GUIDELINES FOR SPEAKERS

 Content:  Ideas, Examples, and Progression (20 points)
 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 (10 points)
 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, and Effectiveness (10 points)
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. The speaker must be articulate, pronounce their words clearly, and hold the audience’s attention.  

Preparedness (deduction for reading)
Speakers must not read their speeches, although they may glance occasionally at notes written on index cards. Anywhere between 2 to 5 points will be deducted for reading, depending on how often speakers read from their notes.

Staying within the time limit (deduction for exceeding 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.