Public Speaking Contest

The Washington County Fair will host a Public Speaking Contest open to students in grades 7 through 12 who reside in Washington County. This contest will provide a platform for young speakers to develop and showcase their public speaking skills.

Monday, September 15, 2025
Time TBD

1. To Enter: Please complete the Online Registration form on the Washington County Fair website (washingtoncofair.com) and pay the registration fee.
2. Eligibility: The contest is open to students from all schools – public, private and home schooled – from Washington County. All contestants must be academically eligible for competition.
3. Entries will be limited to the first sixteen (16) participants in each division.
4. Divisions are as follows based on the participant’s grade level at the time of the contest:
   1. Junior Division: 7^th Grade – 9^th Grade
   2. Senior Division: 10^th Grade – 12^th Grade
5. Traditional livestock exhibition attire is recommended. No official FFA or 4-H dress is allowed.
6. Contestants are required to upload a Statement of Originality that must be signed and submitted as a PDF. This form can be found on the website.
7. The use of props, of any kind, are prohibited.
8. All speeches must pertain to agriculture. Speeches can include topics like agribusiness, agricultural policy, animal science, agricultural technology, agronomy, natural resources, and other agriculture topics.
9. Time: Each speech shall be timed. Speeches must be between 5 – 8 minutes. Time deductions will apply as follows. If speeches are under the minimum time requirement – .5 points/second. If speeches are over the maximum time requirement – .5 points/second.
10. Question / Answer Period: Up to five (5) minutes of question-and-answer will follow each speech.
11. Awards: An awards ceremony will follow the events. Winners are encouraged to be present to receive awards.