The Queensland Country Women's Association
Servicing the Community since 1922

Public Speaking

Since time immemorial, careers and empires have been launched on a speech delivered by one who has the ability to speak persuasively to an audience. Speaking well in public is priceless, and differs to conversation. Speech is said to be the greatest gift humans possess, and enables communication of thoughts and feelings to each other.

QCWA has many ways of promoting the personal development of its members, and Public Speaking contests are one of them. The contest is divided into two sections, novice speakers and advanced speakers. The novice section has the same guidelines as the advanced section, and goes to Regional level only.  A contestant who enters the novice section is only a novice until winning at Regional level. There are prepared and impromptu speeches, for both sections, and the choice of prepared speeches appears in the journal. These contests progress through Divisions to the three Regions, Northern, Central and Southern. They culminate at the Annual State Conference, where the Public Speaking contest is a firm favourite, and one of the highlights. The three place getters are determined and perpetual trophies awarded.

Speeches are judged by members of Forum, Toastmasters, International Training in Communication and Rostrum, all from outside the Association. This contest provides entrants with the opportunity to develop their communication skills, and greatly enhances not only their self-esteem, but also their self-confidence.

For further information, please contact the State Convener, Mrs Penny Campbell-Wilson 07 4667 0386.

Last modified: April 20, 2010