SABAH AND SARAWAK ZONE HIGHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITIUTIONS

PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION 2016

RULES AND REGULATIONS
1.0

INTRODUCTION

1.1

Public Speaking is an art of using a language competently, confidently and effectively to

persuade listeners, to understand ones perspectives of an issue and finally to inspire listeners
to reach their optimum potentials.

1.2

Public speaking competitions among students in institutions of higher learning can help raise
their awareness of the importance of the English language and the skills needed in persuading
others through language. Of current they are the essential elements in securing a job.

2.0

AIM

The main aims of this competition are;

2.1
2.2
2.3

to promote the use of the English language among undergraduates

to develop the critical and creative thinking skills of undergraduates
to enhance the development of oral communication skills among undergraduates

3.0

ELIGIBILITY

3.1

This competition is open to only Malaysian students between the age of 18 to 23 years old.

3.2

The students must be currently officially registered as full-time students in any of the
institutions of higher learning in Sabah and Sarawak.

3.3

Each institution of higher learning in Sabah and Sarawak is allowed to register a maximum of
2 contestants.

3.4

Each contestant is required to pay a sum of RM 100.00 as registration fee at the time of
registration.

4.0

PRIZES

4.1

Prize money, trophies and certificates of achievement will be awarded to the first three
winners.
Position
Prize
Champion
Prize money of RM 400.00 and a certificate
1 st Runner up
Prize money of RM 300.00 and a certificate
2 nd Runner up
Prize money of RM 200.00 and a certificate

4.2

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
Section 2 : Impromptu Speech

5.2

For Section 1 (Prepared Speech), contestants are to observe the following rules:
5.2.1
Contestants will deliver in English a prepared speech for 7 minutes on the topic
English as the main language in Malaysia
5.2.2
A warning bell will be sounded at the 6th minute and a final bell at the 7th minute.
Marks will be deducted thereafter.

5.3

For Section 2 (Impromptu Speech), contestants are to observe the following rules:
5.3.1
Contestants are given a topic four minutes before they are due to present the speech.
5.3.2
The time allocated for the impromptu speech is three minutes.
5.3.3
A warning bell will be sounded at the 2nd minute and a final bell at the 3rd minute.
Marks will be deducted thereafter.

5.4

Contestants should not touch on any sensitive issues.

6.0

ADJUDICATION

6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7

A panel of at least 3 or 5 judges will be appointed for all the rounds at all levels.
The panel of 5 judges will be appointed by the organisers
Points will be allocated according to the score sheet.
Judges will collectively determine the placing by a clear majority vote.
The decision of the judges is final.
Individual marks will not be disclosed.
The judging criteria for both the Prepared Speech and the Impromptu Speech are on two
aspects as follows:
6.7.1

Subject Matter
6.7.1.1 Is the subject matter of the speech suitable and substantial?
6.7.1.2 Is the speech original and intelligent in its exploration of the subject?
6.7.1.3 Does the speaker develop the argument and the line of thought logically
and effectively?
6.7.1.4 Is there a satisfactory conclusion which lends a sense of finality to the
speech?
6.7.1.5 Does the speech carry a worthwhile and convincing message?

6.7.2

Use of Language
6.7.2.1 Is the message or point of view conveyed in clear, correct,
comprehensible and appropriate language?
6.7.2.2 Are tone, pace, pauses and projection effective?
6.7.2.3 Does the speaker avoid distractions?
6.7.2.4 Is the speakers style confident, fluent and natural?
6.7.2.5 Does the speaker ;
use ineffectual repetitions e.g. Ladies and Gentlemen?
use pompous and condescending language?
overdramatize?
make awkward pauses?
over depend on notes, reading, shuffling palm cards?
use inappropriate quotations?
make jokes that are irrelevant or inappropriate?

6.7.3

Additional judging criteria for the Impromptu Speech include the following:
6.7.3.1 Does the speaker demonstrate the ability to think clearly and creatively?
6.7.3.2 Does the speaker express his views with conviction and / or humour?
6.7.3.3 Are the speakers remarks accurate, relevant, interesting and lucid?
6.7.3.4 Does the speaker use clear, correct, simple and fluent speech?
6.7.3.5 Does the speakers impromptu speech vary greatly from the prepared speech?