Speaking Development Events (SDE'S)

Overview

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.

Extemporaneous Public Speaking 

• 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.

Junior Prepared Public Speaking

• 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.

Senior Prepared Public Speaking

• 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’ questions.

• Senior Prepared Public Speaking Divisions are as follows: 
  

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.

Soil Stewardship Prepared Public Speaking 

• 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.