Speech & Rhetoric

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

Speech & Rhetoric
Program Overview

Empowering Students to Speak with Purpose

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 a comprehensive speech program for students in grades 1–6 that equips schools with everything needed to teach, develop, and celebrate effective communication through a biblical worldview. Each year, the program is built around a specific biblical worldview focus, providing students with the opportunity to explore a meaningful truth from God's Word through classroom activities, reflection, discussion, and speech development. As students engage with the annual theme, they learn how to organize their thoughts, communicate with confidence, and articulate biblical truth in age-appropriate ways.

The program culminates in an Orator's Showcase, a school-hosted event where students present their prepared speeches before an audience of peers, families, educators, and community members. Schools are provided with all the materials needed to successfully implement both the instructional program and the showcase experience, making it easy to create a meaningful celebration of student growth and achievement. Schools may also choose to partner with neighboring schools to host a Local Orator's Showcase, creating a larger community-wide event where student speakers can share their ideas, encourage one another, and celebrate their learning together. Resources and guidance for multi-school collaboration are included within the program.

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

Coming Soon — Purchase information for the 2026–27 School Year

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

Voices in the Middle: Empowered to Inspire

Middle School Students | Virtual Showcase and In-Person 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.

Voices in the Middle Competition

K-Love Headquarters

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 Members Only)
Includes Voices in the Middle (VIM) program materials and competition registration for one advisor and two students.

Registration Closes 03/05/27

Learn More and Register

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 | In-Person Competition at K-LOVE Headquarters | 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 Members Only)
Includes Voices Unveiled (VU) program materials and competition registration for one advisor and two students.

Registration Closes 03/05/27