Speech Tournament Instructions
Thank you for participating in the annual Speech Tournament hosted by the Speech Communication program. Please review the information below carefully as you prepare for the tournament.
Tournament Location
Houston City College—Alief Hayes Campus
2811 Hayes Road
Houston, Texas 77082
- Registration: Foyer in front of Auditorium C100
- Competition: Auditorium C100
- Parking: Participants may park in the parking lot or parking garage.
Date & Arrival Time
Saturday, November 14, 2026
- Arrival and Registration: 8:00 a.m.
- Registration closes: 8:30 a.m. SHARP
- Competition: Following registration
Important: Participants who arrive after 8:30 a.m. will not be eligible to compete. Upon arrival, please check in at the registration table.
Meals & Refreshments
A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided. Snacks and refreshments will also be available throughout the tournament.
Eligibility
The tournament is open to all current Houston City College students, including full-time and part-time students, who maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA.
The following students are eligible to compete:
- Current HCC Students
- Part-time and full-time students
- Dual credit students
- Honors College Students
Scholarship Eligibility
Dual credit and Honors College students may compete and receive competition prizes, but they are not eligible for HCC tuition scholarship awards, because their tuition is funded through other sources.
Speech Preparation
Each participant must prepare and deliver a persuasive speech addressing one of the following topics:
- Speak Up for Courage
- How much should we risk pursuing something that matters?
- Speak Up for Innovation
- How can artificial intelligence be used to address one of society’s most pressing challenges?
- Speak Up for Students
- What should schools and colleges do to better support students who face barriers to educational success?
Artificial Intelligence Use
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) to create write, rewrite, or substantially develop a participant’s speech is not permitted. Participants must independently research, develop, write, and prepare their speeches.
Participants may use standard research resources, library databases, books, articles, and other credible sources to prepare their speeches.
All information, ideas, statistics, quotations, and other material obtained from outside sources must be properly credited.
Speech Length
Speeches must be:
- At least 3 minutes and no more than 6 minutes.
- A 20-second grade period is allowed, making the absolute maximum time 6 minutes and 20 seconds (6:20).
Time Penalties
- More than 6:20: 15-point deduction
- Less than 3:00: 15-point deduction
Participants are strongly encouraged to practice their speeches with a timer before the tournament.
Notes & Delivery
Speeches should be delivered extemporaneously—well prepared and practiced, but not read word-for-word.
Participants may:
- Use 3 x 5 note cards
- Use keyword phrases, statistics, quotations, and brief reminders on note cards
Participants may not:
- Read the speech verbatim
- Use full sheets of paper as speaking notes
- Use cell phones or tablets as speaking notes
The goal is to maintain effective eye contact, vocal delivery, and audience engagement while using notes only as needed.
Audio/Visual Aids
Audio and visual aids are not permitted.
Participants should rely on their research, preparation, delivery, and use of persuasive speaking techniques.
Dress
Participants should wear business-professional attire.
Scholarship Awards & Prizes
HCC Tuition Scholarships (applied to Spring 2027 HCC tuition and fees)
|
Place |
Scholarship |
|
1st Place |
$1,500 HCC Tuition Scholarship |
|
2nd Place |
$1,000 HCC Tuition Scholarship |
|
3rd Place |
$500 HCC Tuition Scholarship |
Scholarships for eligible students will be applied to the student’s HCC account for Spring 2027.
Additional prizes may be awarded to students placing 1st-5th. All participants will receive a Certificate of Participation.
Please note: Dual Credit and Honors College students are eligible to compete and receive competition prizes but are not eligible for HCC tuition scholarship awards.
Tournament Day Checklist
Before arriving, make sure you have:
- Prepared a persuasive speech on one of the three topics
- Practiced your speech to stay between three and six minutes
- Prepared 3 x 5 note cards, if needed
- Properly credited your sources
- Selected business-professional attire
- Arranged transportation to arrive before 8:00 a.m.
- Allowed enough time to park and check-in before registration closes at 8:30 a.m.
Questions?
Thank you for participating in the 2026 Speech Tournament: Speak Up, Stand Out. We look forward to hearing your voices, ideas, and perspectives!
For additional information, please contact:
Dr. Danielle Stagg
(713) 718-5478
danielle.stagg@hccs.edu