9 A.M., Saturday, January 5, 2008

Time Limit: 1 minute

*Grade*	*Topic*
3A	If I were a kite in the sky…
4A1	I am most creative when I ….
4A2	My favorite season
5A1	The sign brings customers.
5A2	A lie never lives to be old.

Venue: Clifton High School, Clifton, NJ

9 A.M., Saturday, January 12, 2008

Time Limit: 2 minutes

*Grade*	*Topic*
6A1	Narrate a parable of Sri Ramakrishna and explain what you learned from it.
6A2	Narrate one of Aesop’s fables and explain what you learned from it.
7A	“I don’t have time!” – Is this a valid excuse?
8A	The biggest room in the world is room for improvement.
9A	There is a ripple effect in all that we do. What you do touches me; what I do touches you.
10 A1	When you throw dirt, you lose ground.
10A2	The Human race has one effective weapon, and that is laughter.
11A	Extempore Speech
12A	Symposium

GUIDELINES FOR SPEECHES

Content: Ideas, Examples, and Progression

The greatest emphasis is placed on content. Ideas should flow smoothly, be well-developed, clearly organized and obviously related to the assigned topic. Examples should be used to demonstrate the progression of ideas in the speech. Speakers should provide conclusions that effectively communicate the main point of the speech.

Creativity and Language

Speakers should communicate their ideas creatively and demonstrate a strong vocabulary. Language should be precise and avoid the use of jargon or slang.

Confidence, Style

Speakers are encouraged to convey confidence through their style of delivery. Eye contact, body language, facial expression, effective transitions and speaking tone are all important elements that will be considered by judges. Speakers must be articulate, pronounce their words clearly, and hold the audience’s attention.

Preparedness

Speakers must not read their speeches, although they may glance occasionally at notes written on index cards. Anywhere between 1 and 3 points will be deducted for reading, depending on how often speakers read from their notes. If a speaker reads the entire speech, 3 points will be deducted.

Staying within the time limit

Speakers must stay within their allotted time. The first bell will ring when the allotted time has elapsed after which the speaker is permitted to complete the sentence. A second bell will ring 15 seconds after the first bell. Continuation of the speech after the second bell will result in deduction of 5 points.

Note: The students should feel free to choose their material from any international sources so long as they are applicable to the topic. Their speech should not contain any profanity or vulgarity.