PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION
FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS
RULES AND GUIDELINES
1.1
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Through public speaking competitions, it is hoped that
awareness is created among pupils or students on the importance of the English
language.
1.2
Public speaking is an essential part of most jobs and
at some point, all of us will have to give a speech in public to inform, to
persuade or to inspire others.
2.0 AIM
2.1 To encourage the development of oral
communication skills among pupils or students
2.2 To promote the use of the English
language
2.3 To promote better understanding amongst
young people
3.0 ELIGIBILITY
3.1
This competition is open to all students from Form 1 to Form 5 only.
4.0 PRIZES
4.1 Plaques and certificates of achievement
will be awarded to the winners.
4.2 Certificates of participation will be
awarded to all participants.
5.0 COMPETITION RULES
5.1 The
competition is divided into two sections, as follows:
Section 1 : Prepared Speech - any topic
Section 2 : Impromptu Speech
5.2 For Section 1 (Prepared Speech),
contestants are to observe the following rules:
5.2.1 Secondary school contestants will deliver a
prepared speech on a topic of their choice for 6 minutes.
5.2.2 A warning bell will be sounded at the 5th
minute and a final bell at the 6th minute. Marks will be deducted
thereafter.
5.3 For Section 2 (Impromptu Speech), contestants are to observe the following rules:
5.3.1 Contestants are given a topic four minutes
before they are due to present the speech.
5.3.2 All contestants speak on the same topic.
5.3.3 The time allocated for the impromptu speech is three minutes.
5.3.4 A warning bell will be sounded at the 2nd
minute and a final bell at the 3rd minute. Marks will be deducted
thereafter.
5.4 The topic for the Impromptu Speech will
be prepared and provided by the organiser
6.0 ADJUDICATION
6.1 A panel of at least 3 or 5 judges will be
appointed for all the rounds at all levels. The competition at the national
level will be judged by a panel of 5 judges, appointed by the Division of
Co-curriculum and Arts, Ministry of Education.
6.2 Points
will be allocated according to the scoresheet.
6.3 Judges
will collectively determine the placing by a clear majority vote.
6.4 The
decision of the judges is final.
6.5 Individual marks will not be disclosed.
6.6 The judging criteria for both the
Prepared Speech and the Impromptu Speech are on two aspects as follows:
6.6.1 Subject
Matter
6.6.1.1 Is the subject matter of the speech
suitable and substantial?
6.6.1.2 Is the speech original and
intelligent in its exploration of the subject?
6.6.1.3 Does the speaker develop the
argument and the line of thought logically and effectively?
6.6.1.4 Is there a satisfactory conclusion
which lends a sense of finality to the speech?
6.6.1.5 Does the speech carry a worthwhile
and convincing message?
6.6.2 Use of Language
6.6.2.1 Is the message or point of view
conveyed in clear, correct, comprehensible and appropriate language?
6.6.2.2 Are tone, pace, pauses and projection effective?
6.6.2.3 Does the speaker avoid distractions?
6.6.2.4 Is the speaker’s style confident, fluent and natural?
6.6.2.5 Does the speaker:
.. use
ineffectual repetitions e.g. “Ladies and Gentlemen”?
.. use
pompous and condescending language?
..
overdramatize?
.. make
awkward pauses?
.. over
depend on notes, reading, shuffling palm cards?
.. use
inappropriate quotations?
.. make
jokes that are irrelevant or inappropriate?
6.6.3 Additional judging criteria for the Impromptu
Speech include the following:
6.6.3.1 Does the speaker demonstrate the ability
to think clearly and creatively?
6.6.3.2 Does the speaker express his views with
conviction and / or humour?
6.6.3.3 Are the speaker’s remarks accurate,
relevant, interesting and lucid?
6.6.3.4 Does the speaker use clear, correct,
simple and fluent speech?
6.6.3.5 Does the speaker’s impromptu speech vary
greatly from the prepared speech?
