1.IMPROMPTU SPEECH CONTEST (3 minutes)
The objective of this contest is to test the adaptability, imagination and alertness of the speaker. This is a great opportunity to practice thinking on your feet and communicating clearly on a subject with only 3-minutes preparation.
2. PERSONAL EXPERIENCE SPEECH CONTEST (5 minutes)
The objective is to gain experience in preparing a well organized talk and putting together pertinent information of a personal experience. You learn how to present the facts to listeners in a very confident manner.
3. ASSIGNED TOPIC SPEECH CONTEST (5 minutes)
The objective is to stir the imagination and creativity of the speaker. All contestants will speak on the same subject.
A new subject (topic) will be selected each year by the Board of Directors and title released through our International Carnegian Report or through a news bulletin.
Some topics used in the past are: "Give me your Hand" - "Courage''-"A touch of Class" - "Dare to be" - "Believe in Yourself."
4. HUMOROUS SPEECH CONTEST (5 minutes)
Attention: Not included at the International Convention. Humorous content may be used in other Speech Contest.
The objective of this contest is to entertain the audience.
The subject matter should be something funny or even hilarious, that the contestant has experienced himself or witnessed. Talk should not be a series of "canned" jokes.
5. PUBLIC SERVICE SPEECH CONTEST (10 minutes)
The main objective of this contest is to encourage members to develop longer talks -- one that could be delivered before any group audience in the community - to service clubs, PTA, church groups, etc. Speech should afford a real speaking experience and encourage members the value of research.
The subject matter may be chosen from any area of public interest such as civic activities, culture, education, health, safety, economy, recreation, conservation, ecology, human relations, etc.
Excessive amounts of personal experience should be avoided.
Chapters with a minimum of five (5) members, current dues paid to Chapter, District, Division and International, shall be considered in good standing.
Members-at-large may participate in the International Convention without Division Certification.
ASSIGNED TOPIC CONTEST - This contest shall be open to all members each year, including previous International winners in this category.
ALL OTHER CONTESTS: All members in good standing are eligible in any category.
CONTESTANTS may speak in only one category per year in the International Contests.
CONTESTANTS must have first competed on a Division level, and must be certified to the Contests & Awards Chairman, on the CONTESTANTS CERTIFICATION FORM. (See page #15.)
Contestants should endeavor to keep subject matter "in good taste" on all occasions. Keep in mind that the talks will be delivered before a mixed audience, many times with minors in attendance.
At the Chapter, District and Division levels, the local Speech Contest Chairman will be responsible for preparing a list of Impromptu Subjects. Keep in sealed envelope till time for use.
At International the list of Impromptu subjects will be prepared by the Contests and Awards Committee.
Assigned topics will be selected by the Board of Directors.
The Speech Contest Chairman, or the M/C shall determine the position of the speakers by a drawing.
At International, the position of the speakers will be drawn by the Contestants at close of Governor's Training or at the Briefing Session.
The official Certification Form (see page #15), shall be completed and sent to the Chairman of the Contests & Awards Committee immediately after the close of a Division Convention. (A copy should be sent to the Executive Director.)
It shall be the responsibility of the retiring Division Governor to complete and send in the Contestants Certification Form.
It shall be the responsibility of the Incoming Division Governor to check with the retiring Governor to make certain that the Certification Form has been submitted.
In order that your Division be properly represented, we urge each Division to certify all of their Division winners that are, first, second, third, fourth place, etc. List them as requested on the certification form.
At International, the Division alternate will participate if the first place winner is not present. The second alternate may participate if the winner and first alternate are not in attendance.
At the International Convention, an informational meeting, or Briefing Session, for all Speech Contestants is held (generally at 8:00 a.m., on Friday), for the purpose of clearing any last minute questions. All Members may sit in on the meeting.
A microphone may or may not be used in all contests.
At the Division level, it may not be necessary to use a Microphone, if everyone in the room can easily hear the speaker.
At International, a microphone may or may not be used, depending on the size of the room.
A warm-up may be used before each category, but not during a contest.
In all the contests, the Master of Ceremonies shall introduce each speaker as follows:
"Speaking on the subject ________________________ .
Help me welcome _____(give speakers name)________ ."
The Master of Ceremonies shall lead the applause and remain at the lectern until the speaker is present.
