Five Minutes of Fame

By: Dani Thompson

“Even though the State Fair of Texas® recently began its public speaking contest, it is one the most popular ones in the state,” said Carol Lawrence, mother of a speaker.

For three years the State Fair of Texas has held a public speaking contest for FFA and 4-H members. Each year the number of entries has increased dramatically. This year there were more than 120 FFA, FCCLA and 4-H members who competed Oct. 5, for the 2010 State Fair of Texas Grand Champion Public Speaker title.

There are seven categories, Western Heritage, Natural Resources, Livestock Show Ethics, Agribusiness, Agricultural Policy, Animal Science and Agriscience participants can choose from. Once they choose a category the contestant then decides what topic they would like to speak about.

“For many of us it is pretty easy to choose a topic to speak on,” said Peyton Gilbert, Whitehouse FFA. “We generally choose a topic that hits home to us or our community and really gives us that drive to speak about.”

After deciding on a topic the contestant then begins to research it. Many contestants spend roughly four months researching, meeting professionals to ask questions and writing the speech, and another two months memorizing the speech.

“By the time most contestants get to the contest they could say their speeches in their sleep,” said Aubrey Lawrence, Rising Star 4-H.

“We spend countless hours researching and preparing for our five minutes of fame,” said Peyton. “And it all comes down to what we do in that room, whether or not it was all worth it.”

Once the contestants enter their assigned speaking rooms they are given five to seven minutes to present their topics to the judges after which they are allowed three minutes to answer any questions the judges may have.

Their hard work does not go unnoticed. Kirby Kennedy from Lampasas FFA was the 2010 Grand Champion Speaker. Kirby received a champion banner, belt buckle and a $5,000 scholarship. Abby Prause was the Reserve Champion Speaker and received a reserve champion banner, belt buckle and special award. The 2010 State Fair of Texas Speech Contest was sponsored by Lone Star Ag Credit.

November 17, 2010