TABLE TOPICS
The Table Topics Contest features a 1 to 2 minutes response to a question posed by the Contest chair. Contestants are taken from the room and each is brought into the room and given the Table Topics question. No contestant hears the question or anyone's response prior to their turn on stage. Judging is based on the following criteria:
- SPEECH DEVELOPMENT is the way the speaker puts ideas together so
the audience can understand them. The Table Topics response is structured
around a purpose, and this structure must include an opening, body
and conclusion.The response is supported by relevant examples and
illustrations, facts and figures, if appropriate, and is delivered
smoothly.
- EFFECTIVENESS is your subjective judgement of how the response came
across. Were you able to determine the speaker's purpose? Did the
speech relate directly to the given question or topic? Was the response
clearly and logically presented?
- PHYSICAL presentation of a speech carries part of the responsibility
for effective communication. The speaker's appearance should reinforce
his or her response. 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.
- LANGUAGE refers to the choice of words that relate to the sresponse. Language should promote clear understanding of thoughts and should fit the occasion precisely. Proper use of grammar and correct pronunciation will show that the speaker is the master of the words being used.