The topic for the 2010 contest is "Cyber Communication: Progress or Problem?" Students who have not turned 16 by December 31, 2009 are eligible to participate. Competition begins at the club level where the participant gives a 4 to 5 minute speech and winners advance through zone and regional competition before competing at the District level for a $2,500 scholarship.
The Optimist Oratorical Contest teaches students public speaking skills that they will use throughout their lives. Optimist International has conducted this program through their clubs since 1927. They are the only service organization to award scholarships for communications.