Clear and articulate speeches

Please be respectful and courteous

I coach speech, all events, with a particularly strong history coaching in the binder-based interpretive events (prose, poetry, POI) and oratory. I would consider my ideal top-of-a-round competitor to exhibit a blend of traditional and contemporary speaking styles- keeping their work clear, audible, and paced naturally, but also remaining unafraid to experiment with more bold and unconventional techniques for their events. It is important to me, above all else- in every event, that you take the time and utilize the tactics to form an authentic, natural, and profound connection with your judges and audience.

I do not like when speakers use higher volume in place of higher skill and talent. Yelling, screaming, and prolonged shouting in any interp events is an accent flavor, not the main dish.

I actively utilize PHSSL and NSDA ballots and references in rounds to ensure the feedback I provide you is clear, in line with your event's objective standards, and to be sure that whatever advice I give is helpful not just for the round but for your success throughout the season. I believe deeply that we are all on the same team- even judges- of sharing and receiving feedback to grow and strengthen our region's speech presence. Because of this, I also aim to write as many notes as I can in "real-time" for you like during paper ballot days so that you access the most accurate and honest "raw data" on your performance or speech. You know your learning style and needs best, and I hope this is helpful.

I do not tolerate harassment, intentional disruptive behavior, excessive loud talking between selections, or any behavior that is intolerant of novices in my space. Everyone paid the same entry fee, everyone is trying to be better by being up on a Saturday, and everyone gets their time period to speak and everyone gets feedback. Nothing but respect and admiration for that commitment to growth is welcome.

I'm a traditional judge. I prefer a more conversational style, so “spread” at your own risk. If I miss points because you read too fast, that's on you. I would decide the winner based on who persuaded me more of their position overall and who won the key arguments of the round. I am here to listen to the best arguments you've brought to defend your side. I tend not to rate highly teams that get lost in debate jargon or who try to score technical points in lieu of making a strong argument. I like it when teams clearly tell me what issues they believe defined the round and why I should vote for them.

My name is Sini Parayil. I have completed my Bachelors in Computer Engineering and Masters in Business Management. I am a traditional judge. I started judging from last year for debate and extempore speeches. I try to research on the topics before I start the judging and do take notes during the event. So, I expect a speech to be in moderte speed. I award points based on the content of your speech.

Interp/Speech Events:

Interpretation and Speech events are judged on the criteria of engagement, character development, and fluency. An excellent performance engages the audience and brings them into the world that the speaker is creating; the speaker maintains the audience's attention through clear diction, eye contact, and gesticulations (etc.) when appropriate. The speaker's development of their characters should be distinct and crisp; it should not be difficult to identify when another character is speaking based on their voice and body language. The fluency with which a speaker performs is aided by great engagement and character development; a fluent performance helps the audience suspend their disbelief that the performance is not real and helps to immerse them into the world of the piece.

Original Oratory/Extemp:

Original Oratory and Extemporaneous events are judged on the criteria of organization, credibility, engagement, and fluency. Good organization in a speaker's performance includes a clear outline of the speaker's topic, position on the topic, and main speaking points. A speaker also uses their physical space effectively to further punctuate their point changes and transitions. A credible performance is constituted by the identification of at least one source per main speaking point. An engaging performance involves the speaker's use of diction, eye contact, gesticulations, and intonation to appropriately stress and emphasize different important aspects of their performance. A fluent performance is free from filler words and unintended pauses.

In all events:

Regardless of the event, the manner in which the speaker conveys their speech is the most important element. As long as the information and subjects of the speech are not overtly offensive or derogatory, they do not influence rankings.