Eligibility
The inaugural 2026 contest is by invitation only. However, the contest will grow each year. See eligibility requirements for each contest year.
Entry
Each participating institution should select only one speaker for entry into Peace Talks and apply here {link}. The method of selection may be determined by each college or university. One faculty or staff individual is invited to accompany the student speaker and join in the workshops for faculty/staff.
Theme
Speeches should be on the general theme of peacemaking through the application of Christian theology to modern-day, contemporary concerns. Speeches may include nonviolent approaches to conflict and holistic approaches to addressing social inequities and injustices that contribute to issues we see in society.
Length
Speeches should be 8 to 10 minutes with a grade period of one minute on each end. No more than 10 percent of the content may be quoted material.
Delivery
Speakers will have the option of using a lectern on the Umble Center stage at Goshen College, if preferred, and a lapel mic. Speeches may be delivered from memory or with notes.
Disqualification
Organizers reserve the right not to award a prize if contest or speaker standards are not met. Fabricated, misleading, or intentionally misrepresented evidence is grounds for disqualification. Speakers are expected to demonstrate professionalism, respect and integrity.
Materials deadline
A PDF of the speech manuscript, a video recording of the speech and a headshot of the contestant should be submitted to the contest director by August 15, 2026, by emailing [email protected] or through the application portal.
Judges
A team of independent judges will oversee the selection of contest winners. The judges will be independent of Goshen College and any of the other competing colleges. Judges will use the rubric in their deliberations.
Cash awards
Cash awards for the speakers for 2026 are as follows:
First place: $1,000
Second place: $800
Third place: $600
Publication rights
Peace Talks retains publication rights of winning orations.
Use of artificial intelligence
Speeches generated primarily by AI are not permitted. Contestants may only use AI tools for brainstorming, research assistance, outlining, or editing. The ideas, organization and delivery must remain substantially the work of the contestant. Contestants may be asked to report their use of AI in the submission process