PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION

RULES AND GUIDELINES

1.0 BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

1.1 The Ministry of Education has decided to introduce public speaking

competitions for students in the primary as well as the secondary schools.
Speaking is one of the four main language skills for students to be
proficient in. As we advance into the new millennium, students are
expected to be able to master at least two languages, namely Bahasa
Melayu and English Language. This would make it easier for them to
function as they are able to play a more relevant and functional role in
their daily life. In the new millennium too, the world becomes smaller and
more global in nature. Technology too gets more advanced. Thus,
proficiency in the English Language becomes a necessity, as one needs
to interact with one another and keep abreast with the latest developments
in technology. One who does not master the English language in the new
millennium will be at the losing end.

1.2 Through public speaking competitions it is hoped that an awareness is

created among students on the importance of upgrading themselves in the
English language. It would also serve as a catalyst for students to start
using and learning English in a more serious manner.

2.0 AIM

To encourage the development of oral communication skills among

students
To promote the use of plain English
To promote better understanding between young people

3.0 ELIGIBILITY

3.1 This competition is divided into 2 categories namely:

The secondary school category

The primary school category.

3.2 This competition is open to all students except to those from Form 6 from
all government-aided secondary schools.

3.3 For the primary school category, only Year 4 to 6 pupils from all
government-aided primary schools in Malaysia can take part.
4.0 COMPETITION LEVELS

4.1 The competition is held at the following levels:

School
District
State
National

4.2 At the school level, as many students as possible should be encouraged

to take part in this competition. The winner of the competition at school
level will represent the school at the district / division level competition.

4.3 The winner of the competition at district / division level will represent the
district / division at the state level competition.

4.4 The winner of the competition at the state level will represent the state at
the national level competition.

5.0 Prizes

5.1 Plaques and certificates of achievement will be awarded to the

winners.
5.2 Certificates of participation will be awarded to all participants.

6.0 COMPETITION FORMAT

6.1 The competition is divided into two sections, as follows:

Section 1 : Prepared Speech - any topic

Section 2 : Impromptu Speech

6.2 For Section 1 (Prepared Speech), contestants are to observe the following
rules:
6.2.1 Secondary school contestants will deliver a prepared speech
of six (6) minutes on a topic of their choice.
6.2.2 Primary school contestants will deliver a prepared speech on
a topic of their choice for 4 to 6 minutes.
6.2.3 A warning bell will be sounded at the 5 th minute and a final
bell at the 6th minute.
 6.3 For Section 2 (Impromptu Speech), contestants are to observe the
following rules:
6.3.1 Contestants are given a topic four minutes before they are
due to present the speech;
6.3.2 All contestants speak on the same topic;
6.3.3 The time allocated for the impromptu speech is three
minutes;
6.3.4 A warning bell will be sounded at the 2 nd minute and a final
bell at the 3rd.

6.4 The topic for the Impromptu Speech will be prepared and provided by the
Co-curriculum and Arts Division, Ministry of Education.

7.0 ADJUDICATION

7.1 Judging is nationally standardized. Judges are required to undertake a

substantial briefing to gain full understanding of the judging criteria and to
work within the guidelines set.

7.2 The judging criteria for both the Prepared Speech and the Impromptu
Speech are on two aspects as follows:

7.2.1 Subject Matter

7.2.1.1 Is the subject matter of the speech suitable and

substantial?
7.2.1.2 Is the speech original and intelligent in its exploration of
the subject?
7.2.1.3 Does the speaker develop the argument and the line of
thought logically and effectively?
7.2.1.4 Is there a satisfactory conclusion which lends a sense of
finality to the speech?
7.2.1.5 Does the speech carry a worthwhile and convincing
message?

7.2.2 Use of Plain English

7.2.2.1 Is the message or point of view conveyed in clear,

correct, comprehensible and appropriate language?
7.2.2.2 Are tone, pace, pauses and projection effective?
7.2.2.3 Does the speaker avoid distractions?
7.2.2.4 Is the speakers style confident, fluent and natural?
7.2.2.5 Does the speaker avoid:

.. ineffectual repetitions e.g. Ladies and Gentlemen

.. pompous and condescending language

 .. over dramatics

.. awkward pauses

.. conspicuous use of notes, reading, shuffling palm cards

.. inappropriate quotations

.. jokes that are irrelevant or inappropriate?

