Each February, we hold a speech contest on a pre-determined official topic.  Applications will be accepted during the month of January with the competition being held in February prior to the Strawberry Festival.

All competitors receive a certificate of participation while First Place receives a college scholarship of $1,000, Second Place receives a college scholarship of $750, and Third Place receives a college scholarship of $500.

Summary of the requirements:  

• Competition is gender-neutral with boys and girls competing together.
• Open to contestants currently in 6th through 12th grade in a Plant City area middle or high school listed here:
  • Middle School (6-8 grade):  Advantage, Independence, Marshall, Shiloh, Tomlin, Turkey Creek
  • High School (9-12 grade):  Durant, Plant City, Simmons, Strawberry Crest  
• Each contestant shall prepare his or her own speech.
• Speech will be between four (4) and five (5) minutes in length.
• All contestants must speak on the official topic and must state the official topic in the first sentence of the speech. 
• Scoring will conform to the following criteria:

1. Poise – appearance and personality: 10 points
2. Content of Speech – subject adherence, theme, content, logic and color: 40 points
3. Delivery & Presentation – voice, volume, pronunciation, gestures, eye contact, sincerity and emphasis: 35 points
4. Overall Effectiveness – appeal, impression, attitude and effect: 15 points

• Penalties will be deducted from the points as follow​s:

1. Failure to announce the official topic in the first sentence – 3 points
2. Failure to identify non-original material – up to 10 points
3. Use of props, costume, etc. - 10 points
4. Time penalties – 1 point for each 15 seconds or fraction over or under the allotted time.
5. Self-identification – up to 5 points
6. Failure to complete speech – disqualification
7. Use of audience prompters - disqualification

Please click the link at the top of the page to apply online!