Big 8 Conference Tournament

2011 — WI/US

• Invite

Four Minute Speech

Event Description:

Purpose of the Category

To develop the skill of speaking informatively on any significant issue without using auxiliary visualmaterials.

Definition of Category
The challenge to the speaker is to present well-developed material that has the primary intent of informing,although persuasive elements may be present. The speech is to be coherent, unified, and clear. A range ofsupport materials and devices are to be used which can include quotations, statistics, examples,comparisons, and analogies.

Rules
1. The speech must be the original work of the participant.
2. Properties or visual aids are not permitted.
3. The use of notes is optional.
4. Maximum time limit: 4 minutes, with an allowable 15-second grace period. There is no minimum timerequirement. Vocal music, if used, must be incidental and consist of no more than 30 seconds total. Anyentry exceeding the grace period and/or the vocal music time limit may not be ranked first in the round.If all entries in a round exceed either time limit, no first rank shall be given in that round.

Criteria for Evaluation
1. The extent to which the topic and ideas of the speech were worthy of being heard.
2. The extent to which the organization of the speech was characterized by an objective presentation ofaccurate, well developed and unified information.
3. The extent to which the presentation reflected effective language skills, including such items as use oftransitions and clear, vivid and appropriate word choices. Individual judges may lower the rank due touse of profanity or vulgarity.
4. The extent to which the vocal presentation was clear and appropriate to the subject, including such itemsas articulation, pronunciation, volume, rate, pitch, and voice quality.
5. The extent to which the physical presence contributed to the clarity and effectiveness of the presentation,including such items as facial expression, eye contact, gestures and bodily movement.