Rules & regulations
Information updated by Dr C de Wet
Information updated by Dr C de Wet
Learners to participate in their school uniforms.
Learners are not allowed to change their speech. The same speech must be used from the first round until Nationals. Speeches used previously at National level may not be used again.
Learners may only do 1 entry per category and may not participate as first and additional language in the same language.
The same speech may be used for Afrikaans and Bilingual, but the speaker must do the translation him-/herself. A speech may not be used for more than 2 categories.
We have no prescribed themes or topics. Participants may use any topic suitable for their age.
As from 2019, Gr 0-R will not participate at the National final round. Please encourage them to still participate, as it serves as a wonderful opportunity for them to learn.
Please take note of the information and rules for each category.
Duration: (VERY IMPORTANT)
Speeches (all individual categories)
Gr R - 3: 2 – 4 minutes
Gr 4 – 7: 4 – 6 minutes
Gr 8 -12: 6 – 8 minutes
Teams (all categories) Please take note that the structure for RR teams remains unchanged. Here we especially refer to the time.
Gr R – 3: 5 – 7 minutes
Gr 4 – 7: 8 – 10 minutes
Gr 8 – 12: 10 – 12 minutes
To keep the prescribed time, some sources can be taken out, as there are competitions who require more than one research per speaker.
ENGLISH FIRST- & ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE
This is the formal speech.
No motivational-, information- or entertainment speeches
The structure of a speech consists of an introduction, content and conclusion.
Points of interest during adjudication:
The speech:
Topic Selection
The topic must be debatable and appropriate for the speaker's age. Controversial topics regarding politics, religion, or sexual orientation must be handled with extreme care; they are not encouraged, though they are not strictly prohibited as a basis. It is vital that the topic does not encourage hate speech.
Introduction
The introduction must be striking—the audience should immediately identify the theme of the speech. It should capture the listener's attention and be engaging. It may include sayings and idioms that link appropriately to the topic. Sources are not required in the introduction. A quote from a song may be cited in the speech, but it should preferably not be sung.
Content and Arguments
Structure: Content must include 3 clear and logical arguments.
Sources: Each argument must be supported by a full source. A full source includes where the information was obtained, who wrote it, when it was published/spoken, and why it is significant.
Recency: Sources must not be older than 5 years and must be age-appropriate for the speaker.
Grades 1 and 2: Only two sources are required. One reference must be cited (e.g., "my Grandma mentioned...") or a personal experience can be used.
Enhancement: Content is strengthened by adding personal anecdotes/opinions and using idioms and expressions to "spice up" the delivery. Arguments must directly link to the speech's topic.
Language Usage
Language must be age-appropriate. Profanity and hate speech will lead to disqualification unless deemed absolutely necessary within context. Avoid the continuous use of English words (code-switching). The use of creative neologisms, sayings, idioms, and expressions is encouraged.
The presentation
Presentation Style
Speak with confidence. The goal is to persuade the audience, so your certainty in your own argument must be evident throughout your presentation. Guard against over-dramatization. Public speaking is not a drama production. You are speaking as yourself, not as a character.
Voice Usage
Voice usage must be natural, with attention given to the pronunciation of words, volume, tempo, and pausing.
Gestures
Gestures vary between speakers. Some speakers like to talk with their hands, while others appear more reserved. A successful speaker's gestures are natural, not rehearsed, and help to reinforce their point of view. Gestures must not appear intimidating or inappropriate.
Eye Contact
Video Participation: Participants may look into the camera (as if it is the audience) or look around as if an audience is sitting in front of them.
Regional and National Finals: During finals held physically before an audience, speakers must make eye contact with the entire audience.
Use of Notes
The use of notes is encouraged, as it prevents the speaker from getting stuck and becoming nervous. Notes may be held in one or both hands and may be switched between hands. Try to handle notes as naturally as possible.
In this category NO props, music, singing and dancing is allowed.
Bilingual Speeches
Bilingual speeches must be 50% English and 50% Afrikaans. Preferably, the first half should be in the participant's native language, and the other 50% in the additional language.
Structure
The structure of a speech consists of an introduction, content (body), and conclusion. Points of view must connect with each other so that the speech forms a cohesive whole.
