Several Kootenay cadets competed in an effective speaking competition on February 29 in Cranbrook. Photo Submitted

Several Kootenay cadets competed in an effective speaking competition on February 29 in Cranbrook. Photo Submitted

Kootenay cadets compete in effective speaking competition

The cadets delivered both a prepared speech and an impromptu speech for the event

  • Mar. 3, 2020 12:00 a.m.

On Saturday February 29, 2020 Air Cadets from around the Kootenay competed in the annual Air Cadet League of Canada, British Columbia Wing Effective Speaking Competition hosted by 552 Key City Cranbrook Squadron.

Effective speaking is an experience in individual development of strong communication skills and the speaker’s own growth. Leading up to the competition, cadets learned to write and to deliver a five minute “prepared speech” and practice giving a two minute “impromptu speech.” Cadets are only given a short period of time to look at the preselected topic before they speak. It takes a lot of courage for these young men and women to stand up and speak in front of an audience. This year’s competitors did a terrific job!

The five Air Cadets competing this year were from 279 Elk Valley. Air Cadet E. Carlson “What are the health and social effects of vaping?” and leading Air Cadet T. DeLuca “What bravery means to me.”

531 Trail – Warrant Officer 2nd Class K. Kinch “My global warming concerns” and from 552 Key City Cranbrook Flight Corporal A. Thomson “The first time I went gliding” and Flight Corporal E. Talbot “What bravery means to me.”

Winning gold was Warrant Officer 2nd Class K. Kinch and he will travel to Richmond in April to compete in the provincial competition. Silver went to Flight Corporal E. Talbot and bronze was Air Cadet E. Carlson. The successful candidate from provincials will compete in the nationals in Saskatchewan later this spring.

The judges were Sergeant S. Parker, RCMP, Ms. K. Bartsch, construction, and Mr. R. Bray, Royal Canadian Legion. The timer was C. Stuart, Royal Canadian Legion and the teller, Mr. A. Pederson, CASARA. The master of ceremonies was Sergeant A. Boots.


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