Effective Speaking

Effective Speaking is the Air Cadet League of Canada's public-speaking program — and one of the most useful things a cadet can take away from the movement. It builds the confidence to research a topic, organize your thoughts, and speak clearly in front of an audience: a skill you'll use in school, at work, and for the rest of your life.

How the competition works

Cadets prepare and deliver a speech, then take part in an impromptu speaking round. The competition runs in levels — win at one level to advance to the next:

1. Squadron — every cadet starts here, competing within their own squadron.
2. Zone — the winning cadets from squadrons across the Zone move on to the Zone competition run by the APC.
3. Provincial — squadron winners represent their unit at the Alberta provincial competition run by the APC.
4. National — the provincial champion advances to the national final hosted by the Air Cadet League of Canada.

How to enter

Entry is through your squadron. Speak to your squadron's training officer or Effective Speaking coordinator about this year's topics, dates, and how to prepare — internal squadron rounds usually run over the winter, with the provincial competition in the spring. The provincial round is run by the APC's Effective Speaking Coordinator.

You'll need the League's competition application form, signed by you, a parent or guardian, and your squadron. A few things worth knowing before you compete:

• Open to any cadet who hasn't yet aged out.
• Compete in C-2 duty dress — web belts, lanyards, and spats are not permitted.
• Local, regional, and provincial levels are completed by 30 April of the training year.
• You may compete in English, French, or both — tell the host squadron four weeks ahead.
• Bring your completed form to each level of competition.

Useful links

• Air Cadet League of Canada — national Effective Speaking rules, topics, and resources