Spokesperson
Spokesperson Requirements & Tips Each contestant will have one minute to deliver a speech on a topic of their own choosing. Speeches do not need to be memorized, but a reasonable attempt at eye contact with the audience and judges is expected. Delivery should be natural, enunciation clear, and volume appropriate. Information or opinion presented should be clear and presented in a logical order.
AwardsTrophies will be awarded for 1 Junior (ages 6-12) and 1 Senior (ages 13+) overall Spokesperson winner. Depending on the number of entries received, there might also be a medal awarded in each age division. This is an optional competition and does not count towards a contestant's overall score
WardrobeYou may wear what you are planning to wear for your Personal Introduction and On-Stage question if you like or something similar.
Please keep your speech to 60 seconds or shorter.
You may choose your own speech topic or use one of the following suggestions. It is entirely up to you.
For more ideas, try doing a search for "persuasive speech topics" on Google.
For more ideas, try doing a search for "speech topic ideas for children" on Google.
1) Rehearse – You may memorize your speech if you want, but you don't have to. But you should know it well enough that you are able to deliver it comfortably.
2) Connect – Eye contact makes a person feel personally engaged in a speech and an engaged audience and judges are much more likely to listen to you if you are looking at them.
3) Enunciate – Remember to speak slowly and to pronounce words clearly. Many people have a tendency of speaking a bit too fast, especially when they are nervous.
4) Vary your cadence – Change your volume, speed and tone. This will help to keep your audience interested. But be careful not to get too quiet. You want to make sure everyone can hear you.
5) Watch your posture – Stand up straight and keep your shoulders back. Try to project confidence and you will begin to feel confident.
6) Relax – Realize that Judges want you to succeed. They want you to share your message and have fun doing it.
7) Don’t worry about messing up – If you lose your place or forget what you were going to say, just take a breath and look at your notes for a second.
8) Have fun – Be yourself and enjoy your time on stage.