Greenhorn NOVICE Invitational

2024 — San Bernardino, CA/US

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Novice Original Prose and Poetry

Event Description:

Pattern A

Original Prose/Poetry (OPP) Rules: If a rule is violated, check the violation box on the ballot, but rank the contestant as you would without the violation. Any penalty will be assessed by tournament officials.

A. No notes, visual/audio aids, or manuscripts shall be permitted; speeches must be delivered from memory.

B. No props (the use of something extraneous to the body) or costumes shall be permitted.

C. The performance must begin and end from the center stage area. Contestants must remain in the staging area throughout the performance.

D. The speech shall be no longer than 10 minutes. There is no minimum time. Exceeding the time limit by more than 30 seconds (grace period) is a violation.

Guidelines for Judging: These are guidelines only, not rules; they should be used only when appropriate to the speech. Keep in mind that there is no requirement that a contestant must use a particular style of delivery. Please use the following questions to help you evaluate each contestant and rank the round.

Purpose: Any appropriate subject may be used, but the primary purpose of the event is to demonstrate the creativity of the contestant. The presentation may consist of prose or poetry or a combination. The tone may be dramatic, humorous, or a combination. More than one written selection may be presented within the allotted time. The entire presentation may or may not be based on a thematic concept.

Composition: Did the composition display a high degree of originality and creativity? Did the composition display effective writing? Was the composition easy to follow? If poetry, did the composition make effective use of language to evoke images or emotions? Did the presentation achieve the intended mood and tone?

Delivery: Did the speaker use effective oral presentation skills (volume, diction, speed of delivery)? Was the speaker poised, sincere and comfortable in delivery? Did the speaker use effective body language (gestures, facial expression, eye contact)? If characters were created, did the speaker convey an understanding of the mood and emotion of the character(s)? Did the speaker consistently portray the character(s)?

NO TIME SIGNALS - IF THE CONTESTANT GOES OVER 10 MINUTES AND 30 SECONDS, MARK THE VIOLATION AND ENTER THE ACTUAL TIME NEXT IN MINUTES AND SECONDS.