AEF’s purpose in hosting the Oratorical contest was to promote public speaking in Armenian youth. In an era of smart phones, where students oftentimes interact by texting and posting on social media websites, the need to focus on oracy, the ability to express oneself fluently in speech, is more vital than ever. Speech competitions help train students in oral communication techniques; skills that allow students to become confident and engaged citizens, skilled professionals and successful advocates.

Ten students representing high schools including A.G.B.U Manoogian-Demirdjian School, A.G.B.U. Vatche and Tamar Manoukian School, Armenian Mesrobian School, Holy Martyrs Ferrahian School, and Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School participate using both the Armenian and English languages. For the event, AEF’s panel includes a wide range of judges.

“With this event we strive to promote and instill the love of public speaking, thus, preparing a future generation of strong and confident communicators to use their enhanced speaking skills in real life settings.”
-AEF Oratorical Committee Chair Dr. Teny Haroutunian