How to Enter

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Ready to Take the Stage?

Entering the American Legion Post 191 Oratorical Contest is easy.

 

There is no national application required to begin the competition. Students interested in participating start by connecting with their local American Legion Post. Post 191 has created an online registration process to make getting started simple for students, parents, and schools.

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Step 1 — Review the Contest Requirements

Before registering, review the eligibility requirements, contest rules, speech requirements, and assigned topics for the 2026–2027 competition.

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Step 2 — Register With Post 191

Complete the Post 191 online Oratorical Contest Registration Form.

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We will collect basic student, school, and parent/guardian information so our Oratorical Contest team can communicate with you throughout the competition.

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Step 3 — Watch Your Email

After registering, you will receive confirmation that Post 191 has received your information along with instructions for the next steps.

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Be sure to provide an email address that both the student and/or parent or guardian regularly monitors.

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Step 4 — Prepare Your Oration

Begin preparing your original 8–10 minute Prepared Oration addressing an aspect of the United States Constitution, with emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government.

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Contestants must also prepare for the four assigned constitutional topics. The assigned-topic portion of the competition is 3–5 minutes, and the topic will be selected immediately before the contestant speaks.

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Step 5 — Complete Required Documentation

Students advancing through the competition must complete the official American Legion certification process.

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The certification form includes information completed by the student's school principal—or by the appropriate instructor or parent for a homeschooled student—and is subsequently completed by American Legion officials as the contestant advances through Post, District, and Area competition.

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Post 191 will provide instructions for completing required documentation as part of the contestant process.

 

Step 6 — Compete!

Bring your preparation, confidence, and your voice.

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The Post 191 competition is the first step in a journey that can take contestants from the local Post to District, Area, the Florida State Contest, and ultimately the American Legion National Oratorical Contest. 

 

Your journey starts here.

 

Questions?

The Post 191 Oratorical Contest team is here to help students, parents, guardians, teachers, and school administrators navigate the process.