How the Storytelling competition works

International Conference 2026
The following information has been updated for the 2026 world finals. Coaches and competitors invited to the International Conference for 2026 should review this page for specific competition details.

Overview

Affiliate champion storytellers are invited to participate in our world finals. Performers will present a new original performance live at the International Conference. The story they tell should use the International Conference topic as inspiration and be a logical outgrowth of actions or events in the possible future.

Awards
The awards ceremony recognizes the 1st – 3rd place performers for our world finals in each of the three divisions. Following the conclusion of the ceremony, scoresheets are available in FPSOnline.

Competition rules
When competitors register for the event, they must complete the International Conference Publication Release and Competitor Rules Contract, which indicates a violation of any rules may result in disqualification. This is required for all competitors. Student work must be original. Evaluators and Future Problem Solving staff will review student work and hold discussions to confirm authenticity of student work. Submission of student work during a Future Problem Solving competition indicates that competitors will adhere to all posted rules and room instructions.

Helpful Link

12 storytelling tips dos and don’ts

2026 World finals competition information

When students arrive at their competition room, they will receive important instructions from the competition leads. We recommend that students, coaches, chaperones, and parents review the information in this article prior to attending the International Conference.

1. Competition room

All storytellers will be assigned a competition time and room based on division. Students will receive their competition time and room assignments on-site during International Conference check-in. Students perform their story live for an audience. Evaluators will score competitors live, with other competitors and International Conference attendees watching the live performances. 

2. Time limit

The storytelling performance cannot exceed 5 minutes in length. A member of the evaluation team will serve as a timekeeper and will signal to the performer when only 30 seconds remain. Another signal will indicate the 5 minute mark. The timekeeper will stop the performance when the time has reached 5 minutes and 15 seconds.

3. Performance considerations

• Performers may stand or sit for the performance – it is a personal preference.
• Hand gestures and slight movements are appropriate for storytelling and often advance the story.
• ‘Acting’, such as crouching, jumping, running, or elaborate movements, is not permitted.
• A stationary microphone will be in place for all performers.

4. Recording

Performances may be recorded. Recordings will not be used for evaluation purposes.

5. Note cards

Students may use up to 10 note cards (4×6 inches or size A6) during their performance.

6. Prohibited materials

Students are not allowed to use props, costumes, theatrical makeup, or other materials beyond the use of voice.

7. No self-identification

Performers must not include any identifying information in their performance or on the clothing worn during the performance. Identifying information includes the competitor’s name, school, affiliate, country, and/or state.

8. Translations and accommodations

All requests for translations or educational accommodations must be made during registration. All evaluations are completed in English.

9. FPSOnline

Coaches will receive FPSOnline login credentials during check-in. These will only be used to access scoresheets after the awards ceremony.

10. Good judgment

Watch Out
Students are encouraged to think creatively and futuristically. Taking conceptual risks is part of the creative thinking process, but these risks may not pay off or may push the boundaries too far. All participants should consider the impact of their work and words on others, accounting for the diversity of age, ethnicity, religion, culture, and experience that make up the Future Problem Solving community. Students should use good judgment and remember that all performances should be appropriate for all audiences.

Competition Integrity

All work submitted by students for their competition must be their own original work, completed in accordance with posted rules and competition instructions. All competitors must follow all competition rules and room instructions. Failure to follow competition rules may result in disqualification. For more information, please review the Competition Integrity page.

Evaluation

Evaluators use the official Storytelling Evaluation Guidelines to assess the live performances at our International Conference. Future Problem Solving evaluation applies rubrics (with expectations) for corresponding point values for a range of criteria, including:

• Storytelling technique
• Audience awareness
• Use of voice
• Development of story
• Characterization
• Creative and futuristic thinking
• Connection to the topic

Each performance receives multiple evaluations. Each evaluator uses total points to rank performances. Points and ranks from each evaluation are used to create a composite score (values are assigned to a set range of points and ranks). The composite score determines placements of the live storytelling performances.

While there are guidelines and descriptions of expectations, Future Problem Solving evaluation is based on subjective scoring. Because there is no single “right” answer, varying interpretations of student work are possible. Each evaluator determines the points that will be awarded for each section of a scoresheet. For more information and a sample scoresheet, see the how Storytelling is evaluated article.

Questions?

If you have any questions related to this competition at the International Conference, fill out our IC help form.