Criteria For Judging Contestants

Students must dress the part portraying the original speaker appropriately.

They must apply beforehand to be eligeble to enter the contest.

Jamir Gates

Vocal Delivery

• Clarity of Speech: Degree to which words are clearly articulated and understood
• Diction and Pronunciation: Degree to which words are properly pronounced
• Consistent Volume Control: Degree to which contestant controls variation of pitch and audibility; projection
• Fluidity of Speech: Appropriate use of pauses, punctuation, intonation, modulation of tone

Alex’Us Roberson

Emotional Delivery

• Pathos: Degree of passion with which the speech is delivered
• Emotion: Degree of emotional expression; variation of emotional expression
• Element of Persuasion: Degree of conviction demonstrated in the delivery of the speech
• Engagement of Audience: Degree to which speaker is able to maintain the audience’s interest

Marquan Sirls

Physical Delivery

• Gestures, Poise and Posture: Appropriate use of hands, body, facial expressions; demeanor
• Mobility: Appropriate use of space in delivery
• Eye Contact: Degree to which visual connection with audience is maintained
• Tempo: Appropriate rhythm is established and maintained

Joseph Smittick

Accuracy

• Level of Memorization: Degree to which the entire speech is committed to memory
• Reflect mood of original occasion: Degree to which audience is transported to the appropriate time period
• Capture intention/conviction of original speaker: Degree of success in fulfilling the aim and purpose of the original speaker
• Level of Ownership: Degree to which contestant personalizes and owns the speech

2016 Inaugural Program