Coordinating public speaking competitions in school
Coordinating public speaking competitions in school
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We understand that coordinating a public speaking competition can be challenging. We're here to help! On this page you will find:
answers to commonly asked questions
an checklist for coordinating teachers
adjudication tips
information about what competitions are available.
If you're looking for information about public speaking in general, make sure you check out the Learn about public speaking page for teachers. This page explains the key elements of public speaking as well as links to syllabus outcomes.
For support with teaching or coaching public speaking, explore the lessons and activities on the Teaching public speaking page.
Hosting a school final
Hosting a school final
You may be asked to host a public speaking event at your school. If it is a local or regional final you are hosting for The Arts Unit, most of the logistical aspects such as booking an adjudicator and liaising with other schools will be taken care of, and you will also be sent a very detailed list of what to do before, during, and after the event.
If you are hosting your own school final or an event with another school you could use this checklist to ensure the day runs smoothly and all the speakers enjoy the opportunity to get their voices heard!
Note: Please keep in mind that no school (or school final) is the same – please use this checklist as a guide only.
Preparing for a school public speaking final.docxTypical room layout for a school public speaking final
Adjudicating public speaking
Adjudicating public speaking
Adjudicators should make their decision based on the matter, manner and method of the speakers.
They should be looking for students who are confident and engaging public speakers. Adjudicators like to see speeches that balance personal opinion with information, and humour with sincerity.
Students need to demonstrate a strong understanding of their topic in the prepared speech. In their impromptu speech, students should focus on being an engaging speaker who clearly links to the topic.
Adjudicators should give equal consideration to the prepared and impromptu speeches.
Watch the video below to hear Justine Clarke explain more about public speaking adjudication.
Adjudicating public speaking
Duration: 15:24Public speaking competitions
Public speaking competitions
What competitions are available?
You may find there are a number of local inter-school competitions available in your area. At The Arts Unit we coordinate a competition called the Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition which is open to all NSW public primary schools.
Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition
Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition
The Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition is open to all NSW government central and primary schools. The competition has two different age divisions – one for Years 3 and 4 students and one for Years 5 and 6 students. Schools can enter a maximum of 2 contestants in each age division (so a maximum of 4 overall). You can visit The Arts Unit website for more information and to apply.
Watch the video below to learn more about this competition. The Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition 2021 – Tips for students document has also been provided which explains expectations for the competition.
Digital @ The Arts Unit Creative Teachers
Coordinating public speaking
Coordinating public speaking
The Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition
Duration: 2:292021 Multicultural Perspectives Hints & Advice.pdf2020 Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Years 3 and 4 State Final
Duration: 1:06:392020 Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Years 5 and 6 State Final
Duration: 1:20:13You can view the full collection of finals videos on The Arts Unit Vimeo page.
Teaching public speaking
Teaching public speaking
There are many fantastic resources you can use to teach public speaking in schools. View the Teaching public speaking page for a collection of lessons and activities that explore:
an introduction to public speaking
manner, matter and method
building confidence
both prepared and impromptu speeches.
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