Presenting on topics ranging from xenotransplantation to food safety, students from Cortez, Dove Creek, Dolores and three other high schools congregated at Montezuma-Cortez High School to compete in a Future Farmer’s of America (FFA) District Public Speaking Competition.
Held on Nov. 13, the competition featured three different public speaking events, including Creed Speaking, Prepared Public Speaking and Extemporaneous Public Speaking.
Students participating in Creed Speaking event were required to present the FFA Creed from memory and answer questions about its meaning and purpose.
“Creed Speaking is an introduction into public speaking and breaks students’ fear of it,” said M-CHS agriculture teacher Amanda Ramos.
Finishing first overall in the Creed Speaking event and earning a trip to the state competition was M-CHS FFA member Cassie Finley. Megan Duncan finished fifth in the event.
In the Prepared Public Speaking event, students delivered a six to eight minute speech on a topic of their choosing, which in most cases, involved a controversial agricultural issue.
Cortez FFA member Tierney Wilson finished first overall in the event, thereby securing a spot in the state competition. Laycee Jones finished fourth in the event.
The Extemporaneous Public Speaking event required students to deliver a four to six minute speech on a topic assigned 30 minutes beforehand.
“Extemporaneous is the most challenging because it forces students to think on their feet and improvise,” said Ramos.
In addition to delivering their speeches, students in all three contests were required to answer questions posed by a panel of judges.
While Ramos was unable to provide an exact number of students who took part in the event, she estimated that between 30 and 35 students participated.
“Right now, public speaking is the number one fear in America,” said Ramos. “We really value these contests because we are trying to help students develop skills that will help them no matter what career they choose after high school.”