PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION RULES AND GUIDELINES 1. Background and Rationale 1.

1 The standard of English among students in Malaysia in a cause for concern. This is reflected by the low academic achievement of students in the public examinations. The percentage of passes for the English Language subject in the said examination has always been around 60%. As compared with the other subjects, the percentage of English Language passes has always been the lowest. There has been a hue and cry among members of the public over this issue. 1.2 The Ministry of Education has been sensitive about the manner. Various steps have been taken to arrest the situation and these include activities carried out in the classroom as well as outside the classroom. Various Divisions of the Ministry of Education and the State Education Departments implement their own projects and programmers to help raise the standard of English among students. School to conduct their own activities for the same purpose. 1.3 In this context the Schools Divisions of the Ministry of Education also carries out a number of support programs to help the students achieve better results in the English Language subject. Some of the activities carried out by the said Divisions are debates, choral speaking, story- telling, Englishin-camp and essay writing competition. However, it is felt that more activities are needed for students to get better and more exposure to the language. 1.4 Starting the year of 2000, School Divisions, 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. Computers will be the order of the day. This proficiency in the English language becomes a necessity, as one need 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. 1.5 Through public speaking competitions it is hoped that awareness it created among 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. Aim To encourage the development of oral communication skills among students. To promote the use of plain English To promote better understand between young people

3. Eligibility 3.1 This competition is divided into 2 categories namely: The secondary school category The primary school category

3.2 For the secondary school category, students form Forms 1 5 of all Government aided secondary school in Malaysia including the Mara Junior Science Colleges can take part. 3.3 For the primary school category, only students from years 4 6 of all Government aided primary schools in Malaysia can take part. 3.4 It is a condition of entry that contestants who reach the national final present a copy of their speech to the Principal Assistant Director, Schools Division, Ministry of Education two weeks before the date of the competition.

4. Competition 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 level competition. 4.3 The winner of the competition at the district level will represent the district 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. Competition Format 5.1 The competition is divided into two sections, as follows: Section 1: Prepared Speech Section 2: Impromptu Speech

5.2 For Section 1 (Prepared Speech) contestants are to observe the Following rules: Contestants delivered a prepared speech of six minutes on a topic of their own choice; A warning bell sounds at five minutes and a final bell at six minutes.

5.3 For Section 2 (Impromptu Speech) contestants are to observe the following rules: Contestants are given a topic four minutes before they are due to present the speech; All contestants speak on the same topic; While one contestant is presenting his/her speech, the other speakers must be quarantined The time allowed for the impromptu speech is three minutes; (timing must be followed strictly) A warning bell sounds at two minutes and a final bell at three minutes.

6. Adjudication 6.1 Judging is nationally and internationally standardized. Judges are required to undertake a substantial briefing to gain full understanding of the judging criteria and to work within the Guidelines set. 6.2 Judging Criteria 6.2.1 The judging criteria for both the Prepared Speech and The Impromptu Speech are on two aspects as follows: a. Subject Matter Is the subject matter of the speech suitable and substantial? Is the speech original and intelligent in its exploration of the subject? Does the speaker develop the argument and line of thought logically and effectively? Is there a satisfactory conclusion, which lends a sense of finality to the speech? Does the speech carry a worthwhile and convincing message?

b. Use of plain English Is the message or point of view conveyed in clear, correct, comprehensible and appropriate language? Are tone, pace, pauses and projection effective? Does the speaker avoid distractions? Is the speakers style confident, fluent and natural? Does the speaker avoid: Ineffectual repetitions e.g. Ladies and Gentlemen Pompous and condescending language Extravagant gestures or movements Over dramatics Awkward pauses Conspicuous use of notes, reading, shuffling Palm cards Inappropriate quotations Jokes that are irrelevant or inappropriate?

6.2.2 Additional judging criteria for the impromptu Speech also include the following: Does the speaker demonstrate the ability to think clearly and creatively? Does the speaker express their views with conviction and / or honor? Are the speakers remarks accurate, relevant, interesting and lucid? Does the speaker use plain English? Does the speaker use clear, correct, simple and fluent speech? Does the speakers impromptu speech vary greatly from the prepared speech

6.3 What happens after judging? There cannot be a consensus made by judges. Therefore: At semi-final round: 1. Urusetia and rank the position of contestants will total all marks up. 2. Urusetia will then give the list to the chief judge. 3. Judges will be given 15 minutes to discuss and decide the 5 best to enter the finals. 4. This procedure applies to the final round, too.

7. Notes For Teachers, Contestants And Judges 7.1 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 you thoughts, ideas and opinions. The subject matter should show originality, logical development, and continuity of ideas and knowledge of you 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 her and now, this audience, these people. Use words that are understand 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 7.2 The impromptu The impromptu talk requirement for this competition sometimes causes unnecessary anxiety for the students. 7.2.1 Hints on how to approach the impromptu Draw on lifes experience and knowledge Brainstorm the topic on a sheet of paper Think your perspective though, selecting from and expanding into headings, key words or points from the brainstorming session. Approximately four heading should be sufficient to sustain the required impromptu speech. Jot these down on paper. Decide upon the structure or sequence of the talk by numbering your headings. The first one you wrote down might not be the most appropriate to begin you speech. Transfer the first of your headings to palm card and add as many points related to as needed. When writing tries to express yourself using keywords and phrases, which can be recalled at a glance, when you are speaking. Do palm cards for the other headings. Recap on the headings and end with definite statement, rhetorical question or perhaps a relevant quotation. Prepare your opening last, Inevitable 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 indications of what is to follow. Close on a decisive note!

7.3 As judging is bound by strike criteria, students and teachers preparing for participation should pay careful attention to the following aspects of speech making: Opening and conclusions Logical development of theme Choice of words Accepted pronunciation Use of correct grammar Careful, or limited use of quotation Originality (unparticular, avoidance of plagiarism)

7.4 An effective plain English speech Is on topic of importance Has decisive openings and conclusions Avoids clichs, buzz words and colloquial expressions Uses words which are carefully chosen Uses accepted pronunciation (e.g. Oxford or Macquarie Dictionary) Pays attention to use of correct grammar Contains a limited use of quotations, if any Is original. Does not plagiaries the work of others.

7.5 An effective Plain English Speaks confidently and articulates clearly. Avoids over-dramatization and shouting for emphasis. Avoids distracting mannerisms. Uses pace, pause and projection to good effect. Understands the effective use of gesture, posture and eye contact. Times a speech accurately.