I am planning to participate in a local Japanese speech contest, what would be a good topic to cover that is not too difficult to convey with intermediate Japanese skills, about kyuu 3.
I agree with みっち. It's generally rather interesting to majority of the audience when you choose a topic like that and often reminds those who've been out of the country of their own experiences.
If the listeners are going to be Japanese, you could talk about
your own country. I always find the stupid mistakes we make
funny and that could be an interesting topic. e.g. a friend
was giving a speech and he wanted to say "the Japanese people
are very kind" but instead of saying "nihonjin" he said "ninjin"
(carrots).
But I think it's always best to talk about what you know. So
if you love Gundam, you should talk about big robots.
I think many participants might choose "caltual differences"
so you need to make a difference from others.
I mean, your point of view is the key to make it.
not sure the level of 3 kyuu Japanese ability, though...