Competition Date: Saturday, March 9, 2024  9:30 AM to 1:30 PM

Contest Theme: Challenges to Education
Using your own research, present a limited-time, persuasive speech focusing on ONE of the following:


1. Who is your unsung hero or heroine of history—a person not currently discussed in history
books or classes?
-OR-
2. How might book banning affect your education?
-OR-
3. How will advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) factor into choosing a career?

Register: at salem-or.aauw.net or email the registration forms to cwmueller33@gmail.com or mail to:
     AAUW of Salem
     P.O. Box 2144
     Salem, OR 97308


Time Limits: Students are to prepare an original 6-minute speech, with a 30-second grace period on either side. Speaking under the 5:30 minutes or over 6:30 minutes will result in disqualification.

Presentation: These presentations are to be original speeches. Appropriate use of one 4”x 6" note card while speaking is an option. Prompting is not allowed.

Participant limits: Speech Trek is limited to 40 participants chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. Two rounds will be held at the same time. If you do not advance to the final round, you are free to leave. There will be a final round where the winners will be chosen.

Judging: During both rounds of competition, judges shall use the official ballot and score each speaker in each of three areas: Content (0-50 points), Organization (0-25 points); and Delivery (0-25 points). The official ballot is included on our website (salem-or.aauw.net).

Finalists: First place winner will receive $500; second place, $300, and third place $200.

Questions? Contact Joyce Zook, via email at joycezook43@gmail.com

Sponsored by the American Association of University of Women, Salem Branch (salem-or.aauw.net).