Speech & Rhetoric

Association of Christian Schools International / Student Leadership & Learning / Student Learning Programs / Speech & Rhetoric

Speech & Rhetoric
Program Overview

The Speech & Rhetoric Program provides students in grades 1–12 with a unique opportunity to develop mastery in speech and rhetoric through a comprehensive, experiential approach shaped by a Christ-centered perspective on truth, communication, and influence. Through a progression of experiences, including on-site school challenges, virtual showcases, and travel-based competitions, students engage in real opportunities to practice, refine, and apply their communication skills in meaningful contexts. Rather than focusing solely on performance, the program emphasizes formation, helping students grow in confidence, clarity, and purpose as communicators.

Grades 1-6
Elementary | In-School Program

Voices of Tomorrow: Orator's Showcase

Elementary Students | School-Based Challenge

Voices of Tomorrow: Orator’s Showcase is built around an on-site, school-based challenge where students in grades 1–6 engage in a learning experience centered on developing and delivering a prepared speech tied to an annual theme. Schools are equipped with all the materials and resources needed to guide students through the process, from understanding the topic to crafting and presenting their message with clarity and confidence, while cultivating strong communication skills within a biblical worldview framework.

Voices of Tomorrow is available to both ACSI members and nonmembers and includes everything needed to successfully implement the challenge within your school. Materials to support multi-school collaboration and joint showcases are also provided, and schools are encouraged to partner together; however, each participating school must purchase the challenge materials.

Price: $250/$300 (ACSI Member/Non-ACSI Member)

Learn More & Purchase

Grades 6-8
Middle School | Virtual and In-Person

Voices in the Middle: Empowered to Inspire

Middle School Students | Virtual Showcase and K-LOVE Headquarters Competition

Whether your students are just beginning to develop their voice or are ready to take the stage, Voices in the Middle offers an experience designed for them:

Ready for the competition stage? Join us in Franklin, TN, at the K-LOVE Headquarters.

New to speech, building confidence, not ready to compete? Start with the Virtual Showcase.

K-Love Headquarters Voices in the Middle Competition
April 20, 2027

Join us at the K-LOVE Headquarters in Franklin, TN, for a middle school speech experience like no other. More than a competition, this event immerses students in interactive experiences that challenge them to grow, think deeply, and discover how their voice can make a meaningful impact for Christ. Our goal is to identify and elevate student voices that can engage and influence their generation with truth and conviction.

Upon registration, schools receive comprehensive preparation materials that equip both educators and students, ensuring they feel confident, prepared, and ready to step into the experience.

Price: $295 (ACSI Member Only)

Save the date for the K-LOVE VIM Competition! Registration and more information coming soon.

Voices in the Middle Virtual Showcase
April 30, 2027

The Virtual Showcase is a non-competitive, live virtual experience where middle school students develop and present a speech, building confidence and strengthening their voice in a supportive environment. Through the experience, they build confidence, refine their ideas, and receive meaningful feedback, making it an ideal starting point for students still developing their voice.

Upon registration, schools receive comprehensive preparation materials to equip both educators and students for a confident and successful experience.

Price: $200 (ACSI Member Only)

Save the date for the VIM Virtual Showcase! Registration and more information coming soon.

Grades 9-12
High School | In-Person

Voices Unveiled: Empowered to Lead

High School Students | K-Love Headquarters Competition | April 21, 2027

Voices Unveiled takes place at the K-LOVE Headquarters in Franklin, TN, on April 21, 2027, and offers high school students a powerful, one-of-a-kind experience designed to equip them to use their voices with clarity, conviction, and leadership. Voices Unveiled is both a competition and an opportunity for students to lead through their words, speaking truth into their world with purpose and a distinctly Christ-centered perspective.

Upon registration, schools receive comprehensive preparation materials that equip both educators and students, providing the structure and support needed for thoughtful and confident preparation.

Price: $295 (ACSI Member Only)

Save the date for the K-LOVE Voices Unveiled Competition! Registration and more information coming soon.

Judges' Choice Winner
2025-26

Congratulations to our 2025-26 Judges' Choice Finalists and Winner!

A new Judges’ Choice Award was introduced this year, with judges selecting an overall favorite from six finalists representing the following schools: