Collierville Holiday Classic

2026 — Collierville, TN/US

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Middle School 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. The speech must be the original work of the student including research, organization and

preparation.

A. Contest Requirements

1. a topic.

The general purpose of the speech is for the audience to gain understanding and/or knowledge of

2. The maximum time limit is ten (10) minutes with 30 second “grace” period. Penalties will be

imposed for exceeding the time limit.

3. Informative speeches must be memorized.

4. 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

the contest with a signed statement verifying originality of the work. The quoted material must be

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. Judging Criteria

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

information or perspectives on a topic, including those that are widely known. It will also be judged on

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.