International Speech Contest Judging Criteria

International Speech Judging Items and Suggested Point Values

- Content 50% -

- 20 Points - Speech Development is the way the speaker puts ideas together so the audience can understand them. The speech is structured around a purpose, and this structure must include an opening, body and conclusion. A good speech immediately engages the audience's attention and then moves forward toward a significant conclusion. The development of the speech structure is supported by relevant examples and illustrations, facts and figures, delivered with such smoothness that they blend into the framework of the speech to present the audience with a unified whole.

- 15 Points - Effectiveness is measured in part by the audience's reception of the speech, but a large part is your subjective judgment of how the speech came across. You should ask yourself such questions as "Was I able to determine the speaker's purpose?" "Did the speech relate directly to that purpose?" "Was the audience's interest held by the speaker?" "Was this speech subject appropriate for this particular audience?"

- 15 Points - Speech Value justifies the act of speaking. The speaker has a responsibility to say something meaningful and original to the audience. The listeners should feel the speaker has made a contribution to their thinking. The ideas should be important ones, although this does not preclude a humorous presentation of them.

- Delivery 30% -

- 10 Points - Physical presentation of a speech carries part of the responsibility for effective communication. The speaker’s appearance should reinforce the speech, whether profound, sad, humorous, instructional. Body language should support points through gestures, expressions and body positioning.

- 10 Points - Voice is the sound that carries the message. It should be flexible, moving from one pitch level to another for emphasis, and should have a variety of rate and volume. A good voice can be clearly heard and the words easily understood

- 10 Points - Manner is the indirect revelation of the speaker's real self as the speech is delivered. The speaker should speak with enthusiasm and assurance, showing interest in the audience and confidence in their reactions.

- Language 20% -

- 10 Points - Appropriateness of language refers to the choice of words that relate to the speech purpose and to the particular audience hearing the speech. Language should promote clear understanding of thoughts and should fit the occasion precisely.

- 10 Points - Correctness of language ensures that attention will be directed toward what the speaker says, not how it is said. Proper use of grammar and correct pronunciation will show that the speaker is the master of the words being used.

Total Score - 100 points possible

Contest Judge’s Code of Ethics

Judges Code of Ethics

1. Judges will consciously avoid bias of any kind in selecting first, second and third place contestants. They will not consider any contestant’s club, area, division or district affiliation. Nor will they consider any contestant’s age, sex, race, creed, national origin, profession or political beliefs. They will demonstrate the utmost objectivity.
2. Judges will not time the speeches and will not consider the possibility of under-time or overtime when judging a contestant’s speech.
3. Judges will support by word and deed the contest rules and judging standards, refraining from public criticism of the contest and revealing scores and ranking only in accordance with official policy.

Table Topics Contest Judging

This is what the judges will be listening for, looking at and paying attention to when you are responding to the Table Topic in the contest. The Table Topics Contest Judging items and suggested point values with 100 points being the maximum possible score are listed here.

Speech Development - 30 Points - is the way the speaker puts ideas together so the audience can understand them. The Table Topics response is structured around a purpose, and this structure must include an opening, body and conclusion. The response is supported by relevant examples and illustrations, facts and figures, if appropriate, and is delivered smoothly.

Effectiveness - 25 Points - is your subjective judgment of how the response came across. Were you able to determine the speaker’s purpose? Did the speech relate to the given question or topic? Was the response clearly and logically presented.

Physical - 15 Points - presentation of the response carries part of the responsibility for effective communication. The speaker’s appearance should reinforce her or his response. Body language should support points through gestures, expressions and body positioning. The speaker makes effective use of and stays within the designated speaking area.

Voice - 15 Points - is the sound that carries the message. It should be flexible, moving from one pitch level to another for emphasis, and should have a variety of rate and volume. A good voice can be clearly heard and the words easily understood.

Language - 15 Points - refers to the choice of words that relate to the response. Language should promote clear understanding of thoughts and should fit the occasion precisely. Proper use of grammar and correct pronunciation will show that the speaker is the master of the words being used.

