Prepared Public Speaking
Prepared Public Speaking

Command the Stage,
Own Your Message

Master the art of persuasive speaking. Develop clarity, confidence, and command on stage through rigorous preparation and polished delivery.

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Student speaking at podium
Event Overview

Deliver Excellence Through
Strategic Preparation

Prepared Public Speaking develops your ability to express yourself clearly and effectively on a given subject. Through rigorous preparation and focused practice, you'll enhance your public speaking skills and gain the confidence to command any audience.

This category is held in conjunction with the prestigious HBCU I Am Me Emerging Leaders Conference, providing an unparalleled platform to showcase your leadership voice alongside the nation's brightest HBCU students.

5-7 Minutes

Optimal speaking length

Original Work

All speeches must be yours

Competition Rules

Event Rules & Guidelines

Clear expectations and standards ensure fair competition and excellence across the board.

Eligibility

Must be registered attendees of the HBCU I Am Me Emerging Leaders Conference

Speech Topic

Given a specific topic related to leadership, community service, or personal development

Time Limit

5–7 minutes required. Penalties apply for speeches shorter or longer than time limits

Original Work

All speeches must be original works written by the participant

Citations

Sources must be cited appropriately within the speech

Visual Aids

Allowed but must be set up and removed within allocated time

How It Works

Event Format & Process

From initial research to the final delivery, understand the complete path to competition success.

Phase 1

Preparation

  • Research topic thoroughly
  • Develop well-structured speech
  • Submit written outline or full script
  • Practice extensively
Phase 2

Speech Essentials

  • Clear introduction, body, conclusion
  • Proper grammar & pronunciation
  • Strong vocabulary & language
  • Engaging, informative, relevant
Phase 3

Presentation

  • Excellent eye contact
  • Appropriate gestures & body language
  • Confidence & clarity
  • Professional attire
Evaluation Criteria

Scoring Rubric (100 Points)

Your speech is evaluated across four key dimensions of excellence.

Content

40

Assessed on:

  • Relevance to assigned topic
  • Depth of analysis
  • Organization & structure
  • Originality of thought

Delivery

30

Assessed on:

  • Voice quality & projection
  • Pronunciation & enunciation
  • Fluency & pace
  • Body language & presence

Effectiveness

20

Assessed on:

  • Audience engagement
  • Persuasiveness
  • Overall impact & connection

Visual Aids

10

Assessed on:

  • Appropriateness to topic
  • Integration into speech
  • Visual clarity
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Intent to Participate

Complete the form below to register your intent to compete. Fields marked with * are required.

Participant Information

Tell us about yourself

Institution Details

Your HBCU information

Competition Categories *

Select the category(ies) in which you intend to participate

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Command the StageMaster Your MessageLead with Excellence