Robert Menzies Institute Speech Competition
The Robert Menzies Institute Speech Competition is a program for secondary students in Australia to practice oratorical skills in a speech relating to the legacy of Australia’s longest-serving Prime Minister, Sir Robert Menzies. Robert Menzies was well-known for his powerful speeches, including the Jefferson Oration, delivered on US Independence Day at Monticello, Charlottesville, Virginia in 1963. Sir Robert Menzies spoke often of the importance of a good speech: “Aim at simple, clear speech, and if you aim at that and achieve it, you will find that this will make a very great difference right through your lives.”
This competition is open to students in years 7–12, studying in Australia.
Theme and task
“It is a great thing for us to have such allies as these Americans.” After 75 years, is the Australia-US alliance still in our national interest?
Prepare, practice, record and upload a speech addressing the 2026 theme. You must refer to Robert Menzies’s role in the alliance as well as the broader historical context in which it was formed.
- Year 7/8 Category: 3-5 minutes
- Year 9/10 Category: 4-6 minutes
- Year 11/12 Category: 5-7 minutes
Closing date: Sunday 12 July 2026
Grading and judging
Speeches will be judged on:
- Preparation
- Subject matter
- Structure
- Delivery
Students must provide a transcript of their speech including supporting notes to show their research and a list of references.
The speech must engage directly with the theme and demonstrate strong argumentation with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
Students will be judged on their use of confident and appropriate language that is clear and audible to the listener.
Prizes
- Year 7/8 Category: $500 cash prize
- Year 9/10 Category: $1,000 cash prize
- Year 11/12 Category: $1,500 cash prize
Each category winner will also receive an invitation to deliver their speech at the Robert Menzies Institute Annual Conference in November 2026.
The Year 11/12 category winner (and one parent/guardian) will receive a complimentary trip to the United States Studies Centre to present at their Sydney International Strategy Forum 2026.
All participants will receive a certificate of participation.
Summary
For Year levels: 7–12; Australian students
Topic: “It is a great thing for us to have such allies as these Americans.” After 75 years, is the Australia-US alliance still in our national interest?
Competition Format: Speech filmed as a video
Deadline for entries: Sunday 12 July 2026
Prizes: Cash prizes
Special Features: The winner of each category (Year 7/8, 9/10, 11/12) will be invited to deliver their speech at the Robert Menzies Institute Annual Conference in November 2026
Opportunities for HTAV members: N/A
Website: www.robertmenziesinstitute.org.au/research-learning/learning/speech-competition