Judging Criteria

Judging Criteria Purpose

The International Speech Contest enables members to practice public speaking and content development in a competitive setting. The topic and purpose of each speech is determined by the speaker. Every speech should fit within the overall purpose of the contest: To clearly develop and present ideas in a substantially original speech.

Content (50%)

Speech Development is the way the speaker puts ideas together so the audience can understand them. The speech is structured around a purpose, and this structure must include an opening, body and conclusion. A good speech immediately engages the audience’s attention and then moves forward toward a significant conclusion. This development of the speech structure is supported by relevant examples and illustrations, facts and figures, delivered with such smoothness that they blend into the framework of the speech to present the audience with a unified whole.

Effectiveness is measured in part by the audience’s reception of the speech, but a large part is your subjective judgment of how the speech came across. You should ask yourself such questions as “Was I able to determine the speaker’s purpose?” “Did the speech relate directly to that purpose?” “Was the audience’s interest held by the speaker?” “Was this speech subject appropriate for this particular audience?”

Speech Value justifies the act of speaking. The speaker has a responsibility to say something meaningful and original to the audience. The listeners should feel the speaker has made a contribution to their thinking. The ideas should be important ones, although this does not preclude a humorous presentation of them.

Delivery (30%)

Physical presentation of a speech carries part of the responsibility for effective communication. The speaker’s appearance should reinforce the speech, whether profound, sad, humorous, or instructional. Body language should support points through gestures, expressions, and body positioning. The speaker makes effective use of and stays within the designated speaking area.

Voice is the sound that carries the message. It should be flexible, moving from one pitch level to another for emphasis, and should have a variety of rate and volume. A good voice can be clearly heard and the words easily understood.

Manner is the indirect revelation of the speaker’s real self as the speech is delivered. The speaker should speak with enthusiasm and assurance, showing interest in the audience and confidence in their reactions.

Language (20%)

Appropriateness of language refers to the choice of words that relate to the speech purpose and to the particular audience hearing the speech. Language should promote clear understanding of thoughts and should fit the occasion precisely.

Correctness of language ensures that attention will be directed toward what the speaker says, not how it is said. Proper use of grammar and correct pronunciation will show that the speaker is the master of the words being used.

Judge’s Code of Ethics

1. Judges will uphold the Toastmasters core values of integrity, respect, service, and excellence.

2. Judges will demonstrate the utmost objectivity by consciously avoiding bias of any kind in selecting first, second, and third place contestants.

3. Judges will not consider any contestant’s club, Area, Division, District, or region affiliation.

4. Judges will not consider any contestant’s age, race, color, creed, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national or ethnic origin, sexual orientation, or physical or mental disability.

5. Judges will not time the speeches and will not consider

the possibility of undertime or overtime when judging a contestant’s speech.

6. Judges will support by word and deed the contest rules and judging standards, refrain from public criticism of the contest, and only reveal participation as a judge, selected scores, and the ranking assigned in accordance with speech contest rules.

7. Judges will not be a member of the same club as any contestant when judging at the Division, District, region quarterfinal, semifinal, and final levels.

8. Judges will have no conflict of interest with any of the contestants that would cause bias.