The competition requires competitors to give a three- to five-minute speech on an assigned topic with five minutes of advance preparation. Competitors enter the preparation area one at a time, where they are given a speech topic. They are judged on voice, mechanics, platform deportment, organization, and effectiveness.
The competition requires students to deliver a five- to seven-minute prepared speech based on the annual SkillsUSA competition theme. Competitors are evaluated on their ability to present thoughts relating to the central theme clearly and effectively, and are rated on voice, mechanics and platform deportment.
