What's The NMA Leadership Speech Contest All About? (back to top)It's an Annual Program available to NMA Chapters and Councils ONLY. Since 1988, high school students across the country have participated in NMA's Leadership Speech Contest (Formally the AESC). NMA chapters hold local and regional competitions, resulting in six contestants reaching the "Finals" at the NMA Annual Conference. Its primary purpose is to promote a better understanding of Leadership. The contest is open to students in grades 9 - 12.
What do students gain from participation? (back to top) By researching, writing, and delivering a speech on Leadership, the young men and women -- and their audiences (faculty, family, friends, and NMA members) -- acquire a greater understanding of the role that Leadership plays. The contest also provides an incentive for the development of communication skills that will be so vital to them upon entering the workforce or furthering their education. Certainly, the financial rewards help winning students to go on to college or otherwise fulfill their dreams. The contest is based on four levels of competition and is aligned with the six geographic areas of NMA. Each level of the contest is under the direction of a contest director who is responsible for coordination of all activities. The first level of competition (at the chapter level) is usually conducted between January and early March. How are the students judged? (back to top) NMA reaches out to Toastmasters International to aid in the critical judging area and recommends that all levels of competition be judged by the members of that organization. All speeches must adhere to the general theme of Leadership and must be submitted to the contest director prior to each level.
What Materials Are Available to Help Conduct a Speech Contest? (back to top)
* The Contest Guide is undoubtedly one of the most thorough guidebooks published by the Association. Chapters interested in starting a local contest will find a complete "boiler plate" for every facet and every step of the process -- news releases, confirmation forms, sample meeting agendas, letters of invitation, thank you letters to judges, presentation scripts, tally sheets, contest data forms, countless checklists, and much, much more. Any Important Deadlines of Which I Should Be Aware? (back to top) Chapters wishing to conduct a Speech Contest need to submit a "Chapter Confirmation Form" (found in the Planning & Reference Guide) to NMA headquarters by December 1. NMA forwards copies to Area Chairmen and Annual Directors. This form must be on file in order for students to be eligible to compete at Council and Area level contests. From Whom Do I Get Additional Information? (back to top) Contact NMA at robin@nma1.org.
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