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Supplementary study aid, not official HOSA competition material. Always confirm current rules and times in the official guidelines.
Overview
Prepared Speaking is an individual event where you write and deliver a speech on an assigned health-related topic released by HOSA.
- You know the topic ahead of time, so preparation and polish are everything.
- The goal is a clear, persuasive, well-organized speech delivered from memory or minimal notes.
Format
- One round: you deliver your prepared speech to a panel of judges.
- There is a strict time limit (commonly around 3–4 minutes) with a small grace window before penalties.
- A timekeeper signals your remaining time.
Key rules
- The speech must address the official assigned topic for the current year.
- Going over or under time results in a point penalty — practice your timing.
- Visual aids and props are usually not permitted — it's you and your words.
- Confirm note-card rules and exact timing in the current official guidelines.
Tips
- Open with a hook — a statistic, question, or short story — then state your main message.
- Use a clear three-part structure: introduction, 2–3 main points, conclusion.
- Write for the ear: short sentences, vivid words, and natural transitions.
- Rehearse out loud and time yourself repeatedly; record and review.
- End with a strong, memorable closing line, not a fade-out.
What the coach looks at
- Content & Knowledge — Accurate, relevant, and substantial information that shows command of the topic.
- Organization & Structure — Clear introduction, logical body, and strong conclusion that ties it together.
- Persuasiveness & Support — Claims backed by evidence, examples, and reasoning that move the audience.
- Language & Word Choice — Standard English, precise vocabulary, and a tone suited to the audience.
- Delivery Readiness — Phrasing that will sound natural aloud, with pacing, transitions, and emphasis cues.
Practice with AI feedback
Draft your speech below and get rubric-based coaching. This is practice feedback to help you improve — not official HOSA scoring.
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