RULES AND REGULATIONS

OF SPEECH COMPETITION

1.1

2.0

INTRODUCTION
1.1

Through speaking competitions, it is hoped that awareness is created among

pupils or students on the importance of the English language.

1.2

Speaking is an essential part of most jobs and at some point, all of us will have to
give a speech in public to inform, to persuade or to inspire others.

AIMS
2.1

To encourage the development of oral communication skills among pupils or

students
2.2
To promote the use of the English language
2.3 To promote better understanding amongst young people
3.0

4.0

ELIGIBILITY
3.1

This competition is for secondary schools only.

3.2

This competition is open to pupils of government-aided Arabic schools from

Form 1 to Form 5.

PRIZES
4.1

5.0

Certificates of achievement will be awarded to the winners.

COMPETITION RULES
5.1

The competition is divided into two sections, as follows:

Section 1 : Prepared Speech - any topic
Section 2 : Impromptu Speech

5.2

For Section 1 (Prepared Speech), contestants are to observe the following rules:
5.2.1
5.2.2

Secondary school contestants will deliver a prepared speech on a topic of

their choice for 6 minutes.
A warning bell will be sounded at the 5th minute and a final bell at the 6th
minute. Marks will be deducted thereafter.

5.3

For Section 2 (Impromptu Speech), contestants are to observe the following

rules:
5.3.1
5.3.2
5.3.3
5.3.4

5.4

6.0

Contestants are given a topic four minutes before they are due to present
the speech.
All contestants speak on the topic they draw lots.
The time allocated for the impromptu speech is three minutes.
A warning bell will be sounded at the 2nd minute and a final bell at the 3rd
minute. Marks will be deducted thereafter.

The topic for the Impromptu Speech will be prepared and provided by the Scholl in
charge (SMA Al-Ahmadiah Al-Ijtimaiah).

ADJUDICATION
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6

A panel of at least 3 or 5 judges will be appointed.

Points will be allocated according to the scoresheet.
Judges will collectively determine the placing by a clear majority vote.
The decision of the judges is final.
Individual marks will not be disclosed.
The judging criteria for both the Prepared Speech and the Impromptu Speech are
on two aspects as follows:
6.6.1 Subject Matter
6.6.1.1
Is the subject matter of the speech suitable and substantial?
6.6.1.2
Is the speech original and intelligent in its exploration of
the subject?
6.6.1.3
Does the speaker develop the argument and the line of
thought logically and effectively?
6.6.1.4
Is there a satisfactory conclusion which lends a sense of
finality to the speech?
6.6.1.5
Does the speech carry a worthwhile and convincing
message?
6.6.2 Use of Language
6.6.2.1
Is the message or point of view conveyed in clear, correct,
comprehensible and appropriate language?
6.6.2.2
Are tone, pace, pauses and projection effective?
6.6.2.3
Does the speaker avoid distractions?
6.6.2.4
Is the speakers style confident, fluent and natural?
6.6.2.5
Does the speaker:
.. use ineffectual repetitions e.g. Ladies and Gentlemen?
.. use pompous and condescending language?
.. overdramatize?

.. make awkward pauses?

.. over depend on notes, reading, shuffling palm cards?
.. use inappropriate quotations?
.. make jokes that are irrelevant or inappropriate?
6.6.3

*Dress code: Formal

Additional judging criteria for the Impromptu Speech include the

following:
6.6.3.1
Does the speaker demonstrate the ability to think clearly
and creatively?
6.6.3.2
Does the speaker express his views with conviction and / or
humour?
6.6.3.3
Are the speakers remarks accurate, relevant, interesting
and lucid?
6.6.3.4
Does the speaker use clear, correct, simple and fluent
speech?
6.6.3.5
Does the speakers impromptu speech vary greatly from the
prepared speech?

SCORESHEET

CONTESTANT

SPEECH COMPETITION (SECONDARY)

Prepared Speech
60 marks
(6 mins)
PREPARED
SPEECH
TOPIC

Subject
Matter
(30 m)
Originality, dev. of
ideas, continuity,
depth of
knowledge, within
time allocation
MARKS

TIME

Use of
Language
(30 m)
Clear, correct,
simple and
fluent speech,
language easy
to hear and
understand
(overdramatic
gestures
discouraged)

Impromptu Speech
40 marks
(3 mins)
Subject Matter
(20 m)
Wide knowledge
of global affairs,
sincerity,
credibility, spoken
with conviction,
accurate, relevant,
interesting, lucid
remarks
MARKS TIME

Use of
Language
(20 m)
Clear,
correct,
simple and
fluent
speech

PENALTY
(max.
5 marks)
sensitive
issues
touched,
below or
above
stipulated
time,
stipulated
exclusions
under
competition
guidelines
infringed

TOTAL

PLACING

1.
2
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Judges name:

Signature:

Date:
RESULT

SPEEKING COMPETITION
SECONDARY SCHOOLS

PLACING
FIRST
SECOND
THIRD
Position
Chief Judge
Judge 1
Judge 2
Judge 3
Judge 4
Date

CONTESTANT NO.

Name

SCHOOL

Signature