Everyone has a story to tell
Everyone has a story to tell
It's better than drama, it's better than comedy, it's real life.
It's better than drama, it's better than comedy, it's real life.
Student Story Slam 2026
We are thrilled to confirm the 7th edition of our storytelling competition for secondary school students in Hong Kong.
Do you have a story to tell? The stage is ready for you!
This inter-school competition offers a public speaking opportunity that is fun and approachable. Students perform true stories from their lives before a live audience and a panel of judges. These stories celebrate the big and small moments of everyday life and show how connected we are despite our uniquely personal experiences.
Who can join
All secondary school students in Hong Kong are invited.
- Do you like telling stories and want to perform on the stage?
- Or perhaps you've never done public speaking but want to challenge yourself?
- Or maybe you're looking for a creative outlet?
This competition is for you!
What kind of story
Your story must be a true story from your own life.
- Tell us a story about something that has happened to you. The main character of the story must be you.
- It should be between 3-5 minutes long.
- It should be related to the theme 'Connections'. You're free to interpret the theme creatively.
You should be the main character.
Why it's exciting
There is something in it for everyone!
- All participants will receive useful feedback from experienced international storytellers.
- Finalists will showcase their talents and compete at the finale held at the Fringe Club on 23 May 2026.
- Finalists will receive certificates and their stories will be published on our popular international podcast*
- Winners will be awarded prizes.
*subject to your guardian's approval
How to join
Submit an audio recording of your story via this form
- Deadline for submission is 29 March 2026.
- You'll find tips for writing and recording a great story in the section below.
- For ideas and inspiration, scroll further down to check out stories by finalists from previous years.
- Spread the Word: Share this announcement with your friends, classmates, and teachers. Let's inspire a new generation of storytellers!
- Email us at storieshongkong@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Gentle Reminders
You might be thinking, I’ll just get AI to write the story - but remember, it has to be a true story from YOUR life.
You know your stories much better than AI does.
After you've written your story, you could use AI to polish up the grammar if you'd like, but the tiny details of real events and your feelings about them are what make a great story, not perfect sentences!
The event will be held in English, but students will be judged on their story, not their English proficiency.
Note: This is an interschool competition. No more than 3 finalists will be shortlisted from any given school.
Submit your story by Sunday, 29 March 2026
Highlights From Previous Years
Students from 25 schools across Hong Kong joined the competition in 2025.
Read about the experience of the 2024 winners in the SCMP Young Post.
How To Write Your Story
Your story does not need to be funny, or tragic or describe a major life change. It can be about small things that make us human. A meaningful encounter with a friend or a stranger on the bus. A time when you went out of your way to make someone feel included or when someone else made you feel special.
1Get Inspired
Dig your memories for moments that matter to you.
Talk your friends and family to hear their stories.
Hear stories from our previous finalists in the section below.
2Define your story
Stories have a structure.
A beginning,
a middle,
and an end.
Something changes in every story, the character shows growth.
3Edit, edit, edit!
Remove details that don't add to the central idea and the plot of your story.
Keep it simple.
Keep it about you!
4Rehearse
Say it out loud. Build pauses into the narration to help the listener stay with you or to emphasize an important moment. Speed up your pace to build excitement during the story.
Student Story Slam Podcast
All the finalists will have the option of being included in the Hong Kong Stories Podcast, which is listened to all over the world.
For ideas and inspiration, check out the stories by finalists from previous years below.
Stories by 2025 finalists:
"Sparkly Notebook" by Naya and "First Day" by Arshan
"Paparazzi" by Selwyn and "Picnic" by Alanis
"Wild Ride" by Callum and "Splash" by Jason
Full playlist of 2025 finalists
Stories by the 2024 winners:
“Gaming” by Felix and “Defining Myself” by Javen
Stories by the 2022 finalists:
“A Great Honour” by Sam, “Surgical Christmas” by Hayley and “Cruel Light” by Chloe
“Grandmother” by Kristen and “Time Gained” by Rex
"Transformation" by Nathan, "Longing" by Ariane, and "Dearest Diary" by Christy
Stories by the 2020 finalists:
"Speed" by Violet and "Timing" by Bobo
"Real or Fake" by Savio and "Lost" by Lorelei
"Secondhand" by Nabila and "Sister" by Karis
"Anticipation" by Harper and "Planning" by Manoela
Stories by the 2019 finalists:
“Competition” by Mehrosh and “Class Trip” by Samson
“Got Talent?” by Hilda and “Saudade” by Manoela
“Yellow” by Julian and “Knock, Knock” by Matthew
Find more tips on discovering and writing stories here
Access a full playlist of classroom-appropriate stories here
© 2017