public speaking competition

SMK BENGKONGAN 2013 smk [email protected]

SMK BENGKONGAN CEMERLANG 2015 Rosidah Rahman

PUBLIC SPEAKING

COMPETITION

RULES AND GUIDELINES



PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION

RULES AND GUIDELINES

1.0 BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

1.1 Starting in year 2000, School Division, Ministry of Education has

decided to introduce public speaking competitions for students in the

primary as well as secondary schools. Speaking is one of the four main

language skills for students to be proficient in. As we advanced into the

new millennium, students are expected to be able to master at least

two languages namely Bahasa Melayu and English language. This

would make it easier to them to function as they are able to play more

relevant and functional role in their daily life. In the new millennium too,

the word become smaller and more global in nature. Technology too

gets more advanced. Thus, the proficiency in the English language

becomes a necessity, as one need to interact with one another and

keep abreast with the latest developments in technology. One who

does not master the English language in the new millennium will be at

the losing end.

1.2 Through public speaking competitions, it is hoped that awareness is

created among students on the importance of upgrading themselves in

the English language. It would also serve as catalyst for students to

start using and learning English in a more serious manner.

2.0 AIM

To encourage the development of oral communication skills among

students.

To promote the use of plain English.

To promote better understanding between young people.

3.0 ELIGIBILTY

3.1 This competition is divided into two categories namely:

The secondary school category

The primary school category

3.2 For the secondary school category, Forms 1- 5 students from all

Government aided secondary schools in Malaysia can take part.



3.3 For the primary school category, only Year 4 - 6 students from all

Government aided primary school in Malaysia can take part.

4.0 COMPETITION LEVELS

4.1 The competition is held at the following levels:

School

District

State

National

4.2 At the school level, as many students as possible should be

encouraged to take part in this competition. The winner of the

competition at school level will represent the school at the district /

division level competition.

4.3 The winner of the competition at district/ division level will represents

the district / division at state level competition.

4.4 The winner of the competition at state level will represents the state at

national level competition.

5.0 COMPETITION FORMAT

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, contestants are to observe the following rules :

Secondary school contestants will deliver a prepared speech of six (6)

minutes on a topic of their choice.

Primary school contestants will deliver a prepared speech on a topic of

their choice for 4 – 6 minutes.

A warning bell will be sounded at the 5th minute and a final bell at the

6th minute.

5.3 For section 2, contestants are to observe the following rules:

Contestants are given a topic for four minutes before they are due to

present the speech.

All contestants speak the same topic.

The time allowed for the impromptu speech is three minutes.



A warning bell will be sounded at two minutes and a final bell at three

minute.

6.0 ADJUCATION

6.1 Judging is nationally standardized. Judges are required to undertake a

substantial briefing to gain full understanding of the judging criteria and

to work within the guidelines set.

6.2 Judging criteria

6.2.1 The judging criteria for both the prepared and the impromptu

speech are on two aspects as follows:

a) Subject Matter

Is the subject matter of the speech suitable and

substantial?

Is the speech is original and intelligent in its exploration of

the subject?

Does the speaker develop argument and the line of

thought logically and effectively?

Is there a satisfactory conclusion which lends a sense of

finality to the speech?

Does the speech carry a worthwhile and convincing

message?

b) Use of Plain English

Is the message or point of view conveyed in clear,

correct, comprehensible and appropriate language?

Are tone, pace, pauses and projection effective?

Does the speaker avoid distraction?

Is the speaker’s style confident, fluent and natural?

Does the speaker avoid:

....ineffectual repetition e.g. “Ladies and Gentlemen”

....pompous and condescending language

....over dramatics

....awkward pauses

....conspicuous use of notes, reading, shuffling palm

cards

....inappropriate quotation

....jokes that are irrelevant or inappropriate.



6.2.2 Additional judging criteria for the impromptu Speech also include the

following:

Does the speaker demonstrate the ability to think clearly and

creatively?

Does the speaker express their view with conviction and/ or

humour?

Are the speaker’s remarks accurate, relevant, interesting and

lucid?

Does the speaker use clear, correct, simple and fluent speech?

Does the speaker’s impromptu speech vary greatly from the

prepared speech?

7.0 NOTES FOR TEACHERS, CONTESTANT AND JUDGES

7.1 THE PREPARED SPEECH

For your audience to enjoy listening to you, you must enjoy having an

audience! To hold their attention, you must persuade your audience to

“walk” with you as you share with them your thoughts, ideas and

opinions. The subject matter should show originality, logical

development, continuity of ideas and knowledge of your topic. The

language should be delivered in such a way that is easy to hear and

understand. You should use clear, simple and fluent speech. A person

at ease is a comfortable person to be with. If you become anxious the

audience will pick that up. You must aim to be a ease and in control of

the situation.

You must be able to command the attention of the audience. You must

have them looking at you, quiet and receptive, wanting to hear what

you have to say. This is termed platform presence and is a necessary

art to be developed in order to be a successful speaker. Remember

that people do not listen to speeches, they listen to people speaking!

Prepare your speech for here and now, this audience, these people.

Use words that are understandable and attractive, and know your

subject. That way you can speak with confidence, monitor the reaction

of the audience and stay in tune with them.

Topics chosen must not touch sensitive issues such as religion, colour,

personalities, etc.

7.2 THE IMPROMPTU

The impromptu talk requirement for this competition sometimes causes

unnecessary anxiety for the students.



7.2.1 Hints on how to approach the impromptu:

Draw on life’s experience and knowledge.

Brainstorm the topic on a sheet of paper.

Think your perspective through, selecting from, expanding, into

headings, key words or points from the brainstorming session.

Approximately four heading should be sufficient to sustain the

required impromptu speech. Jot these down on paper.

Decide upon the structure or sequence of the talk by numbering

your headings. The first one you write down may not be the

most appropriate to begin your speech with.

Transfer the first of your heading and end with a definite

statement, rhetorical question or perhaps a relevant quotation.

Prepare your opening last. Inevitably it will emerge as your

preparation takes place. Open with a definite statement, or turn

the topic into rhetorical questions followed by a comment that

gives some indication of what is to follow.

Close on deceive note.

7.3 As judging is bound by strict criteria, students and teachers preparing

for participation should pay careful attention to the following aspect of

speech making:

Opening and conclusions. Speech should not touch on sensitive

issues such as race, religion and politics.

Logical development of theme.

Choice of words.

Accepted pronunciation

Use of correct grammar

Careful, or limited use of quotation

Originality (in particular, avoidance of plagiarism)

7.4 An effective plain English speech:

Is on a topic of importance.

Has decisive openings and conclusion.

Avoid cliché , buzz words and colloquial expressions.

Uses words are carefully chosen.

Uses accepted pronunciation (e.g. Oxford or Macquire

Dictionary)

Pays attention to the correct use of grammar.

Contains a limited use of quotation, if any

Is original



Does not plagiarize the work of others.

7.5 An effective Plain English Award contestant;

Speaks confidently and articulate clearly.

Avoids over- dramatisation and shouting for emphases.

Avoid distracting mannerisms.

Uses pace, pause and projection to good effect.

Understand the effective uses of gestures, posture and eye

contact.

Time a speech accurately.

public speaking competition

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