The 2026 HKUST IMPACT Championship: The Art of Unlearning is the CLE Experiential Engagement Team's flagship public speaking competition where we encourage you to find your voice and command the stage. 

Competition Details

Eligibility and Entry

1. Contestants must be HKUST students for the academic year 2026/2027.
2. Competition entries must be submitted in English and echo the theme "The Art of Unlearning".
3. Submissions for preliminary entries should include:
   • Public view link to a 3-5 minute audition video.
   • Speech notes (maximum 400 words and 1 A4 page).
   • AI usage disclosure.
4. Click here to submit your entry.

Prizes

1. Top performances at the finals event will be eligible for the following prizes:
   • Champion (HKD1000)
   • 1st Runner-Up (HKD800)
   • 2nd Runner-Up (HKD600)
2. All finalists will receive a certificate of participation.

Competition Guidelines

We welcome students of any discipline or English proficiency to participate. 

Preliminary Round

1. The 3-5 minute audition video should show the contestant (either waist-up or full body) delivering a persuasive speech on the competition theme: "The Art of Unlearning".
2. Participants are invited to draw inspiration from contemporary academic and societal debates, including those concerning artificial intelligence, cultural trends, well-being, sustainability, innovation, and human psychology. While these subject areas reflect suggested directions, contestants are free to select any specific topic or case study, as long as it clearly aligns with their chosen theme.
3. Points will be deducted from contestants if the entry exceeds 5 minutes. Entries considerably under 3 minutes will also be penalized.
4. Entries should aim to achieve the following:
   • Develop a clear, well-reasoned persuasive argument on a contemporary debate related to the theme in a clear, logical manner appropriate for a general audience.
   • Communicate the persuasive argument in a way that effectively engages audiences.
   • Conclude with, or centre around, a compelling call to action that challenges the audience's perspective or behavior.
   • PowerPoint slides are not permitted in this competition. Optional physical props may be used but are not expected.
5. The program notes (maximum 400 words and 1 A4 page) should include:
   • A brief outline of the speech's central thesis
   • An explanation of how the argument relates to the chosen theme
   • Background research related to the topic
6. The entry form includes a mandatory AI usage disclosure. You should state any use of AI tools (e.g., speech coaching tools, script assistance tools) and specify which preparation stages involved AI (e.g., idea generation, script drafting, speech notes drafting, delivery practice).
   • While declared AI usage in the preparation of the speech is permitted, the speech delivered should be the result of the students’ original work.
   • The script used / speech delivered must not have been used in any previous courses or competitions.
   • Undisclosed usage of AI and plagiarism of copyrighted materials will result in disqualification. Use of AI-generated video and voiceovers will be instantly disqualified.
7. The organizer’s decisions regarding selection of finalists are final.

Finals Round

1. The Grand Final will take place from on 5 November 2026. 
2. A shortlist of up to 10 finalists will be officially announced and notified via email on 23 October, 2026. Finalists will receive brief feedback from the preliminary panel to help refine their presentations for the live stage.
3. Finalists will be asked to confirm their attendance at the finals event. Failure to do so will result in disqualification.
4. Finalists will be invited to two preparatory workshops on "Commanding the Stage" and "Expecting the Unexpected".
5. Finalists will compete live on stage in front of the judging panel and audience. Each finalist performance consists of two mandatory components:
   • Prepared Speech (5 minutes):  Speeches must not be under 4 minutes or exceed 5 minutes. A bell with ring at 5 minutes, after which finalists must conclude within 15 seconds. Speeches must be delivered live, relying primarily on spoken-word eloquence, rhetoric, and personal presence. PowerPoint slides are not permitted. Optional physical props may be used but are not expected.
   • Impromptu Speaking (2 minutes): Finalists will face a short Q&A or impromptu prompt from the judges to test their adaptability, critical thinking under pressure, and unscripted composure.
6. The adjudication panel’s decisions are final.

Judging Criteria 

Rhetorical and Persuasive Skills (40%)

• Persuasive Structure: Uses effective rhetorical devices (e.g., ethos, pathos, logos, rule of three, vivid metaphors) to build narrative momentum.
• Audience Engagement: Successfully hooks the audience early, maintains intellectual tension, and leaves a memorable impression.
• Cohesion and Clarity: Navigates complex ideas seamlessly without losing cohesion or narrative impact.

Verbal and Non-Verbal Delivery (40%)

• Vocal Control: Demonstrates excellent pacing, dynamic range, articulation, projection, and strategic use of pauses.
• Physical Presence: Uses natural body language, purposeful stage movement, authentic facial expressions, and strong eye contact.
• Pacing & Time Management: Respects the 5-minute limit, ensuring the speech flows naturally without feeling rushed or truncated.

Quality and Originality of Argument (20%)

• Intellectual Depth: Presents a well-structured, logical, and original perspective on the chosen theme.
• Contextual Relevance: Effectively connects the prompt to pressing real-world issues.
• Call to Action: Features a clear, compelling, and actionable argument that directly echoes the core theme.