Youth Agriculture Speaking Championships
Rules & Judging Criteria
- This competition is open to any youth between the ages of 11 and 24 years old as of the date of the National Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture competition, which this year is Nov. 7, 2026. Proof of age may be asked to be shown upon request.
- All speeches will be timed and are required to fall within the 5-7 minute timeframe. Speakers who exceed or do not meet the time limit will be penalized.
Deductions are as follows for under 5 minutes or over 7 minutes:- 1-10 seconds – 2 pts.
- 11-20 seconds – 5 pts.
- more than 20 seconds – 15 pts.
- Contestants may use a flip chart or appropriate posters to illustrate their speech; however, any PowerPoint, electronic or audio-visual aids are NOT allowed.
- Contestants are scored out of 120 possible points; 60 points for presentation and 60 points for speech content. Content takes into consideration speech development, arguments, organization, originality, creativity and informational, as well as appropriateness for the purpose & audience. Speech presentation includes the effectiveness of the speaker, physical attributes, poise, posture, etc. delivery, voice control and accuracy in grammar, word choice & pronunciation. All contestants will receive copy of the judging scorecard prior to the competition.
- All contestants are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses.
- Contestants agree to be photographed, taped or quoted, as well as agree to have their names and speeches used for promotional purposes.
- Any previous first place winners of the Youth Agriculture Speaking Championships or Alberta Young Speakers for Agriculture competitions are not eligible to participate in subsequent competitions. The exception is that a Junior winner can return to compete in the Senior Competition.
- Competitors may only compete in one (1) of the three preliminary locations. The top 4 Junior & Seniors from each preliminary event will advance to the Finals.
- Participants who qualify for the Finals round, must use the same speech that they used in the preliminary competition.
- The Judges’ decisions are final.
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