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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)

Primary School Public Speaking Competition 2024 - Online

The competition aims to give young speakers the opportunity to put their ideas forward in front of an audience whilst expanding their knowledge of current affairs. Students will develop the “building blocks” of public presentation—confidence, clarity, and the development of arguments—which are very important skills both in and out of school.


Students will be required to submit an unedited video of a 3-4 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 5 and 6.
Format: Students will present one prepared speech.
Cost: $15 per student.
Registration: Registration is closed.

Prepared Speech:
Students must prepare a 3-4 minute speech on one of the following topics:

  • What are we waiting for?
  • Friends in high places.
  • Unexpected combination.

Primary School Public Speaking Competition 2024 - In-Person

The competition aims to give young speakers the opportunity to put their ideas forward in front of an audience whilst expanding their knowledge of current affairs. Students will develop the “building blocks” of public presentation—confidence, clarity, and the development of arguments—which are very important skills both in and out of school.

The day will also include a training component. Trainers from the DAV, one of the largest debating and public speaking organisations in Australia, will help students develop and practise their skills.

Schools may register up to 2 representatives across the two year levels. If you are interested to enter additional students, please email debater@dav.com.au to be placed on a waitlist.

Where: TBC
When: TBC
Who: Students in Years 5 and 6.
Format: Students will present one prepared speech (3-4 mins) and two impromptu speeches (1-2 mins)
Cost: $40 per student.

Prepared Speech:
Students must prepare a 3-4 minute speech on one of the following topics:

  • TBC
  • TBC
  • TBC
Impromptu Speeches:
For each impromptu speech students will be given two topics to choose between. They will then have five minutes to prepare a 1-2 minute speech. The topics for the first round of impromptus will be variations on the prompt "My favourite [blank]". The topics for the second round of impromptus will be not be released until the preparation time begins.

The impromptu speeches may also be persuasive, but this is not required.

Please email debater@dav.com.au for more details.