Each of us, by the very biology of our design as living beings, is alone. We are firmly contained inside our skins, physically separated in feeling and thought from all others. But we also have the tremendous gift of speech, and with it, the ability to rapidly communicate complex ideas. It is to promote this facility for the spoken word that the Royal Canadian Air Cadets have a competition for effective speaking.
Effective speaking requires the following things: well-formulated thought, understanding of language, strength of voice, and confidence of idea. Throughout life, your ability to convey your thoughts and feelings to others will determine how well you connect with the rest of humanity.
As an Air Cadet, you have already started on a path that can lead higher than you can imagine. The necessity to be able to pass on what you've seen and done, to express your own life experience to others, is key.
I congratulate you on your choices in life, and your initiative in entering this Competition. I wish you the very best of success.
Ad Astra!
Colonel Chris Hadfield
The basics about the competition
The effective speaking competition involves creating and delivering a five minute prepared speech and a two minute impromptu speech. The competition is open to cadets of all levels who have a desire to improve their skills. There will be weekly meetings from 6:00-6:35 on Wednesdays for participants beginning Wednesday Feb 15th. There will be a local competition held on March 7th for all interested cadets and a regional competition in North Bay on March 31st for the two advancing cadets.
More information will be provided to the interested cadets at the first meeting. Here are this year's topics:
1. The British Commonwealth Air Training Plan and What It Means to Canadian Aviation Today
2. Using Cadet Leadership to Improve Your Community Environment
3. Canada’s Contribution to the International Space Program
4. 70 Years of Air Cadets
5. My Greatest Air Cadet Achievement
6. Why Is Giving Back to the Community Important?
7. Which Leadership Skills Acquired in the Air Cadet Program Have Affected My Life and Future?
8. Social Media – Its Impact on Air Cadets
