MacGregor Smith Speaking Competition

The MacGregor Smith Public Speaking Competition was founded by Professor Jack MacGregor Smith, who was the first professor of agricultural engineering and was a polished and entertaining speaker. This annual competition is a long-standing tradition that has been hosted by the Agriculture Club since 1931.

2025 Competition

February 12, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. in the atrium of the Agriculture-Forestry Centre (Ag/For)

Choose from one of two topics:
  • What are the barriers to enter your industry and what are some possible solutions?
  • What are the lasting impacts of COVID-19 on your industry?

Each student will present a 5-minute persuasive speech in a presentation style of their choosing. Visual elements such as PowerPoint presentations or photographs are welcome, but optional. Audience members will be invited to ask presenters up to three minutes of questions.

Register by Feb. 5

A panel of judges will evaluate competitors in the following categories:

  • Organization (introduction, body, conclusion, logical flow of ideas)
  • Utilization of time (within 5-minute limit)
  • Ability to convey emotion, passion, or excitement about topic, knowledgeable about topic
  • Clarity of speech (volume, tone, speed, enunciation, inflection)
  • Appropriate use of gestures, non-verbal messages, and eye contact
  • Audience engagement (questions from audience, response to questions)

Questions about this event can be directed to ccunning@ualberta.ca.

Prizes

The top 3 speeches will receive cash prizes:

  • 1st place: $800

  • 2nd place: $500

  • 3rd place: $300

Eligibility

All current ALES undergraduate students are eligible to enter and compete.

Everyone is welcome to watch from the audience! Join us for supper and enter to win door prizes.