Timer - Functionary Role in Club Meetings

The function of Timer is to assist the meeting leaders in keeping the meeting on schedule; and to guide the prepared speakers, table topics speakers and evaluators to be aware of her or his speaking time. Speeches are given from manuals with designated times for each project. The Timer will get the time range of the presentation from the speakers before the meeting begins. The Timer monitors and supports the club in time management. Effective meetings start and end on time.

During a meeting, the Timer will operate a timing device and a light signal box with three lights: green, yellow and red. The Timer's Report Form is filled out during the meeting and turned in to the club archives at the end of the meeting.

Use the stopwatch to time the presentations, it indicates minutes and seconds. Keep a record of the speakers and the time amounts used. The Timer is called on to report these times to the club at the end of each meeting segment. The club votes for "Best" and gives award ribbons, however, speakers who speak under the requested time 30 or more seconds or 31 seconds over the requested time disqualify for ribbons.

The light signal box is electrical and operates by plugging into a standard electrical outlet. The lights operate one at a time by individual switches. Test the lights and demonstrate them when describing the Timer's duties so everyone understands and can see what you are describing.

Speakers

• when 2 minutes of requested time remain, the GREEN light is turned on
• when 1 minute remains, the YELLOW light is switched on
• when the full time for the speech is reached the RED light goes on and remains on until the speaker has concluded

Table Topics (for 2 minute Table Topics)

• GREEN light is turned on at 1 minute
• YELLOW light is turned on at 1 minute and 30 seconds
• RED light goes at 2 minutes and remains on until the speaker has concluded

Evaluators

• GREEN light is switched on at 2 minutes
• YELLOW light at 2 minutes and 30 seconds
• RED light goes at 3 minutes and remains on until the speaker has concluded

If speakers speak longer than thirty seconds past their time, you may need to indicate that to the Toastmaster by a pre-arranged visual or audible signal. This can depend on the meeting environment and specific time requirements.

For more information on the functionary role of Timer see pages 65-66 of your Competent Communicator manual and pages 24-26 of your Competent Leadership manual.

Toastmaster of the Meeting - Checklist

The main duties of the Toastmaster are to act as a host, to coordinate and conduct the meeting program. Use team-building skills to help those in meeting roles work together to make the meeting it's best.

Prior to the meeting:

• Call the speakers for correct name pronunciation, project assignment, time, title of speech and introduction.
• Note time requirements for each speech and the overall meeting schedule.
• Call and verify the meeting roles of Invocation & Pledge, Table Topics Master and General Evaluator.
• Remind the General Evaluator to call the Evaluators and Functionaries.
• Prepare the meeting agenda and bring copies for all members and a few extra for guests.

During the meeting:

• The Toastmaster sets the tone of the meeting, warms up the audience for speakers, welcomes speakers, and ensures the meeting runs in an organized manner.
• After receiving control of the meeting, the Toastmaster makes opening comments to set the tone or theme for the meeting.
• Toastmaster asks the Grammarian, Ah Counter, Timer and Vote Counter to explain the purpose and duties of each functionary role.
• Briefly explains the purpose of the Prepared Speeches and asks the Evaluator to read the objectives for the project of the speaker he or she is evaluating.
  
• Introduces the Speaker, including the speaker's name and speech title and begins the applause. Gives control of the lectern to the speaker by shaking his or her hand as he or she reaches the lectern. If you cross paths, go to the rear when you are leaving the lectern.
• When the speech ends, stand and begin the applause, thank them and shake hands to accept control of the meeting. If you cross paths, go to the front when you are coming to the lectern.
• Repeat the process for each speaker.
• When all speeches are delivered, call for a Timer's report and ask the audience to vote for "Best Speaker."
• Introduce the Table Topic Master, begin the applause and relinquish control of the lectern by shaking the Table Topic Master's hand as he or she reaches the lectern. If you cross paths, go to the rear when you are leaving the lectern.
• When the Table Topics segment ends, stand, begin the applause, return to the lectern, accept control from Table Topic Master. If you cross paths, go to the front when you are coming to the lectern.
• Repeat the introduction process for the General Evaluator. At this point, the Toastmaster has completed their meeting responsibilities.

After the meeting:

• Stay to speak with members. Share feedback on any items or procedures from the meeting.