CONTESTS
HOW TO MAKE THEM GOOD FOR YOUR CLUB AND WORTH THE TROUBLE -
Tony O’ Regan CTM
SLIDE #1
Session Objectives Put conducting speech contests in perspective Purpose of speech contests and keys to conducting successful contests Contestant eligibility Steps to quality judging Case Studies SLIDE #2
Keep Your Priorities Straight Speech contests are NOT your top priority. Your top priorities: – Serve Clubs – Achieve Distinguished Division/Area goals Get help for speech contests. SLIDE #3
Speech Contests Provide
Competitive contest experience. Educational programmes. Opportunities to observe proficient speakers.
SLIDE #4
Keys to a Successful Contest Plan
ahead for success.
Ensure fair, impartial judging. Know the rules.
SLIDE #5
Most Misunderstood Rules
Eligibility
Props
Originality
Timing
Humour
Protests
SLIDE #6
Three Steps to Quality Judging Conduct
training workshops.
Select judges carefully. Conduct brief orientation.
SLIDE #7
Role of judge Don’t panic Enjoy the speeches Ignore the timing Avoid bias Fill in your voting slip Tie-breaking judge
SLIDE #8
Judging criteria Content
50
Speech development (20) Speech value (15) Effectiveness (15)
Delivery 30 Physical(10),
Voice (10),
Manner (10).
Language 20 Appropriateness(10), Correctness(10).
SLIDE #9
Evaluation contest Analytical quality (40) Recommendations (30) Technique (15) Summation (15)
SLIDE #10
Role of chief judge Find people and material before the contest. Carry out the judges’ briefings. Supervise the vote-counting. Deal with any protests. Handle the announcement of the results.
SLIDE #11
Contest Chair Before the contest Check you know who is competing Notify them of the time and location of the contest and the briefing Organise certificates and fill them in as far as possible and make sure signed. Arrange who is going to make presentation Who is bringing the lights and stop watch Get speech titles Bring numbers to do the draw, maybe a hat or secure a pint glass or large pair of hands! Make sure you get contestants there in plenty of time
SLIDE #12
On the Contest Night Brief the contestants Before contest begins, check chief judge organised and ready.
During Contest
Opening Speech Conduct Warm-up Close Warm-Up and pre-contest reminders Introduce Speakers
Ask for a minutes silence between speeches for judges
After Contest Time Fillers if you have to wait for results Arrange or give presentation
Give votes of thanks and Close
SLIDE #13
Counters and Timers Dependable people Timers: stay alert check Counters: collect ballots 1st = 3points, 2nd = 2points, etc.
SLIDE #14
More Tips for Great Contests Ensure everyone knows the rules and
their duties. Confirm contest date, time, and location. Pay attention to balloting. Follow the rules. SLIDE #15
The Toastmaster of the Division contest begins to announce the winners. As he reads the name of the third place winner, the Chief Judge realizes the Toastmaster is reading the list in reverse. The name being announced as third-place winner actually is the first-place winner. The Chief Judge stands up and politely states that she believes the list is being read out of order. Someone else says that since the one name has been announced, no changes can be made.
What do you do? Situation 1
SLIDE #16
At the Area contest, only two people are competing. At contest time, only one is present. After waiting a few minutes, the Toastmaster begins the contest. The only contestant gives her speech, the judges mark their ballots, and she is declared the winner. The second contestant then arrives. Some audience members want the contest “reopened� so the second contestant may compete.
What do you do? Situation 2
SLIDE #17
Just before a Division International Speech Contest begins, you find out that a contestant has completed only four projects in the basic Communication and Leadership Program manual.
What do you do? Situation 3
SLIDE #18
CONTESTS
HOW TO MAKE THEM GOOD FOR YOUR CLUB AND WORTH THE TROUBLE -
Tony O’ Regan CTM
SLIDE #19
A Contestant is Eligible if He or She ď Ź Is a member in good standing of the Club in which he or she is competing. The Club also must be in good standing. New, dual, or reinstated members must have dues and application current with WHQ. ď Ź Has completed at least six speech projects in the basic manual, charter members of newly-chartered Clubs exempted.
SLIDE #20