Prepared Speech 13 - 19 years of age 20 - 29 years of age 30+ years of age   Elevator Speech   13 - 19 years of age 20 - 29 years of age 30+ years of age   Impromptu Speech     13 - 19 years of age 20 - 29 years of age 30+ years of age There will be Three Categories this year along with Three Age Divisions as follows: The age of the contestant on the date of the contest will determine the age group. For state, regional and national public speaking contests, NO PROPS (Posters, PowerPoint presentations, etc.) permitted due to varying room sizing, which could render props hard to see by the audience.

Category A: Prepared Speech

Contestant’s choice of topic – Contestants in Category A will be required to answer an impromptu question at the end of their speech. The questions will be related to the contestant’s chosen speech topic. This will include William Ireland Communication Achievement Award speeches.

Category B: Elevator Speech

You’ve met someone in an elevator or been stopped in a restaurant and asked “What is the Grange” your task is to explain what the Grange is to this person in one and one-half minutes (90 seconds).

Category C: Impromptu Speech

An impromptu speech is delivered without preparation or thought ahead of time. No note cards are used, and topics are generally drawn.

• We hope that by establishing an impromptu speech category that members will build confidence and in the future participate in the prepared speeches or the elevator speech category.
• Impromptu speeches should be at least one minute in length and not longer than 7 minutes.
• Time keeper will hold up hand when the 1 minute mark has been reached and then 6.30 minute mark has been reached so speaker knows when he/she can stop.
• Participants will draw two topics, select their choice of the two and return the other one.
• Competition will be held at the Regional Conferences – You need not have participated in a state competition in order to participate.
• Participants must notify National Director of intent to enter prior to the beginning of the contest.
• Impromptu speaking will be judged on the following criteria:
• Voice - Spoke clearly, easy to understand;
• Stage Presence - dressed neatly and appropriately, posture, nervousness, etc.;
• Expression - Delivered speech with enthusiasm and emotion;
• Confidence in speaking, Content of speech;
• Clarity of thoughts and ideas on topic.
• One point will be deducted for every 30 seconds a participant is under or over the time established.
• Score sheet will be returned to entrants.

National Grange will provide ribbons to the top three entrants in each division and age category along with cash prizes.

Best of Show 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place   Prepared Speech $25.00 $20.00 $15.00 $10.00 Impromptu Speech $25.00 $15.00 $10.00 $5.00 Elevator Speech $25.00 $15.00 $10.00 $5.00

One Overall Winner from each region will be selected to show case at the National Grange Convention. Impromptu Public speaking category entries are not eligible for Best of Show. Each Best of Show that show cases at the National Grange convention will receive $100.00. Overall winner must reside in the region of the contest.