Speaking Development Events are designed to develop the ability of all FFA members to express themselves on a given subject. Students are encouraged to develop their communication skills and learn to formulate their remarks for presentation in a variety of situations. The state finals of the speaking development events are held in conjunction with the Texas FFA Convention in July. Link to the overall SDE rules

Students will need to wear OFFICIAL FFA DRESS TO COMPETE IN THESE CONTESTS

Late Spring Individual Events:

Extemporaneous Public Speaking      

Overview: Members learn how to think on their feet and make a case quickly and persuasively.  Contestants are given 30 minutes to prepare a speech on one of three randomly selected agricultural topics.  After delivering the speech, contestants may be asked questions about their speech and topic.

Senior Prepared Public Speaking       

Overview: 

Each contestant writes and delivers a six- to eight-minute speech about a current agricultural subject of their choice.  Participants are then rated based on the written speech, speech delivery and their answers to judges’ qu

estions.

Senior Prepared Public Speaking Divisions are as follows:

• Animal Science: Participants may choose any current or future subject that deals with any aspect of the industries of dairy, equine, poultry, sheep, swine, beef, specialty animals, embryo transfer, etc.
• Plant Science: Participants may choose any current or future subject that deals with any aspect of horticulture and/or agronomy industries. This may include such areas as floriculture, fruit and or/vegetable production, nursery operations, turf and landscape management, crop production, specialty crop production, etc.
• Natural Resources: Participants may choose any current or future subject that deals with topics such as soil, water, air, rural water, wildlife, forestry, aquaculture, conservation, recreation, recycling, energy, environmental issues, etc.
• Agribusiness: Participants may choose any current or future subject that deals with topics such as cooperatives, sales, service, entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, commodities, futures, hedging, advertising, online marketing program, etc.
• Agricultural Policy: Participants may choose any current or future subject that deals with topics such as domestic farm issues, international trade, rural economic development, politics, animal rights, law, subsidies, price supports, etc.
• Agriculture Technology and Communications: Participants may choose any current or future subject that deals with topics such as biotechnology, biogenetics, bioengineering, mechanical engineering, farm safety, use of technology, research, laser, satellites, computers, journalism, communications, social media, public relations, etc.

Junior Prepared Public Speaking 

Overview: Each contestant writes and delivers a five to eight-minute speech about a current agricultural subject of their choice.  Participants are then rated based on the written speech, speech delivery and their answers to judges’ questions.

 Jr. Prepared Division speech should address a topic related to Agribusiness or Agriculture.

Soil Stewardship Prepared Public Speaking:

Information about specific contest, and scholarship information

Overview: 

Contestants write and deliver a six- to eight-minute speech in accordance with the year’s theme selected by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board.  Prior to competition the speech must be presented to the local chapter and to at least one civic or school group if competing above the district level.

The Soil and Water Stewardship Public Speaking Contest is open to high school agricultural science students interested in conservation. The contest is aimed at broadening students' interest and knowledge of conservation and how people must depend on and take care of the world around them for survival.

The contest is conducted through the Texas FFA, with contests at the local, area, and state level. To prepare for the contest, students are to consult with their agricultural science teacher and work with their local soil and water conservation district. Students are encouraged to visit with their local soil and water conservation district to find out more about conservation practices in their area.