STATE POETRY 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

Were the titles and authors of each poem appropriately identified? Was a mood created? How was the transition from introduction to selection?

Body

Was there a unified theme among the chosen poems? How well did the selections interrelate? If used, were the transitions between poems effective?

Delivery

Did the student effectively use facial expressions, gestures, and vocal inflection to enhance the interpretation? Did the interpreter re-create the mood intended by the author?

Total Effectiveness

What was the total impression of the interpreter and material upon you, the critic, as compared to other students in the round?

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 POETRY RULES

Communication among judges during the round. Judges must make independent decisions. Judges shall not discuss decisions with other judges prior to turning in ballots. Timekeepers may share the length of a given speech only. If questions arise regarding the rules or conduct of an event, judges shall ask at Speech State Championships headquarters.

Introduction. Each poem should be appropriately introduced in order to give setting (if necessary), to relate it to the central theme, and to establish the proper mood for the audience. Introductions should be memorized or delivered extemporaneously.

Theme. Contestants are to choose poems, which are related to and organized around a central theme.

Poems. No fewer than three poems or cuttings from three poems are to be used, and at least three poems are to be not less than eight lines. Judges should check the manuscripts to enforce this rule.

Presentation. Students must read from a manuscript or from the printed page. Continued practice during the time of preparation may result in memorization of some passages. The aim of the reader, however, should not be complete memorization. Rather frequent references must be made to the manuscript during presentation of the materials. While standing primarily in one place, contestants may use limited gestures and facial, verbal and vocal expression.

Materials. Contestants are urged to select material within their grasp, their ability to understand and to interpret, but materials, which are good literature. Anthologies of modern poetry, British or American, as well as high school literature books should prove helpful. Original work of the student is encouraged. Humorous poetry may be used.

Length. Contestants are allowed a speaking time of no more than eight minutes with 30 seconds of grace. This includes the introduction, poetry reading, and necessary transitions. 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. Time signals may be given at the speaker’s request; however, presentation within the time length is ultimately the responsibility of the speaker. Contestants who violate the time limit may receive a lower rank. No contestant may be disqualified if a stopwatch was not used for timing.