LKS Exclusive
“The Power to Inspire” Speaking Competition
Empower AND ELEVATE
Step onto the stage to share your unique story and inspire your peers, no matter the topic. Your voice has the power to uplift others and encourage them to embrace their potential.
Share your story
Your story is powerful, and it deserves to be heard. At LKS, we provide a platform for you to share your journey, with the hope that your words will inspire others and spark transformative change in their lives.
LEAD WITH IMPACT
By participating, you’ll not only share your journey but also empower others to embrace their potential and make a meaningful impact in their lives and careers.
Inspire Boldly, Lead Confidently
About the Competition
Lambda Kappa Sigma is proud to present “The Power to Inspire” speaking competition at our annual LKS convention. This inspiring event highlights the incredible talent and diverse voices of student and alumni members, each with their unique passions and stories to share. We believe in empowering women to take the stage and share their voices, as strong public speaking skills are vital for inspiring others and driving positive change. By enhancing these skills, we help our members build confidence and become impactful leaders in their communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Competition Information
Here’s everything you need to know about “The Power to Inspire” speaking competition, including the timeline, competition details, prompt, and answers to commonly asked questions.
- Inspirational Speech (TED Talk style!) with a duration of 5-7 minutes.
- Preliminary Round: Written speech draft submission
- Second Round: Pre-recorded video submission
- Practice Round: First day of Convention with a panel of coaches.
- Final Round: Live Presentation at Convention with a panel of judges and audience voting.
- Finalists will receive written feedback prior to the final round.
- One double-sided 3-5 Index note card allowed for Final Presentation
- No visual aids permitted.
What story could you share that might inspire someone else to grow, change, or see the world differently?
We invite you to craft a speech rooted in authenticity, vulnerability, and inspiration. Share a personal journey, experience, or perspective that shaped your path — and that could spark new ideas, confidence, or purpose in others.
Your story has the potential to do more than inform — it can inspire action, shift mindsets, and empower others to take the next step in their own journey.
Take the stage and share the story only you can tell.
- Submissions Portal Opens: OPEN NOW!
- Preliminary Round Submission: June 1, 2026
- Judge Feedback to Speakers: No later than June 15, 2026.
- Second Round (Video Submission) Deadline: June 25, 2026.
- Finalists Announcement: June 28, 2026.
- Early Bird Convention Registration Ends: June 28, 2026
- Finalist In-Person Practice Round (OPTIONAL): July 22, 2026 (1 – 2:30pm)
- Live Final Round: Saturday, July 25, 2026 (Speaker’s Competition Lunch)
- Awards Presentation: Saturday, July 25, 2026 (Final Banquet)
Student Recognition:
- First place: $300 + Plaque
- Second place: $200 + Certificate
- Third place: $100 + Certificate
Alumni Recognition:
- First place: $300 + Plaque
- Second place: $200 + Certificate
- Third place: $100 + Certificate
Additional Recognition:
- Competition winners will be interviewed for a spotlight article in the Fraternity magazine or on LKS.org
- Overall winner will receive a complimentary Convention registration for the following year to be the Convention emcee and a competition judge/coach
- All finalists will get to work with a panel of esteemed “inspiration”/speaking coaches from LKS.
Competition Coaches
Logistics/General Questions/Coach
Competition Coordinator/Coach
Erin Rogala
Managing Director
Elicia DeParolesa
LKSAA