ACS Public Speaking
2025 Host: Aitken College, 1010 Mickleham Rd, Greenvale VIC 3059
Date: Monday 4 August 2025
Time: 4:35pm – 7.45 pm
Venue: The CPA Theatre and C23 Theatre
Rationale:
Participate in interschool competition that celebrates the academic competencies of ACS students. Public speaking builds confidence, improves communication and enhances critical thinking. While participants are encouraged to ‘give it a go’ the final competition (i.e.: presentation of speeches in competition against other ACS schools) should be the best representatives from each school.
A revitalised competition should be more dynamic and engaging. It should celebrate the art of public speaking and the skill set on display in prepared speech delivery.
Statement regarding the use of AI The ACS Public Speaking Competition promotes original thinking and connection with the audience. AI should be used ethically and effectively as a tool to enhance, not replace, human performance. This includes ensuring transparency in its use, addressing potential algorithmic biases, and prioritising human-to-human interaction.
Statement regarding the use of AI: The ACS Public Speaking Competition promotes original thinking and connection with the audience. AI should be used ethically and effectively as a tool to enhance, not replace, human performance. This includes ensuring transparency in its use, addressing potential algorithmic biases, and prioritising human-to-human interaction.
Format of the Evening:
The 2025 ACS Public Speaking Event has undergone a format change to revitalise the competition by introducing an impromptu speech component to commence at the conclusion of the prepared speech sections. Please refer to the details below.
• A microphone and stand will be available, but they are not compulsory to use
• Students must wear full school uniform
Prepared speeches: Speakers from each of the Junior, Intermediate and Senior sections may choose a topic of their choice. Please reference to the criteria for adjudication as guidance.
Impromptu section: a key word/phrase or topic will be selected by the ACS Public Speaking Review Group Team for inclusion in the speech in the Impromptu section. Students will have 4 minutes to prepare.
4.35 pm Registration
4.50 pm Welcome
5.00 pm Competition commences
5.00 pm 6.30 pm The CPA Theatre: Juniors & Intermediates prepared speeches
5.00 pm 6.10 pm C23 Theatre 2: Seniors prepared speeches
6.40 pm The CPA Theatre: Commencement of impromptu speeches
7.25 pm The CPA Theatre: Announcement of final results
Adjudicators:
Adjudicators will be arranged through a professional public speaking organisation or staff from ACS member schools. (Wynspeak, PESA, alumni, ACS school staff).
Adjudicators will be professional and adhere to the criteria of adjudication. Please respect their decisions as they will be final.
Host School:
The host school will supply the timekeepers and a bell to notify speakers of time. An announcement with instructions regarding timekeeping and bells shall be communicated to speakers before each section.
Criteria for Adjudication:
Elements of criteria for adjudication include but are not limited to: content quality, structure and organisation, clarity and articulation, confidence and composure, time management.
Please refer to the rubric on the following three pages which is composed of the three sections listed below. All speeches will be adjudicated according to this rubric.
• Manner
• Matter
• Method