PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION 2009 IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE LANGUAGE MONTH

PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION 2009
In Conjunction with the Language Month

1. AIMS:
To encourage the development of oral communication skills among students;
To promote the use of plain English;
To promote better understanding between young people.
To select student for the school debate team

2. ELIGIBILITY:
This competition is opened to Form 4, 5 and 6 only.
It is divided into TWO categories:
Category A: Form 4, 5
Category B: Form 6

3. DATE AND SCHEDULE:
LEVEL: School
DATE: 15 - 16 April 2009

Category: A
Time: 2.30 p.m. -4.30 p.m.
Venue: Art Room, SMK Serian
Date: 15 April 2009 (Wednesday)

Category: B
Time: 2.30 p.m. - 4.30 p.m.
Venue: Art Room, SMK Serian
Date: 16 April 2009 (Thursday)

4. COMPETITION FORMAT:
The Competition is divided into 2 sections:

SECTION 1: Prepared Speech
SECTION 2: Impromptu Speech

Section 1
Contestants are to observe the following rules:
Contestants deliver a prepared speech of four minutes on a topic of their choice;
A warning bell sounds at the 3rd minute and a final bell the 4th minute.

Section 2
Contestants are to observe the following rules:
Contestants are given a topic 4 minutes before they are due to present the speech;
All the contestants speak on the same topic;
The time allowed for the Impromptu Speech is 3 minutes;
A warning bell sounds at the 2nd minute and a final bell the 3rd minute.

5. ADJUDICATION:
Judging Criteria
The judging criteria for both the Prepared Speech 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 original and intelligent in its exploration of the subject?
· Does the speaker develop the argument and 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 distractions?
· Is the speaker’s style confident, fluent and natural?
· Does the speaker avoid:
a) effectual repetitions e.g. “Ladies and Gentlemen”
b) pompous and condescending language
c) extravagant gestures or movements
d) over dramatics
e) awkward pauses
f) conspicuous use of notes, reading, shuffling palm cards
g) inappropriate quotations
h) jokes that are irrelevant or inappropriate?

6. 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 views with conviction and/ or humour?
Are the speaker’s remarks accurate, relevant, interesting and lucid?
Does the speaker use plain English?
Does the speaker use clear, correct, simple and fluent speech?
Does the speaker’s impromptu speech vary greatly from the prepared speech?

7. TOPICS FOR PUBLIC SPEAKING
My dream school.
Benefits of reading.
Comics are bad.
Junk food is bad.
No extra classes during weekends.
My ideal teacher.
An unforgettable person.
My most unforgetable person.
My favourite cartoon character.
My future school bag.
Why I enjoy going to school.
My ideal friend.
My good friend.
My favourite subject.
How I would spend my weekends.
Topical test should be given after every completed topic
Lady teachers make good teachers
Nowadays girls are better than boys in many ways
How to be a good public speaker
ICT should be included in our lesson