DISCOURSE THROUGH DIFFERENCE​

 

The VYMUN 2026 Tracey Lee Speech Competition invites delegates to reflect on this year's conference theme, Discourse Through Difference, and explore how we can bridge divides, embrace diverse perspectives, and build meaningful connections through dialogue.

Named in honour of Tracey Lee, the founder of VYMUN, the competition celebrates the power of student voices to inspire reflection, challenge perspectives, and foster meaningful conversations.

Whether drawing from your experiences in Model United Nations, your community, or the world around you, we encourage you to share your unique perspective on the power of understanding and communication.

Two outstanding speakers will be selected to present their speeches at the VYMUN 2026 Closing Ceremony and receive the Tracey Lee Speech Award.

​​​​SPEECH INFORMATION​

Participants may choose to respond to one of two prompts, which will be announced during the Opening Ceremony and simultaneously published here.​

Participants must submit a video recording of themselves delivering their speech. Speeches should be approximately 2 minutes long and must not exceed 3 minutes. Speeches do not need to be memorized, and participants are welcome to refer to notes or a script. However, we encourage speakers to maintain eye contact with the camera and engage their audience rather than simply reading aloud. Videos will be reviewed by the VYMUN Secretariat, and two speakers will be selected to present at the Closing Ceremony.

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When preparing your speech, we encourage you to:

• Go beyond the surface: Avoid simply restating the prompt or making broad, general statements. Explore the complexities of the topic and offer thoughtful insights that go beyond the obvious.

• Share a unique perspective: Take a clear stance, challenge a common assumption, or present an interpretation that others may not have considered.

• Make it personal: Draw on your own experiences, observations, or stories to bring your ideas to life and make your message more meaningful.

• Stay on theme: Connect your speech to Discourse Through Difference and your chosen prompt, while approaching the topic creatively and originally.

• Engage your audience: Capture attention with a compelling opening, communicate your ideas clearly, and leave your audience with a memorable takeaway.

• Speak with purpose and authenticity: Be genuine and passionate about your message. Rather than simply describing an issue, explain why it matters and what your audience can learn from it. We value sincerity and creativity over overly formal and complex language.​

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Above all, we want to hear your voice, not just what you think we want to hear. There is no single correct way to approach these prompts. The strongest speeches will combine originality, personal insight, and meaningful reflection to offer the audience something new to consider.