Effective Speaking

What is Effective Speaking?

Effective speaking in the Royal Canadian Air Cadet program involves public speaking with a prepared speech for the purposes of evaluation and/or competition. For many youth, public speaking is a common fear but also an instrumental skill for success both in and beyond the cadet program. All cadets are welcome to participate in a local competition for nomination to the regional event (see below). Competition nominees will be assigned a coach who will help them develop their topic and presentation so that they have the best possible chance of advancing to the provincial competition.

Here is the list of acceptable topics for 2026:

1. What does leadership mean to you, and how have you demonstrated it?

2. The official integration of girls into the Cadet Program over the past 50 years transformed opportunities for women—in leadership, careers, and society. What impact do you believe this has had on the Cadet Program and the broader world?

3. What is your dream job and how is the Air Cadet program preparing you for this job?

4. What does Canada mean to you?

5. If you could give advice to your younger self on your first day as a cadet, what would you say?

6. How has Canada contributed to flight, aviation, and space exploration—past, present, and future?

7. What personal growth may be expected for a youth who enters the cadet program?

8. What does effective communication look like in today’s world, and why is it important for youth leaders?

About the Competition

1. The rules and regulations can be found on the National Website - National Effective Speaking Program - Air Cadet League of Canada.  Please note that prepared speeches should be between 5 & 6 minutes in length for all competitors (regardless of rank/age).   

2. All participants must complete the ACC54 Form.

3. Here are the details you will need to complete the form:

Squadron: 514 Kinsmen
Address: 115 The Blvd, St. John's, NL A1A 1K3, Canada
Commanding Officer: Capt Justin Fitzgerald, justin.fitzgerald@cadets.gc.ca

Local Effective Speaking Competitions

1. If necessary, 514 will host a local competition to identify a candidate for the regional competition. More details to follow.

2. All participants must complete the ACC54 Form.

3. Our winning participant will be contacted this week. 

Regional Effective Speaking Competition

1. The Regional competition is only held if there is a sufficient number of competitors. A decision will be made on 4 Feb 2026.

2. If required, the Regional competition will take place virtually near the end of February.

3. Only our winning participant from the Local Competition will compete.

4. All participants must complete the ACC54 Form.

Provincial Competition 

1. The provincial competition will be held in St. John's on Saturday, April 18, 2025 in person. 

National Competition

2. The provincial winner will represent NL at the National Competition on 19 June 2026 IN PERSON in Ottawa, ON.