Public Speaking
Category: Prejudge Project, Speech
Type: Individual
Grade Level: 11-12
Deadline/Testing: 15-Feb
Competitor Limit: 1 Entry per chapter
Topic
Develop and deliver a speech based on the following topic:
How should higher education transform to better serve the needs of students and the workforce?
Event Guidelines
- Competitors must write their speeches. Advisers and other individuals are not permitted to help.
- Each speech must be 5 minutes in length.
- The speech must be of a business nature and based on the topic.
- Place the student’s name, chapter, event name, and title of the speech on the written copy.
- Submit a PDF of the written speech and an audio recording of the speech electronically.
- Ensure that the audio file is a universal file type (ie mp3).
- Name files PS_chaptername_year.
- The top 20 competitors will be notified of their eligibility, groups, and performance times prior to the State Leadership Conference.
Preliminary Round:
- Each speech must be 5 minutes in length. A timekeeper will stand at 4 minutes and again at 5 minutes. When the speaker is finished, the time used by the participant will be recorded noting a deduction of 5 points for any time under 4:31 or over 5:29.
- At the time of the performance, the event administrator will introduce each competitor by name.
- No visual/speaking aids or electronic devices may be used. Handouts are not allowed.
- No microphones are allowed.
- When speaking, participants may use 4” by 6” note cards; however, judges prefer that the speeches are memorized.
- Any competitor receiving coaching from the adviser or members of the audience may be disqualified.
- All performances are open to conference attendees, except performing participants of this event. Performances may not be recorded.
- The top ten (10) participants from each group will be selected for the final round.
Final Round:
- The competitors will be randomly placed for performance times, which will be posted online.
- All other procedures as outlined for the preliminary round will be followed for the final round.
Competency:
- Demonstrate the ability to make a businesslike presentation
- Demonstrate effective verbal communication skills
- Display self-confidence through knowledge of content and articulation of ideas
- Explain content logically and systematically
Eligibility:
Each chapter may enter one FBLA member from Grades 11 or 12. A participant entered in the Public Speaking event is not eligible to enter the Impromptu Speaking event.
Judging
Each participant will be judged by one or more judges. All judges’ decisions are final.
Who Goes to Nationals?
The first-, second-, and third-place winners of this event will represent Nebraska in the Public Speaking event at the National Leadership Conference, provided they have not placed in the top 10 for this event at a previous National Leadership Conference.