STATE PROSE READING 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 title and author appropriately identified? Was a mood created? How was the transition from introduction to selection?

Body

Was the speech cut well so that the plot could be easily followed? Did the selection build to appropriate climaxes?

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? Were the various characters easily distinguished from one another?

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 PROSE READING 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 reader shall appropriately introduce the reading. Introductions should be memorized or delivered extemporaneously.

Presentation.

The materials are to be read from a manuscript or 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 the presentation of the materials. Contestants may use limited gestures while standing in one place and freely using facial, verbal and vocal expression. Contestants may use transition steps during introductions and transitions, which should be presented in an extemporaneous manner making use of appropriate gestures and physical movements.

Materials. The materials shall be cuttings from published, printed short stories, novels or essays. For the purposes of this rule, materials published only electronically are not considered to be “published” or “printed.” No material may be presented from any work that is identified as a play / drama, poem, stand-up-comedy routine, sermon or speech.

Adaptations may be made for the purpose of continuity only. Selections may be chosen from any good literature without regard to publication date.

Both narration and dialogue are encouraged, but MORE THAN 50% OF THE WORDS IN THE SELECTION MUST BE NARRATION.

Length. Contestants shall speak no more than eight minutes with A 30 second period of grace including the introduction and reading. 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