NOTIFICATION OF PARTICIPATION DUE NOVEMBER 1
Public Speaking Online Application
States will be responsible for hosting a public speaking competition. Each state is to declare one best of show winner for their state contests. State winners will then qualify to participate in the National Grange Public Speaking Contest which will be held during the National Grange Convention.
Age Categories:
Youth: 14-20
Young Adult: 21-25
Alumni: 26+
There will only be one category for public speaking and that will be a prepared speech category. States are encouraged to host an impromptu speech contest as a way to encourage the development of public speaking skills within their state. Only Prepared Speech winners will be allowed to move on to the National competition. 1st – 3rd place winners will receive a cash prize.
Prepared Speech:
Topic: Open category- contestants may choose to present a prepared speech over any topic of their choosing.
Time: Speeches must meet the minimum requirement of 3 minutes and a maximum of 5 minutes.
Presentation: The contestant may use a slide show presentation with their speech. However, if the contestant plans to use this presentation at the National Competition, they must share the presentation in advance (By Nov 1) to present it at the National Convention.
Outline: A paper outline must be provided for the judges. Please prepare at least 3 copies.
Question: The contestant will be asked an impromptu question at the conclusion of their speech. This question will relate to the speech topic. The contestant will have one minute to answer.
Rules:
- The contestant must be the Best of Show winner from their state contest.
- In order to qualify for the National Contest, the contestant must notify the National Youth Director no later than November 1 of the year in which they are competing.
- The contestant must be a Grange member in good standing.
- Speeches must meet time requirements: minimum 3 minutes and maximum of 5 minutes.
- Outlines must be given to the National Youth Director, prior to presentation. 3 copies.
- Contestants will be judged on
- Text- Content, Composition, and Topic
- Delivery- Voice, Command of Audience, Stage Presence, Expression, Mannerisms & Gestures
- Impromptu Answer- Response
- Other- Time limit, Speech Outline.