Junior Division

Junior Public Speaking is a prepared contest at all AJSA Classics. Contestants will pick from one of three topics, which are the same for Regional and National Classics. Contestants are allowed to use two 3x5 handwritten note cards when speaking. Display materials are not allowed.

Intermediate and Senior Divisions

Intermediate and Senior Public Speaking are extemporaneous contests. New in 2026, topics will be announced at least 24 hours prior to the start of the contest. Three to five topics, different at each Classic, related to the agriculture and beef industries will be available. Contestants are encouraged to gather information on their topic of choice and may bring one 3x5 note card with notes to the contest. As in the past, contestants will be given a 30-minute preparation period, along with a packet of information related to the selected topic and note-taking material, before speaking.

Basic Contest Rules – All Age Divisions

- Speeches should be 3 to 7 minutes in length. Time will be indicated to the contestant at the 3-minute, 5-minute, and 7-minute marks. There is a one-point penalty per second under 3 minutes or over 7 minutes.

- After speaking, contestants should stay for questions from the judges. This question-and-answer session is part of the scoring but is not included in the total speech time.

- No cell phones or outside resources are allowed in the contest area.

- Judges have discretion to determine whether a contestant has demonstrated sufficient effort for the contest to be counted toward the educational requirement. For example, if a contestant does little more than announce his or her name and topic, that contestant is subject to disqualification.

- Judges will be rotated at regular intervals within each age division to ensure more uniform scoring.

Scoring

Contestants will be scored on Presentation (150 points), Knowledge of Subject (80 points), Response to Questions (80 points), Organization (40 points) and Overall Effectiveness (50 points). For tiebreaker information, refer to the AJSA Classic rules.

Recommended Dress

Business casual