For more information on this specific LDE visit:
Overview
This event is designed to encourage the development of FFA members in the ability to speak, to think, and to answer questions readily before an audience. The plan and rules have been organized according to those in use in the regional and national events. The winner in the state event is eligible to compete in the national event.
Sub-District, District, State, National
4-6 minutes
Rules
Any one of four announced topics may be selected by the participant thirty minutes before the event. The event topics shall relate to the following four themes:
Agriscience and Technology
Agrimarketing and International Agriculture
Food and Fiber Systems
Urban Agriculture
All reference material will be screened by an event official on the following basis:
Reference material shall be limited to five items
One of the items can be a notebook or folder of collected materials. This may include 100 pages or less (materials can be on one side of 100 sheets of paper or both sides of 50 sheets of paper). All materials must be attached to 8 1/2 x 11 sheets of paper. No more than 100 pages shall be permitted or the entire notebook or folder will be taken from the participant.
Reference material must be printed material such as books or magazines (cannot be notes or speeches prepared by the participant or by another person for the purpose of use for this event).
Materials from websites must include the URL address to reference the source.
Each speech shall be the result of the participant's own effort using approved reference material, which the participant may bring to the preparation room. No other assistance may be provided. Marked 3"X5" note cards will be provided to each participant in the preparation room. Any notes for speaking must be made during the 30-minute preparation period.
Each speech shall be not less than four or more than six minutes with five minutes additional time allowed for related questions, which shall be asked by the judges. The participant will be given a warning after the first five minutes of their speech by the timekeeper. This will be done by holding up a card with a "five" on it. Participants are to be penalized .1 point per second on each judges score sheet for being over six minutes or under four minutes.
The chairperson of the event shall introduce the participant by name and chapter and the participant may introduce their speech by title only.
Notes made only during the preparation period may be used.
Participants are not permitted to use any props, gadgets, posters, or audio-visuals of any sort. However, a podium is permitted.
No communication devices (cell phones, pagers, hand-held pocket computers, two-way radios, etc.) will be allowed in the possesion of the contestant during the waiting preparation or delivery times.
The judges for the state event will be made aware of the topics no more than one week prior to the state event.
The judges in each Sub-District shall designate the top two individuals to compete in the District event. The judges shall also name an alternate.
The judges in each District shall designate the top two individuals to compete in the State event. The judges shall also name an alternate.
The judges at the State level shall designate the top three individuals. The top individual will compete in the National event. The judges shall also name an alternate and third place finisher.