2027 Ann Owen Gordon Oratorical Contest

ANN OWEN GORDON ORATORICAL CONTEST

Your Voice Has Power.

The Knoxville Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated proudly presents the Ann Owen Gordon Oratorical Contest, returning in January 2027.

This annual competition gives young people an opportunity to strengthen their public-speaking skills, express meaningful ideas, and develop the confidence to use their voices with purpose.

January 2027
Contest date, theme, location, eligibility, and registration details are coming soon.

THE 2027 CONTEST

We are preparing for the 2027 Ann Owen Gordon Oratorical Contest and look forward to welcoming another group of talented young speakers.

Contest Date: Coming Soon
Contest Time: Coming Soon
Location: Coming Soon
2027 Theme: Coming Soon
Eligibility: Coming Soon
Registration Deadline: Coming Soon
Contest Guidelines: Coming Soon.

Please check this page regularly as additional contest information becomes available.

WHAT IS THE ANN OWEN GORDON ORATORICAL CONTEST?

The Ann Owen Gordon Oratorical Contest is an opportunity for young people to develop and demonstrate excellence in public speaking and oral communication.

Participants prepare and deliver an original speech based on an annual theme while developing valuable skills in writing, critical thinking, organization, presentation, and confident communication.

The competition is about more than winning. It is an opportunity for young people to discover the strength of their voices, communicate ideas with purpose, and grow as confident leaders.

MORE THAN A SPEECH COMPETITION

Participating in an oratorical competition can help young people develop skills they will use in school, college, careers, leadership, and everyday life.

CONFIDENCE

Become more comfortable speaking before others.

COMMUNICATION

Learn to express ideas clearly and effectively.

CRITICAL THINKING

Develop thoughtful ideas and organize them into a meaningful message.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

Practice voice, presence, pacing, eye contact, and delivery.

LEADERSHIP

Learn how strong communication can inform, inspire, and influence others.

PREPARATION

Experience the discipline of turning an idea into a polished presentation.

COULD YOU BE OUR NEXT SPEAKER?

Do you enjoy sharing your ideas?
Do you have something meaningful to say?
Would you like to become a more confident speaker?

Whether you already enjoy public speaking or want to challenge yourself to try something new, the Ann Owen Gordon Oratorical Contest offers an opportunity to grow.

2027 ELIGIBILITY

Coming Soon

Official age requirements, participation categories, and other eligibility information will be posted when the 2027 contest guidelines are released.

FROM YOUR IDEA TO THE STAGE

Getting ready for the contest can be broken into six simple steps.

1. Learn the Theme
Review the official 2027 theme when it is announced and think about what it means to you.

2. Read the Guidelines
Carefully review the official contest rules before preparing your speech.

3. Develop Your Message
Decide what you want your audience to think, understand, feel, or remember.

4. Write and Practice
Develop your speech, revise it, practice aloud, and become comfortable with your message.

5. Register
Complete the official registration process before the announced deadline.

6. Take the Stage
Bring your preparation, confidence, and unique voice to the competition.

Every strong speech begins with an idea. Every confident speaker begins by taking the first step.

PREPARE WITH CONFIDENCE.

Great speakers prepare. Contestants are encouraged to begin early, practice often, and become comfortable communicating their ideas in their own voices.

As you prepare, remember to:

Understand the annual theme.
Organize your ideas before writing.
Create a strong beginning that captures attention.
Make your main message clear.
Support your ideas with meaningful examples.
Practice speaking aloud.
Pay attention to your pace, voice, eye contact, and posture.
Time your speech according to the official contest rules.
Practice in front of family members, friends, teachers, or mentors.
Finish with a conclusion your audience will remember.

Do not focus on sounding like someone else. Focus on becoming the strongest version of your own voice.

READY TO SHARE YOUR VOICE?

Registration for the January 2027 Ann Owen Gordon Oratorical Contest will open soon.

When registration becomes available, this page will include the official registration form, eligibility requirements, registration deadline, and contest guidelines.

Registration: Coming Soon
Registration Deadline: Coming Soon

KNOW BEFORE YOU COMPETE:

The official contest guidelines will contain important information about eligibility, speech requirements, timing, judging, and competition procedures.

Contestants and parents should review the complete guidelines before registering and again before contest day.

2027 Contest Guidelines: Coming Soon

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

When will the 2027 contest take place?
The contest will take place in January 2027. The exact date and time will be announced soon.

What is the 2027 theme?
The official 2027 theme will be announced soon.

Who can participate?
Official eligibility requirements will be posted when the contest guidelines are released.

When will registration open?
Registration information is coming soon. Please check this page for updates.

Where will the contest be held?
The 2027 contest location will be announced soon.

Will preparation workshops be offered?
Information about workshops or preparation opportunities will be posted as plans are finalized.

QUESTIONS?

For questions about the contest, please contact the Knoxville Chapter Oratorical Contest Committee.

Contest Contact Information: Coming Soon

YOUR IDEAS MATTER.
YOUR PERSPECTIVE MATTERS.
YOUR VOICE MATTERS.

We look forward to hearing Knoxville’s young voices take the stage in January 2027.

Presented by the Knoxville Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.

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