Public Speaking

Rules and Guidelines

1.0 Background and Rationale

Public speaking is SESERI niche (ethos). Through public speaking competition, it is hoped that SESERI students can boost their confidence and improve themselves in the English language. Students have the opportunity to compete and enhance their public speaking skills at international level.

It is hoped that an awareness is created on the importance of the English language and soft skills among the local and overseas participants. Public speaking is a good platform for students to learn the power of speech and showcase their public speaking skills. The experience will eventually make them skilled communicators among High performance schools in Asia.

2.0 Aim

2.1 To encourage students to speak concisely, clearly and confidently.

2.2 To promote the use of English.

2.3 To promote better understanding amongst the young people from different

cultures and backgrounds.

3.0 Eligibility

3.1 This competition is organized for secondary/ high school students.

3.2 This competition is open to all students from 16 -17 years of age from

government-aided schools, private schools and International schools.

3.3 Local Participation

Each school can only send ONE participant.
Each participant will be charged RM 75.00

3.4 International Participation

Schools are encouraged to send more than one participant.
Each participant will be charged USD 50 (RM 210.00)

4.0 Prizes

4.1 Medals will be awarded in the following proportion:

GOLD : 15%

SILVER : 30%

BRONZE : 55%

4.2 E-certificates of achievement will be awarded to the winners.

4.3 E-certificates of participation will be awarded to all participants.

5.0 Competition Rules

5.1 The competition is divided into two sections,

Section 1: Prepared Speech Topic: Social Media Influencers

Section 2: Impromptu Speech Topic: provided by organizing committee

5.2 For Section 1 (Prepared Speech), participants are to observe the following rules:

5.2.1 Each participant must register for the competition by filling in the

e-form provided by the organizing committee.

**Last date to register and submit video: 1 August 2021

**Registration Link: https://tinyurl.com/Public-SpeakingISIPSc2021

5.2.2 Participation is through video presentation. Participants will

deliver a prepared speech on the topic selected to a maximum of

5 minutes. (There must be at least 3 points relevant to the topic).

5.2.3 The video recording should be uploaded onto YouTube. Please

use the URL shortener to simplify the link (from

https://www.shorturl.at/

5.2.4 The video recording must be original and not uploaded or

downloaded from any website.

5.2.5 The closing date for registration of the competition and the

sending in of the video recording is on or by 15^th August 2021.

5.2.6 Only 20 participants will be shortlisted as finalists. They will be

adjudicated online via zoom / Microsoft TEAMs for the

impromptu speech. This adjudication will be held live on 28

September 2021.

5.2.7 Shortlisted participants will be informed via email before

9^th September 2021.

5.3 For Section 2 (Impromptu Speech), shortlisted participants are to observe

the following rules:

5.3.1 The impromptu speech competition will be conducted through

Microsoft TEAMs.

5.3.2 The time allocated for the impromptu speech is 6 minutes. (3

minutes for preparation and 3 minutes for the impromptu

presentation). All participants will speak on the same topic.

5.3.3 Participants will be given the topic by the organizing committee.

5.3.4 During the presentation, a warning bell will be sounded at the 2^nd

minute and a final bell at the 3^rd minute to mark that time is up.

Marks will be deducted thereafter.

5.3.5 The topic for the Impromptu Speech will be prepared and provided

by the organizing committee.

6.0 Adjudication

6.1 A panel of 5 judges will be appointed by the organizing committee.

6.2 Points will be allocated according to the score sheet.

6.3 Judges will collectively determine the placing by a clear majority vote.

6.4 The decision of the judges are final.

6.5 Individual marks will not be disclosed.

6.6 The judging criteria for both the Prepared Speech and the Impromptu

Speech are 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 the tone, pace, pauses and projection effective?

6.6.2.3 Does the speaker avoid distractions?

6.6.2.4 Is the speaker’s 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?

.. over dramatize?

.. make awkward pauses?

.. over depend on notes, reading, shuffling palm cards?

.. use inappropriate quotations?

.. make jokes that are irrelevant or inappropriate?

6.6.3 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 speaker’s 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 speaker’s impromptu speech vary greatly

from the prepared speech?

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For enquiries, contact Ms Ellysa (+60135070677), Mr Amin (+60174167605), or email to isipsc@seseri.edu.my