Judging the competition
The theme for the 2009 competition is “Regeneration and Renewal”.
Rules, Regulations and Information
International Public Speaking Competition in London, 18th May 2009
Rules and Regulations for the competition in London can be found in the 2009 handbook which you can download:
Official Handbook 2009
Participant Entry Form for winners of Budapest competition.
Regulations
1. You must be 16 to 20 years of age on 18th May 2009
2. You must be in full time education in a school or college
3. You must agree to abide by the rules of the competition below
International Public Speaking Competition, Hungarian National Final, Old Banking Hall, British Embassy, Budapest, 3rd April 2009
1. The winners of local rounds (a maximum of 12 students) will be invited to take part in the National Competition (3rd April, 2009 in Budapest). At this competition the International Rules will apply. Participants will have to do a 5 minute speech on the topic “Regeneration and Renewal; individuals can make a real difference to solving the problems of climate change”. Judges will ask questions of competitors.
2. The winners are qualified to take part in the International Final in London. IF SPONSORSHIP IS AVAILABLE the winner will be able to attend. We will discuss the alternatives with the winner after the National Final.
National Rules
Competitors have to speak for between 4 min 15 sec, 4 min 45 sec and 5 min 15 sec. (A bell will ring at these three times) Note: If a speech is longer or shorter than this the judges may take this into account with their scoring. On hearing the first bell, competitors should start to ‘wind up’ at the second bell they should begin their last sentence and at the final bell they must stop.
The use of notes is encouraged.
Our advice would be:
– Don’t ‘learn’ your speech
– Practice speaking from brief notes
– Use your hands and animate your speech
– Do not use ‘props’
• Speakers may interpret the theme in any way they see fit, but they should not use the theme as their title.
• In choosing their title, Speakers should not be afraid to be provocative, hard-hitting or humorous, as long as their intention is constructive and the speech is not offensive to other parties present.
• Speakers must avoid speeches that are likely to be perceived as doctrinal or political.
Local Rounds: Should take place before 21st March 2009
Local Rules
1. Competitors are required to give a two minute speech on a subject chosen 20 minutes beforehand from three alternatives. Topics should relate to the theme of the competition “Individuals can make a real difference to solving the problems of climate change”.
Sample titles:
– Recycling is an individual’s way of saving the world.
– Switch off your lights – darkness will save the world from global warming
– Use your feet and save the world from climate change
– Using public transport will reduce carbon emissions and climate change
– Re-use and recycle don’t be an energy guzzler
– Use your energy the natural way – eat, don’t drive.
(Students have 20 minutes to plan what they have to say and may use a bi-lingual or mono-lingual dictionary but NO OTHER MATERIAL – any notes they make at this time may be taken into the competition hall with them.)
2. Schools should supply suitable dictionaries at the local competitions.
3. Competitors have to speak for between 1 min 45 sec and 2 min 15 sec. (A bell will ring at these two times) Note: If a speech is longer or shorter than this the judges may take this into account with their scoring. On hearing the first bell, competitors should start to ‘wind up’.
4. Teacher assistance is not permitted at any stage during the actual competition.
5. If a winner agrees to attend the final in the UK and withdraws without good reason they will be liable for any additional costs incurred as a result.
Click for Local Competitions 2008
Participants and supporters at the PSC final Budapest, 2008 at SOTE.
The trophy and winners plaques
The trophy