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3-Minute Language Pitch

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3-Minute Language Pitch

Public Speaking Competition (individual)


About the Competition

The 3-Minute Language Pitch is a recorded public speaking competition in which participants select one meaningful word from any language and deliver a 3-minute speech in English.

The speech should explain how the concept behind the word can contribute to a more inclusive, understanding, and borderless world.

Objectives

  1. Promote appreciation of linguistic and cultural diversity.
  2. Encourage students to explore meaningful concepts embedded within languages.
  3. Develop concise and impactful public speaking skills.

Eligibility & Categories

Participation

Individual Entry

Eligibility

Undergraduate students only

Language

English

Categories

Based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR):

  • Level I: CEFR A2 – B1
  • Level II: CEFR B2 – C1

How to Participate

  1. Choose one category (Level I or II) to participate in.
  2. Team Manager needs to register for the competition via the Google Form link provided above (see Registration & Submission above).
  3. Select one (1) meaningful word:
    1. The word may come from the participant's own language, another language, a dialect, or any language variety. The chosen word should represent a unique idea, value, emotion, practice, or worldview that may not have a direct equivalent in other languages.
    2. Examples of suitable words include:
      • Gotong-royong (Malay) – the spirit of communal cooperation and mutual assistance.
      • Ikigai (Japanese) – a sense of purpose or reason for living.
      • Saudade (Portuguese) – a deep emotional longing for something or someone absent.
      • Meraki (Greek) – doing something with passion, creativity, and dedication.
    3. Participants must reflect on the meaning and significance of their chosen word and how the concept behind the word can help address global challenges, promote understanding, or strengthen connections among people from different backgrounds.
  4. From the broad theme of creating a more inclusive, understanding, and borderless world, narrow your speech down to one (1) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) below:
    • SDG 4: Quality Education
    • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
    • SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
    • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

      For example, if a participant chooses the Malay word “gotong-royong”, which refers to the spirit of communal cooperation and mutual assistance, they may explain how people working together for a common purpose can strengthen social bonds, foster inclusivity, and create more resilient communities. The participant could argue that collaboration and shared responsibility are essential for addressing challenges that affect society. This concept can be linked to SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, which promotes inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable communities.
  5. Participants may use one (1) visual aid to support their 3-Minute Language Pitch. The visual aid should complement the presentation without overshadowing the speaker and will be considered as part of the overall presentation.
  6. Ensure that the total speech duration must be within three (3) minutes.
  7. Record the video in landscape format and upload it to YouTube.
  8. Name the video in this format: HELCA 2026 3-Minute Language Pitch - [Level Category] (University Name).
    For example: HELCA 2026 3-Minute Language Pitch - Level 1 (UM).
  9. Configure the YouTube video visibility setting as Public or Unlisted to ensure accessibility for evaluation.
  10. Team Manager needs to submit the YouTube video link via the provided Google Form (see Registration & Submission above). Along with the video link, submit the following:
    1. The script of the speech.
    2. If relevant, a declaration of AI usage, specifying the intent and extent of its application.
  11. The first-place recipient will be invited to showcase their speech live at Universiti Malaya (UM) during the closing ceremony of HELCA 2026.

Judging Criteria

  1. Meaning and Explanation
    • Clarity, accuracy, and depth in explaining the meaning and underlying concept of the chosen word.
  2. Relevance to Theme
    • Effectiveness in connecting the chosen word to the theme, “A Voyage of Languages: Shaping a World without Borders,” and linking it to one of the identified Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  3. Impact and Originality
    • Quality of the ideas presented and their ability to offer fresh, compelling, and original perspectives.
  4. Delivery and Audience Engagement
    • Effectiveness of speech delivery in engaging the audience through confidence, clarity, vocal expression, and the effective integration of visual aids to support the presentation.
  5. Time Management
    • Strict compliance with the mandated 3-minute duration.

Last Update: 04/09/2026