The NMA Leadership Speech Contest is  open to students in  grades   9-12 and is a unique opportunity to research, write, and present a 4-6 minute address to an NMA audience.  The subject?  Leadership – what it is, what comprises its attributes, who personifies your definition of a “leader”, or whatever else works its way into the students’ understanding of the subject.  NMA chapters reach out to home-schooled students and area high schools to hold local contests. Winners advance through regional competitions and four finalists receive airfare and room costs to the NMA Annual Conference and compete for a $3,000 top prize.

Judging Criteria

∙ 50% of the total points are awarded for content

∙ 30% of the total points are awarded for delivery

∙ 20% of the total points are awarded for language