Judging Criteria

The judging criteria used for the National Bank RSA Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition is the International Contest standard as used globally by Toastmasters International.

Judging panels for the competition are assembled by Toastmasters New Zealand in conjunction with the RSA.

Speakers will be marked on the effectiveness of their speech and their performance on the day. The emphasis is on verbal communication.

Criteria

• Speech development - 20%
  Includes structure, organisation, support material
• Effectiveness - 15%
  Relates to achievement of purpose, interest, audience reception
• Speech value - 15%
  This includes original and logical ideas used
• Physical delivery - 10%
  This is your appearance and use of body language
• Voice - 10%
  Your voice volume and flexibility
• Manner - 10%
  Manner includes your directness, assurance and enthusiasm
• Appropriateness - 10%
  This means the appropriateness of the speech to your purpose and the audience
• Correctness - 10%
  Includes grammar, pronunciation and word selection

Some Do’s and Don'ts

• Students must prepare and deliver his/her own speech
• The timing is 6-8minutes. You will be heavily penalised if you speak for less than 5mins 30sec, or for more than 8min 30sec.
• Audio visual aids such as slides, overhead projection, power point, flip charts, white board, etc are not permitted.
• Props are not permitted.
• Cue cards and notes are discouraged. Judges discretion will apply to penalties in this instance.
• Speakers may not use a lectern.
• Timing begins with the first verbal or nonverbal communication with the audience.

Tips from the 2011 National Final Judging Panel

• Less is more. Build on one key message or theme rather than a broad topic with too much information. A tip to help with this is by giving the speech a working title; it will help focus the message during the writing and development of the speech. Add depth to a simple message by adding descriptive imagery and stories.
• Stage presence. Command the stage by standing in a central position, use the space when appropriate, and maintain eye contact with the audience.  If possible take the chance to do a voice check before hand to help gauge a good volume.
• Pauses and emphasis. Pauses are an effective tool to let the audience process the ideas and images evoked by your speech. Emphasise certain words or phrases to convey important parts of your message.
• Gesture. When your hands are not being used to gesture, keep them relaxed at your sides.
• Variation. Contrast between different elements of your speech creates interest. Use a mix of personal, emotive or descriptive phrases and factual information. Vary momentum and pace.
• The audience. Aim to touch the hearts of the audience, build a rapport with them and consider how your interpretation of the topic will make them feel.
• Drama. Drama doesn’t have to be acted out – it can come from within the speech itself, with descriptive imagery, judicious use of pause and emphasis, and varied momentum and pace.

Useful Resources

The Toastmasters website is an excellent resource for all public speakers.

Step by step tips on preparing a contest speech.

Toastmasters New Zealand