Participate

 

It is said that one of our biggest fears is public speaking. 

So what’s the best way to get over our fears and become more resilient and confident? By facing them head-on!

Concours d’art oratoire is Canada’s largest annual French public-speaking competition. The competition is open to students in every province and territory in a wide range of categories. Thousands of students participate every year in communities big and small for their opportunity to win prizes and/or scholarships to postsecondary institutions.

 

In-Person Semi-Finals

The In-Person Semi-Finals are public-speaking competitions for French-language learners across the country. Students are tasked with writing and presenting an original three to five-minute-long speech in French on a topic of their choice. They then present that speech at an in-person competition for fellow competitors.

 

To be eligible for the Virtual Concours Semi-Final:

  • You must reside in Canada.
  • You must be a student in Grade 9-12. 
    Note: Only Grade 11 and 12 Virtual Concours Semi-Final winners will be able to advance to the National Finals. 
  • Your school must be located more than 250 km from an In-Person Semi-Final location. 
    Note: This distance may vary between CPF Branches coordinating in-person competitions and travel subsidies exist in some regions to encourage and aid transportation to the local In-Person Semi-Final. Please contact your CPF Branch to confirm if you are eligible for the Virtual Semi-Final competition. 
    Note: You can still participate in the In-Person Semi-Final, if you qualify for it, even if you live more than 250 km away and wish to travel.
  • If your school or school district participates in Concours d’art oratoire, you must qualify at the school-level or the district level (whichever is higher) in order to be eligible for the Virtual Concours Semi-Final.
  • You must have access to a stable internet connection, a functional webcam, and a microphone.

View PDF of Official Categories [FR & EN]

The winners in each category will receive cash prizes. 

Grades 11 & 12 

  • 1st place: $300
  • 2nd place: $200
  • 3rd place: $100

Grades 9 & 10

  • 1st place: $150
  • 2nd place: $100
  • 3rd place: $75

All participants will also be entered into a draw for door prizes including gift cards, books, and other exciting swag.

The winners in grades 11 & 12 (Sec. 5 & CEGEP 1) are eligible to advance and compete in the National Final, where winners receive scholarships from colleges and universities across Canada worth up to $33,000.

 

Virtual Semi-Finals

The Virtual Concours d’art oratoire Semi-Final is a public-speaking competition for high school students (grades 9-12) who are French-language learners and are unable to participate in an in-person competition. Students are tasked with writing and presenting an original three to five-minute-long speech in French on a topic of their choice. They then present that speech in a live zoom competition for fellow competitors and judges. Winners qualify for the National Finals.

Deadline to Register: April 19, 2025
Contest: May 3, 2025
Cost to participate: $25
 

Registration

 

National Finals

The National Concours d’art oratoire is a public-speaking competition for high school students (grades 11-12) who have won their Semi-Final competition (see below).

Deadline to Register: June 1, 2025

Registration form will open after the semi-finals are complete.

  • Grade 11 & 12 students who place 1st in each of the categories at the In-Person or Virtual Semi-Finals qualify to move on to the National Finals.

  • Students advancing to the National Final competition may submit the same video or they may re-record their speech for submission.

    View PDF of Official Categories [FR & EN]