SLO FFA Stepping Up at the Sectional Speaking Contest

Written by Mila Shih, Vice President 2025-2026. February 22, 2026.

Public speaking has always been at the heart of San Luis Obispo FFA. From classroom presentations to the big competition stages, our members are unafraid to step up and let their voices shine. Despite the cold weather and pouring rain, over a dozen of our chapter members (wearing official dress, mind you!) attended the Sectional Speaking Contest, held at Templeton High School, to compete for a spot at the South Coast Regional Contest. They persevered through waiting-room nerves, socializing with members from other chapters and making use of their time together by playing games like HeadsUp and Impostor. In addition to the lifelong memories and a delicious dinner of chili, rice, cheese, chips, and perfectly-cooked tri-tip, our members came out with wins in all four events: Prepared Public Speaking, Extemporaneous Speaking, Job Interview, and Impromptu Speaking. Each contest challenges members in a different way, but the result is the same: to build confident leaders and speakers.

Impromptu Speaking

In the Impromptu Speaking Contest, students are challenged to deliver a speech ranging from 30 seconds to 2 minutes on a randomized subject relating to agriculture. Our team members have been practicing since the start of the school year, and we are proud to have seen their hard work pay off: two of the four Impromptu contestants moving on to the regional contest are from SLO FFA! For sophomore Georgia Milner, placing second in the Impromptu Public Speaking contest is no easy feat. “I really enjoyed the experience and I had a lot of fun meeting students from different schools,” she writes. “I was so excited to be moving on to regionals and get to compete again!”

Prepared Public Speaking

In the Prepared Public Speaking contest, members write and memorize a 6-8 minute speech over an agricultural topic of their choice. From practicing composting and regenerative agriculture on family farms to electric tractors to food security and policy, our competitors dive deep into issues shaping today’s industry. What makes this event special isn’t just memorizing a 5-page speech, but the conviction with which our speakers deliver their speeches. Junior Izzy Mayr, who placed third at the sectional competition, states “When I was in the room it was honestly really scary but it pushed me outside my comfort zone and I’m so happy I did it!”. Students like Izzy spend weeks researching credible sources, organizing their ideas, and practicing their delivery in front of their classmates. When they step on stage, they bring their practice and poise to show their passion for agriculture. 

Extemporaneous Public Speaking

If Prepared Public Speaking is about practice and poise, Extemporaneous Public Speaking is about adaptability. In my opinion, this speaking contest is one of the most challenging events FFA has to offer. Not only are contestants pressured with only 30 minutes to craft a 4-6 minute speech, they must have preexisting knowledge about that assigned agricultural topic—two components which would make me queasy on the spot! But for sophomore Collin Edwards, this is light pressure, and one that he thrives under. Edwards walked away from the competition with the dubs and a smooth ticket to regionals.

Job Interview

The Job Interview contest brings a different kind of excitement. Instead of delivering a speech, competitors step into a mock-professional interview setting. Resumes are polished, cover letters are carefully revised, and (not so sweaty) handshakes are practiced over and over again. This competition is the best way to prepare for a real career in the agricultural industry: through hands-on practice with ag experts.

More than Just a Competition

While many of our FFA members left with plaques and ribbons, the sectional speaking competition represents something bigger than awards: growth. Our students walk away with stronger communication skills, boosted confidence, and a deeper knowledge of agriculture. And at the end of the day, that’s what our FFA chapter is all about: growing as speakers and becoming heroes along the way.