Helping young students find their voice.
Talking Tigers is a free, student-led organization that brings public-speaking education to elementary and middle schoolers. We teach speech through confidence and clarity — from impromptu speeches all the way to original oratories.
Speech Competition for elementary & middle schoolers.
Talking Tigers is hosting a speech competition open to any elementary or middle school student. Whether your child is brand new to public speaking or already loves the stage, we encourage them to participate.
🏆 Prizes
All prizes awarded as Bent Spoon gift cards 🍦
Every young voice deserves to be heard.
We believe public speaking is one of the most powerful skills a young person can learn, and one of the most under-taught. Talking Tigers gives 1st through 8th graders in the Princeton area a welcoming space to practice speaking. Our sessions are guided by experienced high school instructors who have leadership in both public speaking, speech, and debate.
Our programs are free, year-round, and rooted in a simple idea: when students feel safe to speak, they discover what they have to say.
Empower
We build skills students will carry into every classroom, interview, and leadership role ahead of them.
Include
Our programs are free and open to all families. No auditions, no fees, no prior experience required.
Mentor
Older students teach younger ones, creating a feedback loop between high schoolers and the community.
Inspire
We celebrate progress — not perfection — and recognize the courage it takes to stand up and speak.
Why public speaking?
Studies consistently rank public speaking among the most impactful skills for academic and career success — yet most middle schoolers have never been formally taught how to do it.
By introducing rhetoric, storytelling, and structured speech early, we help students develop the kind of self-assurance that doesn't fade after a single classroom presentation. It becomes part of who they are.
And because our instructors are local high schoolers, students see what's possible just a few years down the road.
Programs designed to build lifelong confidence.
Our curriculum is structured, supportive, and built around real-world speaking — not just memorized recitations.
Weekly Workshops
1st–8th graders meet in small groups for hands-on sessions covering articulation, body language, persuasive structure, and audience awareness.
Speaker of the Week
Each week we recognize a student whose clarity, preparation, or courage stood out. Honorees are featured on our Instagram — a small spotlight that means a lot at this age.
10-Week Speech Course
A seasonal program that walks students through writing, rehearsing, and delivering two original speeches, ending with a recorded performance to celebrate their growth.
Online & In-Person Sessions
Spring and fall sessions are held in person at Tiger Labs (300 Witherspoon St, Suite 201). Summer sessions are online, so every interested student can find a way to participate.
Need extra help? Meet with an instructor on Zoom.
Outside of weekly workshops, students can book a free one-on-one Zoom session with a Talking Tigers instructor for personalized coaching — practicing a speech, refining delivery, prepping for a competition, or just talking through nerves.
Where confidence comes to life.
Snapshots from our weekly workshops, competitions, and community events.
Built by students. Powered by mentorship.
Talking Tigers was founded and is run entirely by Princeton High School students who believe younger learners deserve the same opportunities they wished they'd had.
Maiya Qiu
A junior at Princeton High School and retired debater with experience in public forum, British parliamentary, and world schools debate. Maiya brings years of peer-tutoring and arts-council experience to leading the organization.
Melvin Qiu
Captain of the PHS Parliamentary Debate team, third-place finisher at the Bridgewater-Raritan Invitational and JV Parli finalist at the NJSDL State Championships. Melvin pairs competitive experience with weekly peer-tutoring work.
Meisu Wang
A junior at Princeton High School, Meisu serves as a Speech Officer and Parliamentary Debate Officer at PHS, with additional experience in public forum and public speaking. She manages the organization's finances and program planning.
Jayden Zheng
A freshman at Princeton High School. He's a Speech Officer for PHS Speech and Debate. He won 1st in the NJ April Speech Festival and second place in the Technology Students Association Prepared Speech Contest. Four years of Toastmasters has sparked Jayden's passion for delivering model speeches to younger audiences. In his free time, you can find him swimming or playing Brawl Stars.
Yejoon (Joon) Na
Joon is a member of the Princeton High School Debate Club and competes in Public Forum. Outside of speech and debate, you'll find him playing soccer, taking photos, and watching movies.
Daniel
A sophomore at Princeton High School with prior Public Forum experience. Daniel is known as an outspoken peer leader and connects naturally with students learning to find their own voice.
Rayan Das
An 8th grader at Princeton Middle School with years of debate, speech, and public-speaking experience across multiple programs. Rayan brings the perspective of a near-peer who recently walked the same path as our students.
Kyle Chen
Kyle is a freshman at Princeton High School. He is a varsity debater in public forum debate and a writer for multiple newspapers. Having to do many interviews combined with rounds of debate builds valuable experience in public speaking. When away from the computer you can find him out on the soccer field or even in Tacoria enjoying a burrito bowl.
Follow our students' wins on Instagram.
Every week, we celebrate a Speaker of the Week and share highlights from our workshops, competitions, and community events. It's the easiest way to see what our students are achieving — and to cheer them on.
▶ @princetontalkingtigersThere's a place for you here.
Whether you're a student, a parent, or a community partner, Talking Tigers grows with the people who care about it.
Enroll a Student
Sign up a 1st–8th grader for our next workshop series. Classes are free, and no prior experience is needed.
Sign UpBecome an Instructor
Are you a high schooler with speech, debate, or teaching experience? We're always looking for thoughtful mentors to join our team.
Apply to TeachPartner With Us
Schools, libraries, and local organizations can host or co-promote sessions. We'd love to bring Talking Tigers to your community.
Get in TouchYour gift keeps every program free.
Talking Tigers is run entirely by student volunteers, but materials, venue costs, and competition expenses all add up. Every donation goes directly to keeping our programs free and accessible to every family in Princeton.
Make a Donation
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Help us reach the next 150 students.
Talking Tigers is a student-led organization run entirely by volunteers. Your contributions, time, and partnership keep our programs free and growing.