Dragon Invitational
2021 — Collierville, TN/US
Informative Speaking
Event Description:
Informative Speaking Judging Rules and Guidelines
The Informative Speech is an original speech designed to explain, define, describe or illustrate a particular subject. Thespeechmustbetheoriginalworkofthestudentincludingresearch,organizationand preparation.
A.
Contest Requirements
1. The general purpose of the speech is for the audience to gain understanding and/or knowledge of a topic.
2. The maximum time limit is ten (10) minutes with 30 second “grace” period. Penalties will be imposed for exceeding the time limit.
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Informative speeches must be memorized.
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The speech must be the original work of the student and not used by the contestant during a
previous contest season. No more than 150 words may be quoted from another source. Any quoted material and ideas which are not original with the student should be cited in the speech.
5. Contestants will be required to submit a copy of their speech to the Tournament Director prior to thecontestwithasignedstatementverifyingoriginalityofthework. Thequoted materialmustbe identified.
6. The use of audio/visual aids is optional. If used, the audio/visual aids should enhance, supplement, or support the message rather than distract from the overall effectiveness of the presentation.
a. During the presentation, no electronic equipment is permitted. Electronic equipment is defined as any object requiring an electrical cord, battery, or solar power to operate it (projectors, cell phones, radios, iPads, computers, etc.)
b. The use of live animals or any additional people as visual aids is not allowed during the speech.
c. Items of dress put on and/or removed for illustration during the course of the presentation are considered costumes and may not be used.
d. Visual aids may not violate policies as dictated by local and state law (weapons, drugs, etc.) e. The host school is not responsible for providing any facilities, equipment, including tables, chairs, or easels, or assistance in a contestant’s use of visual aids.
f. Expedient set up and take down of aids is expected.
g. If a visual aid displays published pictorial material, the source must be included in the text
of the script, but it does not need to be cited orally.
B. JudgingCriteria
The Informative Speech will be judged on the basis of the quality of the writing--organization, topic development, evidence and support, and originality of thought. Effective speeches provide new informationorperspectivesonatopic,includingthosethatarewidelyknown. Itwillalsobejudgedon the speaker’s delivery--good vocal and physical control, an expressive voice, natural gestures, and use of audio/visual aids, if used, to enhance the communication of the message.