7.2.3 Additional judging criteria for the Impromptu Speech also include
the following:

7.2.3.1 Does the speaker demonstrate the ability to think clearly

and creatively?
7.2.3.2 Does the speaker express their views with conviction and
/ or humour?
7.2.3.3 Are the speakers remarks accurate, relevant, interesting
and lucid?
7.2.3.4 Does the speaker use plain English?
7.2.3.5 Does the speaker use clear, correct, simple and fluent
speech?
7.2.3.6 Does the speakers impromptu speech vary greatly from
the prepared speech?

8.0 NOTES FOR TEACHERS, CONTESTANTS AND JUDGES

8.1 THE PREPARED SPEECH

For your audience to enjoy listening to you, you must enjoy having an
audience! To hold their attention, you must persuade your audience to
walk with you as you share with them your thoughts, ideas and opinions.
The subject matter should show originality, logical development, continuity
of ideas and knowledge of your topic. The language should be delivered in
such a way that it is easy to hear and understand. You should use clear,
correct, simple and fluent speech. A person at ease is a comfortable
person to be with. If you become anxious the audience will pick that up.
You must aim to be at ease and in control of the situation.

You must be able to command the attention of the audience. You must
have them looking at you, quiet and receptive, wanting to hear what you
have to say. This is termed platform presence and is a necessary art to be
developed in order to be a successful speaker. Remember that people do
not listen to speeches, they listen to people speaking! Prepare your
speech for here and now, this audience, these people. Use words that are
understandable and attractive, and know your subject. That way you can
 speak with confidence, monitor the reaction of the audience and stay in
tune with them.

Topics chosen must not touch on sensitive issues, such as race, religion,
colour, personalities, etc.

8.2 THE IMPROMPTU

The impromptu talk requirement for this competition sometimes causes

unnecessary anxiety for the students. Hints on how to approach the
impromptu:

8.2.1 Draw on lifes experience and knowledge.

8.2.2 Brainstorm the topic on a sheet of paper.
8.2.3 Think your perspective through, selecting from and expanding into
headings, key words or points from the brainstorming session.
8.2.4 Approximately four headings should be sufficient to sustain the
required impromptu speech. Jot these down on paper.
8.2.5 Decide upon the structure or sequences of the talk by numbering
your headings. The first one you wrote down may not be the most
appropriate to begin your speech with.
8.2.6 Transfer the first of your headings and end with a definite
statement, rhetorical question or perhaps a relevant quotation.
8.2.7 Prepare your opening last. Inevitably it will emerge as your
preparation takes place. Open with a definite statement, or turn the
topic into a rhetorical question followed by a comment that gives
some indication of what is to follow.
8.2.8 Close on a decisive note.

8.3 As judging is bound by strict criteria, students and teachers preparing for
participation should pay careful attention to the following aspects of
speech making:
8.3.1 Openings and conclusions.
Speeches should not touch on sensitive issues such as race,
religion, politics.
8.3.2 Logical development of theme.
8.3.3 Choice of words.
8.3.4 Accepted pronunciation.
8.3.5 Use of correct grammar.
8.3.6 Careful, or limited use of quotation.
8.3.7 Originality (in particular, avoidance of plagiarism)

8.4 An effective plain English speech:

8.4.2 Is on a topic of importance.
8.4.2 Has decisive openings and conclusions.
8.4.3 Avoids clichs, buzz words and colloquial expressions.
8.4.4 Uses words which are carefully chosen.
8.4.5 Uses accepted pronunciation (e.g. Oxford or Macquire Dictionary)
 8.4.6 Pays attention to the correct use of grammar.
8.4.7 Contains a limited use of quotations, if any.
8.4.8 Is original. If adapted, please quote the source.
8.4.9 Does not plagiarise the work of others.

8.5 An effective Plain English Award contestant

8.5.1 Speaks confidently and articulates clearly.
8.5.2 Avoids over-dramatisation and shouting for emphasis.
8.5.3 Avoids distracting mannerisms.
8.5.4 Uses pace, pause and projection to good effect.
8.5.5 Understands the effective uses of gestures, posture and eye
contact.
8.5.6 Times a speech accurately.

Co-curriculum and Arts Division

Ministry of Education