INTERNATIONAL SPEECH
The International Speech is 5 to 7 minutes in length and must be substantially original. Any quoted material must be identified during the presentation. The speech must be a thematic in nature (opening, body, and close) and not be an act or a monologue.Vocal variety, gestures, and speech content all play a part in a successful International speech. Here is the judging critera for the International Speech Contest:
CONTENT (50%)
- 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. This 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.
- EFFECTIVENESS measures in part the audience's reception of the speech,
but a large part is your subjective evaluation 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 audiences's interest held by the speaker? Was the speech subject
appropriate to this audience?
- 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%)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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%)
- 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,
should fit the occasion precisely.
- 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.