- Stranger than fiction
- Nicknames
- Growing up
Primary Public Speaking South
Where: Caulfield Grammar School - Shelford Campus 3 Hood Crescent, Caulfield North
When: Friday 16th October
Who: Students in Years 5 and 6
Format: Students will present one 2-3 minute speech of a persuasive nature on one of two set topics and two impromptu speeches of 1-2 minutes.
Cost: $45 per student, limit of 6 students per school per region. Schools are permitted to enter students in multiple regions.
Prepared Speech:
Students must prepare a 2-3 minute persuasive speech on one of the following topics:
- Stranger than fiction
- Nicknames
- Growing up
Click here to register for the in-person Primary Public Speaking Competition by 4pm Thursday 8th October.
Combined Debating and Public Speaking Program 2026 - In-Person
Students can participate in one or both competitions (debating/public speaking).
For public speaking, students will present one 2-3 minute speech of a persuasive nature on one of two set topics and one impromptu speech of 1-2 minutes. Schools may enter up to 4 students in public speaking.
For debating, teams will have one prepared topic round, and one secret topic round (prepared on the day). Schools can register a maximum of 4 teams in the competition. If your school has already had teams participate in DAV primary level debates in 2024 your registration will be capped at two teams.
TBC
When: TBC
Who: Students in Years 5 and 6
Cost: TBC
Primary School Public Speaking Competition 2026 - Online
The competition aims to give young speakers the opportunity to put their ideas forward in front of an audience whilst expanding their knowledge of current affairs. Students will develop the “building blocks” of public presentation—confidence, clarity, and the development of arguments—which are very important skills both in and out of school.
Students will be required to submit an unedited video of a 3-4 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 5 and 6.
Format: 3-4 minute speech on one of three set topics, which must be persuasive in nature.
Cost: $15 per student
Registration for the Online Public Speaking Competition is now closed
Prepared Speech:
Students must prepare a 3-4 minute persuasive speech on one of the following topics:
- Stranger than fiction
- Nicknames
- Growing up