Effective Speaking

The aims of the Effective Speaking program is

• to provide an opportunity for Air Cadets to develop self confidence, improve communication skills and increase their ability to reason, organize and express ideas - logically and persuasively; and 

• to foster the principals of team working and enable cadets to further develop the skills acquired through the mandatory LHQ and Summer Training Centre leadership and instructional techniques courses; and 

• to promote the citizenship component of local squadron training by familiarizing Air Cadets with Robert’s Rules of Order; and 

• to increase public awareness at the provincial and local levels of the citizenship and leadership aspects of the Air Cadet program.

The National Cadet and Junior Canadian Ranger Support Group (Natl CJCR Sp Gp), in consultation with the Air Cadet League of Canada (ACL), may require a virtual competition at Provincial and/or National level. See Video Format document in attachments section. 

To assist cadets with preparing for the 2025 competition season, please refer to the training resources located on the ACL website at https://aircadetleague.com/effective-speaking-program/

Cadets: Please sign-up once using the on-line form for Sqn or Regional (Wing) Competitions! 

The application form is on-line at

 https://aircadetleague.com/acc54-cadet-effective-speaking-competition-for-royal-canadian-air-cadets/  

Follow instructions. Complete and obtain signatures (form has digital pen) where applicable. CO or designate will forward to Regional coordinator if the cadet will be representing a squadron.  For Wing 11 each squadron may enter two participants.

As with previous years, the Provincial Committees will be responsible for hosting the Regional and Provincial Competitions and the ACL will host the National Competition.  Local and Regional comps may be in-person or virtual.

Prepared Speech Topics for 2025 - Pick One

1. How has what you have learned in the Air Cadet Program affected your plans for the future?

2. Name 3 things that have been invented by Canadians and describe their impact on Canada and the world.

3. Who is your favorite Canadian (famous or not), and why?

4. What impact do you think Artificial Intelligence (AI) will have on the way we live and work?

5. Discuss Canada’s role in the Space Program. Past, Present and Future.

6. Which person has had the most significant impact on your life?

7. How do you imagine aircraft engineering in the future?

8. Explain the evolution of aviation around the world.

Key Dates

• 25 Feb 2025 - Deadline for 3 Squadron cadets to inform CO of desire to enter ES Competition

• 4 March 2025 - 3 Squadron ES Competition - In-Person - LHQ

• 18 March 2025 - Deadline for all cadets in Wing 11 Comp to submit on-line form for ES Competition, CO should cc Coordinator to confirm names, ranks and topics

• 23 March 2025- Regional/Zone (Wing 11) ES Competition - Dress: C3 - In-Person Hosted by #3 Strathroy @ Legion Br116.

• 12 April 2025 - Provincial ES Competition - In-Person Canadian Forces College Toronto - Dress: C3 

• 13 June 2025 - National ES Competition - In-Person Ottawa at ACL AGM - Dress: C3

The following Effective Speaking regulation has been developed to supplement and clarify Rule 21 to guide ES coaches and judges in Ontario. These rules are to be applied at the Squadron, Regional and Ontario level Effective Speaking Competitions beginning in the spring of 2018.  More in the Supplementary Rules document in the Attachments section below.

Speakers who fail one or more of the following rules are to not to be disqualified. Judges are to instead notify the Teller at the end of the event, which cadets are to be penalized. The final marks for these cadets will marked-down a maximum of 15% (each judge can recommend a 5% penalty) by the Teller after the final scores have been tallied:

Cadet Competitors' Must Not Use Animation:

• Speakers may, but need not, stand at attention while speaking.

• Speakers may place one or both of their hands and or arms on the podium, where a podium is being used.

• Speakers may hold a microphone in their hands where a microphone without a stand is being used. Otherwise a microphone on a stand should be adjusted to the correct height.

• Cadets are to speak from one location. Cadets may choose to stand behind, in front of or to either side of the podium.

• Once a cadet begins speaking they may stand still or slowly take a few paces in a triangle about the lectern but must never turn their back on the audience (see National Rules, Delivery, Page 68).

Cadet Competitors’ Must Not Use Gimmicks:

• Speakers may infrequently use modest (not dramatic) arm and hand gestures to emphasize the points being made. Pointing with an extended arm or finger will be penalized.

• Speakers may use index cards with speaking points during the Prepared Speech Round. Speaking cards should be bound together such that were they to fall, they’d not lose their order.

• Speakers may not sing, hum or make sound effects during their speech

• Speakers must not use props of any form

• Speakers must remain in a standing position during their speech, except where the health condition of a competitor requires them to be seated, etc.

Cadet Competitors' Must Not Plagiarize: 

• Plagiarism will not be permitted and may result in disqualification.  Plagiarism Definition: The practice of taking of someone else’s words or ideas and passing them off as one’s own. Another person’s words/phrases may be used providing that they are given credit for their words or phrases. Cadets may not use computer AI programs such as ChatGPT.

Effective Speaking Guide, Application Form, Cadet Workbook and more are in Attachments below

#3 Squadron cadets who wish to participate in the Effective Speaking Competition should talk to the CO.  3 Sqn cadets participating at Regionals will be in WING 11 which includes squadrons 3, 27, 44, 201, 294, 364, 535, 614, 741, and 862.  

More resources at http://aircadetleague.com/effective-speaking-program/

Application Form

Video Format 2021  (not required for 2025)

Cadet Workbook

Ontario Supplementary Rules

National Handbook

Also there are helpful hints and tips on the Toastmasters website at https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/public-speaking-tips .  Note: The expectations and rules for Air Cadets may be different than Toastmasters.