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Welcome to the DAV Website
The DAV is a non-profit association which exists to promote debate. It is the peak debating body in Victoria and runs large competitions for adults and for schools across Victoria. It provides training and resources for debaters, teachers and adjudicators.

Schools Competition
(Yr 9-12 Debating)

Junior Public Speaking Competition 2024 - Online

Every year the DAV runs a state-wide Junior Public Speaking Competition for students in Years 7 and 8. This year we will be offering an online competition to supplement the face to face program below.

Students will be required to submit an unedited video of a 4-5 minute speech on a set topic, which must be persuasive in nature. This will then be assessed by two DAV adjudicators who will provide a score and written feedback by email. Top ranked students will progress to a finals series, which will require a second video speech to be submitted. There is no limit to the number of students that can participate, but a maximum of three students per school will be permitted to progress to finals.

Who: Students in Years 7 and 8.
Format: Students will present one prepared speech.
Cost: $15 per student.

To register, complete this form.

Junior Public Speaking Competition 2024 - Face to Face

The Junior division is for students in year 7 and 8. Students will be required to present a 4-5 minute speech on a topic of their choosing from the list below, which must be persuasive in nature, as well as two impromptu speeches. Each day begins with a short training session with tips for approaching impromptu topics.

Who: Students in year 7 and 8
Format: Students will present one prepared speech and two impromptu speeches.
Cost: $40 per student

Capacity limits: 6 students per school per region. Schools are permitted to enter students in multiple regions.

Region
Venue
Date
Toorak St Kevin's College Sunday 19 May, 10am-3pm
Mentone Mentone Girls' Grammar School Friday 19 July, 9:30am-2:30pm

To register, complete this form.

Topics for 2024

Students must prepare a 4-5 minute speech on one of the following topics. This speech must be persuasive in nature.

Topics for this year's junior competitions will be:

  • Beating the odds
  • Where to next?
  • The natural world
  •