Speech Type
No motivational, informational, or entertainment speeches are allowed.
Assessment
The speech in the bilingual category is judged on the same points as the mother-tongue category; however, the emphasis rests on the bilingual proficiency of the speaker. The speech must be approximately 50% Afrikaans and 50% English.
In this category NO props, music, singing and dancing allowed
TEAMS - AFRIKAANS & ENGLISH
Team Structure and Composition
The structure of RR teams remains unchanged (pay specific attention to the duration). A team can consist of 2–4 members.
Teamwork and Cohesion
Teamwork between members is very important; each team member's point of view must connect with the others so that the speech forms a cohesive whole. The team must work together to convince the audience of one single topic and point of view. The team speech is ONE complete speech and not 2–4 individual speeches that are simply delivered together.
Assessment
If a Grade 10 learner participates in a team with Grade 12 learners, for example, the assessment will be conducted according to the highest grade. Note that the team is judged as a "whole" and not per individual speaker. The presentation is judged on similar points as individual speeches, but the adjudicators also look at how the team works and presents together as a unit.
Dialogue and Interaction
Speaking simultaneously must be limited to a few words or a single sentence and must not be dominant or distracting. Dialogue between team members are encouraged and counts as positive interaction.
Basic Principles of Content
This means one speaker "handles" one argument, and then it moves on to the next speaker who discusses the next main argument. As a whole, the speech consists of 3–4 main arguments, supported by a minimum of three sources. Creative language usage and the use of humor are encouraged.
In this category, NO props, music, singing or dancing allowed.
Experimental Individual (English & Afrikaans)
This category is not as strict or formal as the standard categories and may be presented with more humor and high energy. The speech must still be debatable, but it may address more controversial topics such as politics, religion, sexuality, etc. (maybe more for senior speakers). Hate speech, crude words, and offensive language may not be used.
Sources are not a requirement (though they are acceptable), and speakers are encouraged to write their own speeches. They must persuade the audience of their own points of view using their own experiences and opinions. Teams are also permitted to participate in this category.
It is important to mention that this is not a drama category. Although small, manageable props may be used, the presentation must still remain natural, and the speaker must still convince the audience of a specific point of view/theme. This remains the core essence of public speaking. PAY ATTENTION TO THE TIME LIMIT
Experimental teams (English & Afrikaans)
The experimental category was originally created to give learners a platform to voice their own opinions. The speech can be more controversial (preferably for senior speakers). The goal remains to deliver a debatable speech in a natural manner, without frills, dance moves, or singing. And of course in a respectful manner.
Teams of 2–4 members may participate, but it must still function as a single cohesive speech. Sources are not a requirement,though they are acceptable. The speech as a whole must convince the audience of something. Please note that the time limit will be strictly adhered to.
Speaking simultaneously must be limited to a few words or a single sentence and must not be dominant or distracting. Teamwork between team members are encouraged and counts as positive interaction.
Reading category
Important notes/guidelines
NO RECITAL OF POEMS ALLOWED
Any section of a book (prose) or poem may be read and must be suitable for the the reader’s age
This section is formal and all participants to wear school uniform.
No gestures and props allowed. The use of reader’s voice is encouraged.
No over-dramatized reading
The reader must introduce him-/herself, the name of the book/poem and the author eg. “I am Rian Smith and will be reading ……… written by …….
Readers must submit a clear copy of the piece to the adjudicator (compulsory for finals). If not, they will be penalized. This is a reading category and anyone who "recite" a poem will not be adjudicated. No entries for reciting will be accepted.
Beware of books/pieces too big when reading, it can easily look uncomfortable and can affect the eye contact with audience
Participants must read the same piece throughout, in other words from the first round until National. In this section, we are very strict on time, especially during the Provincial- and National finals.
Time is maximum 2 minutes for primary school learners
minimum 1,5 minutes - maximum 3 minutes for high school learners
Categories:
L01 – Afrikaans Prosa
L02 – Afrikaans Poësie
L03 – English Prose
L04 – English Poetry
For any enquiries, please feel free to send an email to: radikaleredenaar@gmail.com
We kindly request that no enquiries be sent via whatsapp, sms of facebook.
Thank you and we look forward to a super competition!!!