Students spoke on a chosen topic and a randomly selected word.

Sixteen-year-old Annalise Farrugia from St Mary Star of the Sea College is through to the district final, competing for the title of Quota International's Student of the Year.

"I chose to give a humorous speech on mobile phone etiquette and what not to do. I had a bit of fun with it," she said.

The first part of the competition was an interview where students were asked what they would do as prime minister for a day, whether the drinking age should be raised to 21 and who their idols are. They were also judged on their general knowledge, awareness of current events, sportsmanship and personality.

Although Annalise found the interview nerve-racking, she felt confident about her public speaking ability.

"I thought I filled the criteria quite well and I love public speaking," she said.

Quota International's Student of the Year Illawarra chairperson Margaret Spender believes the event is well worth seeing.

"Public speaking is something not everybody can do. The ad-lib section is especially hard, but they perform very well," she said.

Annalise will compete against seven students at the district final in September at Batemans Bay.

Emily Ritchie, also from St Mary's, was runner-up.

Annalise's top tips for mobile phone etiquette:

1. Don't speak too loudly, especially on public transport.

2. Don't use your phone in the bathroom; while you attend to your business, other people might like to attend to theirs.

3. Don't put your phone on the table in a restaurant, others might want to enjoy their food.