Charger Challenge

2026 — Draper, UT/US

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Async After Dinner Speech

Event Description:

After Dinner Speaking is a humorous, persuasive speech designed to entertain while making a meaningful point. Think: stand-up comedy with a message.

⏱️ Time Limits

• Minimum: 8 minutes
• Maximum: 10 minutes
• Grace Period: 30 seconds (10:30 hard cap)

Content Requirements

• Must be original (student-written speech)
• Designed to:
• Entertain (primary)
• Persuade or inform (secondary but essential)
• Should include:
• Clear thesis/message
• Social, political, or cultural topic
• Humor that supports—not replaces—the message

???? Restrictions

• No plagiarism (zero tolerance)
• No props or costumes
• No reading directly from a script (extemporaneous delivery expected)
• Avoid:
• Excessive vulgarity
• Offensive or discriminatory content
  (Judges may penalize heavily)

???? Delivery Expectations

• Memorized or near-memorized delivery
• Strong use of:
• Timing and pacing (comedic beats matter)
• Vocal variety
• Facial expressions and physicality
• Must balance:
• Humor + substance

???? Structure (Typical Winning Format)

1. Engaging intro (often comedic hook)
2. Thesis (clear message)
3. Body
• 2–3 main points
• Each includes humor + real insight
5. Transitions (often comedic callbacks)
6. Conclusion
• Return to opening joke/theme
• Clear takeaway

???? Judging Criteria

Judges typically evaluate:

• Content
• Originality
• Depth of message
• Relevance
• Humor
• Effectiveness
• Consistency
• Audience engagement
• Delivery
• Confidence
• Timing
• Stage presence
• Organization
• Clear structure
• Logical flow