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.

2026 Competition

February 24 at 5:30 p.m. in the atrium of the Agriculture-Forestry Centre (Ag/For)

Topics included:
  • Artificial intelligence's place in your industry
  • What areas in your industry could use more research and what impacts could that lead to?

Each student presents a 5-minute persuasive speech in a presentation style of their choosing. Visual elements such as PowerPoint presentations or photographs are welcome, but optional. All current ALES undergraduate students are eligible to enter and compete. Audience members ask presenters up to three minutes of questions.

A panel of judges 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)

Join us to hear thought-provoking presentations, cheer on the student competitors and share a meal! 

Prizes

The top three speeches will receive cash prizes:

  • 1st place: $1,000

  • 2nd place: $750

  • 3rd place: $500