Applied Speaking
Applied Speaking is about using your voice with purpose—to inform, persuade, entertain, or pay tribute. Unlike traditional speeches, the goal here is to create a meaningful impact on your audience.
This style of speaking challenges members to think beyond performance and focus on outcome. It’s a valuable tool for developing real-world communication skills—perfect for work, community events, or personal growth.
Whether you’re raising awareness, sharing insight, or delivering a heartfelt message, applied speaking helps you connect with your audience and sharpen your intent.
Applied Speaking Competition
Running an Applied Speaking Competition
Applied Speaking contests offer a unique twist on traditional speech competitions. The goal is not simply to impress but to influence – whether by informing, entertaining, persuading, or paying tribute. What makes this format different is that the audience, not a panel of judges, determines the winner, based on whether the speaker achieved their stated objective.
Before the Contest
- Gather entries: Each speaker should submit their completed Applied Speaking Form including:
- Title of speech
- Chosen broad purpose (Inform, Entertain, Persuade, or Pay Tribute)
- Specific objective (e.g. “Audience will better understand X”)
- Audience type (e.g. general public, students, policy-makers)
- Whether they will take questions
- Prepare the Chair:
- The Chair introduces each speaker by announcing:
- The speech title
- The category and specific objective
- They should be brief, accurate, and consistent for all contestants.
- The Chair introduces each speaker by announcing:
During the Contest
- Each speaker delivers their speech aiming to achieve the objective they have stated.
- Time limits are flexible, but consistency across speakers is encouraged unless the format is intentionally varied (e.g. mini-speeches).
After the Contest
- The Chair repeats each speaker’s objective to the audience as a reminder.
- The audience then votes for the speaker who best met their specific objective.
- Voting can be:
- Single-choice (one winner)
- Ranked (audience picks a top 3, points allocated to determine final results)
- Interactive (audience votes while ‘in character’ if a speaker set a fictional audience perspective)
Results and Feedback
- Tally votes (if using a ranking system, ensure someone is available to assist).
- Announce the winner based on audience consensus.
- Optionally, a General Evaluator may provide constructive feedback or you can open a short feedback session.
