Ponder the topic and relate it to your message. Decipher what you want the judges to know and how it relates to the pre-selected division topic. If the chosen topic is vague, think beyond what's typical and select a slant that other contestants may not consider. Give it a personal touch. Relate it to you.
Open with a famous quote, a question, or even a joke. Search quotes by topic. Choose a famous person or an everyday hero. Get the audience thinking by beginning with a question. Set them at ease with a touch of humor. Capture their attention with the unexpected.
Expand on the opening sentence and deliver that information in just a few sentences. National CoEd Speech finalist Samantha Hoy advises young women to make every sentence count. Say something about yourself with every word, making the most of your limited time.
End with impact. Tie the middle to the end and circle back to the beginning, all in one powerful sentence. Challenge the listeners. Engage their thinking. Emphasize the message and leave them with an impression.
Draw attention to important words by adding gestures. Bring importance to the meaning with small movements without taking center stage over the message. Add presence with small hand movements, or slight body movements. Bend your knees or rise up on your toes as appropriate.
Stand straight and tall in a T-stance. Place your left foot sideways, with the right foot in front of it and facing forward. Bend knees slightly. Practice with a microphone if possible. If one is not available, grab a large spoon and pretend. Handling a live microphone will be second nature after you’ve been practicing with an object in your hand.
Time your speech. Utilize as much of the time without going over and risking disqualification. Rodeo Queen Bobbie Ward Hinds cautions contestants to stay well within the time limits.