WHO SHOULD ENTER?
The competition is open to any speechwriter or speaker from any area of the public or private sectors.

WHY ENTER?
Among the benefits of winning a Cicero Speechwriting Award:

• Certification (and rare public recognition) that you are the best at your craft
• Winner's certificate suitable for framing
• Publication of your speech in our special edition winners ezine (for Category and Grand Winners Only)
• Speech featured on our website and in a press release to national media outlets
• Winner's logo provided for you to promote your win on your website
• Free one-year subscription to Vital Speeches of the Day
• Celebration of Cicero Speechwriting Awards at communication-industry conferences, beginning with the 2012 Speechwriters and Executive Communicators in Washington in March, continuing through IABC’s World Conference in June and beyond.

WHAT ARE CICERO JUDGES LOOKING FOR IN A SPEECH?
In the tradition of Vital Speeches of the Day, the Cicero Speechwriting Awards judges speeches one-by-one, avoiding formulas and asking mainly: Does this speech powerfully make the point it set out to make.

Along the way, we look for:

Style
The speech makes effective use of rhetorical devices and other writing techniques so that the flow is effortless and transitions are seamless. The style accentuates the message rather than getting in the way. Stories are woven in gracefully and illuminate the ideas.

Substance
The thesis of the speech is supported by accurate research and facts. Supporting elements fit the audience and occasion. The speech will not be judged on the point of view of the writer or speaker, but rather on the merit of its written presentation.

Coherence
As the most basic means of maintaining audience interest, the structure of the speech is clear and coherent. The thesis for the speech is well presented and defended, and the conclusion follows logically from it.

Humanity
Is this a speech that anyone could give to any audience at any time? Or is it a truly personal piece of communication, a special delivery from the mind and heart of one human being on a topic of real relevance to a well-chosen audience.

WHAT’S THE MISSION OF THE CICERO SPEECHWRITING AWARDS?
We’re here to honor speechwriters for their contribution to the public conversation. Judged by experts in the communication and rhetoric, the Cicero Speechwriting Awards celebrate all aspects of an unforgettable speech: Style, substance, coherence and humanity.