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Deliver a prepared constitutional speech and a short assigned-topic speech through local, state and national judging.
The American Legion’s 2027 speaking contest begins through local posts/departments, with one certified winner per department invited to national finals May 14–16 at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, Michigan. Deliver the same original prepared oration used at department level, 8–10 minutes, on the U.S. Constitution and citizens’ duties, plus a 3–5-minute assigned discourse after about five minutes’ preparation. The 2027 assigned topics are the Preamble, Article VI paragraph 2, Amendment XIV section 3 and Amendment XXII section 1. Speak predominantly English, mark quotations and orally credit authors for quotes longer than ten words. No notes, props, lectern, amplification, electronic aids, prompting or singing; appropriate business attire, no uniforms/previous-award medals. Judges’ decisions are final. At nationals all contestants and chaperones arrive Friday, stay on campus and attend the mandatory Friday orientation; a Sunday banquet follows.