STATE IMPROMPTU SPEAKING BALLOT

Round _____ Section _____ Student Code ______________________________

Judge’s Name ______________________ School _____________________________

Topic ____________________________________ Length of Speech _______________

Please comment on the following areas. The questions may be used as guides.

See reverse for OSAA rules.

Introduction

Did the introduction effectively capture you attention and prepare you for the speech? Did the speaker clearly state the topic and provide a thesis statement?

Analysis

Did the student show evidence of critical thinking and sound logic? Did he or she seem knowledgeable about the subject?

Development and Organization

Did the speech directly address the chosen topic? Were the introduction and conclusion sufficient? Were the main ideas apparent and transitions clear? Was time used effectively?

Delivery

Was there use of vocal variety and emphasis? Did the speaker communicate effectively with the audience? Was there sufficient eye contact? Were movement and gestures used appropriately?

Total Effectiveness

What was the total impression of the speech and speaker upon you, the critic?

______________________________________________________________________________________

CIRCLE THE NUMBER BELOW THAT INDICATES THE RATING OF THIS SPEAKER. TIES ARE PERMITTED.

50-49-48-47-46-45 (Excellent)

44-43-42-41-40-39-38-37 (Good)

36-35-34-33-32-31 (Fair)

RANK THE SPEAKER. NO TIES.

1^ST 2^ND 3^RD 4^TH 5^TH 6^TH

OSAA IMPROMPTU SPEAKING RULES

Topic. Each topic slip shall include: one word, one philosophical phrase, and one policy oriented topic.

Procedures. Each contestant shall draw a topic slip containing three topics.

Contestants may read aloud the topic chosen or may incorporate the topic statement into the speech.

Contestants shall have 30 second to prepare before speaking. This 30 seconds shall not be counted as part of the five minutes with a 30 second period of grace provided as speaking time.

Notes, materials, or previously prepared speech outlines shall not be allowed as the contestant speaks.

Contestants are not allowed to hear the other speakers before them. After a contestant has spoken, however, he / she may remain in the room to hear the speakers who follow.

Length. Five minutes with a 30 second period of grace.

A timekeeper shall use cards or hand signals showing the time left in the speech: 4, 3, 2, 1, 1/2, 0.

The 30-second preparation period shall not be counted as part of the speaking time.

If laughter delays the speaker, the timekeeper shall make allowance by stopping the watch at the beginning and starting it at the end of each interruption.

Contestants who violate the time limit may receive a lower rank. No contestant may be penalized if a stopwatch was not used for timing.