Catalyst Mind Center’s 1st Annual Youth Inquiry & Public Speaking Contest

For the Young and Bright Minds with Big Ideas, Catalyst Mind Center is proud to host its first yearly Youth Public Speaking Contest with the support and sponsorship of Mensa Canada— a unique event that empowers Mensa youth members, Gifted and Advanced learners aged 10 to 15 years old, to share their knowledge, passion, and critical thinking skills. This contest offers a platform for young, bright minds to present a well-researched, engaging 8 to 10-minute speech on a recent discovery or development from the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, or History, focusing on the findings based on recent research related to the topics from the last two years.

Theme: For the Young and Bright Minds with Big Ideas

Registration to attend the event is only open to participants selected to present, their families and to the judges. Please email us directly at info@catalystmindcenter.com to register.

Who Can Participate
Open to Mensa members, Advanced and Gifted learners aged 10 to 15
The first 20 submitted applications will be admitted to participate in the contest.
Only 8 participants will be selected to present based on the strength of their submitted speech draft.

Presentation Topic Guidelines
Participants must choose a topic from one of the following subject areas: Science, Technology, Engineering, or History.
The topic must be based on a recent discovery, research or significant development and finding from the last two years related to the chosen topic. Participants are permitted to have only one submission.

The speaker must answer the following to the judges:
What is the discovery, invention, or topic?
Why is it important or relevant?
What future further investigation might be needed?

Submission Requirements
To get approved to be among the final 8 participants to present their speech, each participant must submit a written copy of their intended speech topic, which the Catalyst Mind Center Committee will review for approval.
To be written by the contestant only (The submission cannot to be written by AI).
Only one submission per contestant is permitted.
Each submission needs to provide at least 4 references for their submission.

Presentation Rules
Speech Duration: 8 to 10 minutes each.
Memorized or Practiced delivery is expected — no reading directly from the script.
Visual aids (e.g., Slides, Cards) are welcome but not required, (No Direct Reading).

Participants will be judged based on:
Depth and accuracy of research. Structure and clarity of the written draft. Public speaking skills: clarity, confidence, and engagement

Submission Guidelines:
Submissions must be between Minimum 800 to 1000 words Maximum.
Submit your summations as a PDF document only.

Include the following information in your document:
Participant’s age, the following information is needed for both the parent and the participant: Full Name, Email Address, Phone Number, location to receive the communication info. Submission Deadline: 🗓️ November 10, 2025

How to Submit:
By email PDF file only Email your draft to: info@catalystmindcenter.com
Email Subject Line: Catalyst Public Speaking Contest Submission
⚠️ Submissions without the Correct Subject line or Missing Information Will Get Disqualified.

Prizes & Recognition:
🏆 First Place: $200 Indigo Gift Card
🥈 Second Place: $100 Indigo Gift Card
🥉 Third Place: $80 Indigo Gift Card

Winners will be announced at the end of the event and will receive their gift cards and the achievement certificate.

Event Hosts & Support:
Event Host & MC: Dr. Sherry Ghorbankhani PsyD., CCC, RCC, Founder of Catalyst Mind Center.
Event Sponsored and supported by Vancouver Mensa Canada.

Competition Judges:
Ms. Linda Kowalski Ph.D., Vancouver Mensa Newsletter & Event Coordinator & Mensa Canada Scholarship Program Director
Ms. Marilyn Norry, BFA, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Vancouver Mensa Local Secretary
Ms. Trish Summers, BSc., BEd., M.Ed. (High Ability), North Vancouver School District Gifted Program Facilitator
Ms. Maryam Foroghi MSc, Catalyst Mind Center Integrated Learning Facilitator

Why Join?
Share your voice and ideas in front of audiences and like-minded individuals. Build confidence in public speaking. Deepen your research and presentation skills. Engage with a community of like-minded peers.

Contact Information for Questions:
📧 info@catalystmindcenter.com
📞 604-260-6049
🌐 www.catalystmindcenter.com

Ready to Inspire? Apply Today! Take the microphone this November and let your big ideas speak for themselves. Take the microphone this November and let your big ideas speak for themselves.