NOTE
When the speaker is presenting a Public Service talk to an outside group, for experience, an introduction is needed, (preferably of less than one minute duration). The speaker may prepare one for this purpose on a 3x5 card, or sheet of paper, listing (a) Title of the talk (b) why the audience should be interested in hearing the talk, (c) a bit of background of the speaker reflecting their qualifications and (d) the speakers name.
We trust that when an introduction is used, that it be given with much enthusiasm.
In the 3 and 5 minute contests, it is not necessary for contestants to address the chair, however they may choose to do so, (Do whatever is most comfortable for you). Timing starts with the first word uttered.
In the 10 minute contest, the contestant should address the chair and the audience.
Contestants in all categories may use notes, exhibits, visual aids, charts, etc, as long as they can handle them unassisted.
Exhibits, etc., must be covered or out of sight, when other contestants are speaking.
(In the Impromptu contest, it is possible for a speaker to use an exhibit, if they choose a subject that deals with an Article they may have in their pocket or purse.) Notes may also be used.
Time to be counted from the first word speaker utters.
If signal lights fail, the timekeepers will use colored flags. The flags will be the same color as the lights.
In case of a physically handicapped contestant, a bell or other appropriate signal will be used.
Care should be taken before the contest starts to make certain that lights are in working order, that the flags are on hand and all other equipment like the bell, etc are present.
TIMING for all contests, as shown on the Timekeepers sheet, is as follows:
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Red |
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| Impromptu contest | 2 minutes | 3 minutes | 4 minutes |
| Personal Experience | 4 minutes | 5 minutes | 6 minutes |
| Assigned Topic | 4 minutes | 5 minutes | 6 minutes |
| Humorous Contest | 4 minutes | 5 minutes | 6 minutes |
| Public Service | 9 minutes | 10 minutes | 11 minutes |
A contestant who speaks less than the minimum time or goes overtime, shall not be disqualified, however they will receive penalty points on the judging worksheet.
In the event a speaker goes overtime, he/she should stop speaking when they finish that particular thought. Taking longer time is not fair to the other contestants.
Speakers using subject matter not in good taste will not be disqualified, however they will be graded lower by the judges.
In all contests -- the Master of Ceremonies and the Speakers (by categories) will be seated in the front row.
The M/C moves to the microphone to open the contest and to introduce each speaker.
Soon as the M/C introduces the speaker, the speaker will move to the microphone and the M/C will return to the front row.
Raised platform
As a function of the size of the room, a raised platform may not be needed, and therefore is not necessary.
A raised platform should be used for the finals at International.
Judges should be seated where they can easily see and hear the speaker.
Timekeeper's table should be placed where contestants can easily see the lights and/or flags.
1. Arrangements Chairman
2. Master of Ceremonies (one for each category)
3. Liaison (Committeeman in charge)
4. Timekeepers (at least two for each category)
5. Easel Tender
6. Door keeper (one or more depending on the number of doors in room)
7. Someone to hand out Impromptu Subjects.
a. Judging may be by qualified personnel, as determined by the Speech Contest Chairman.
b. Three to five for International Contests. Judging may be by Dale Carnegie & Associates personnel, College or University Speech Department personnel, or others of equal qualifications. They may be selected by the International Contests & Awards Chairman or with the assistance of the Host Convention Committee.
SPEECH CONTEST CHAIRMAN
Before the date of the contest, the following tasks should be completed:
1. Select M/C's, judges, workers, etc, as outlined.
2. Arrange for trophies, lights, flags, stop watches, and all forms necessary for judges, timekeepers, etc.
3. Secure names of contestants.
4. Prepare names on cards for easel, or use a blackboard.
5. Prepare slips or cards for contestants drawing for positions.
6. Prepare a list of Impromptu Subjects (keep in sealed envelope).
7. Prepare a sign, or signs, for entrance doors.
For Timekeepers:
One time record sheet for each category.
Stop watches, at least two. A bell, or clock on table.
Lights, flags, pencils, scratch pad.
For M/C’s
Manila folder (one for each contest) with names of contestants by positions, on face of folder.
One page showing duties of M/C.
For Liaison
An Official Copy of the Speech Contest Rules.
Envelopes for collecting the Timekeeper sheets.
(Separate envelope for each contest -- should be so labeled.)
JUDGES to turn in only one official ballot -- an envelope should be given to one of the judges, then picked up by the Liaison.
For each Judges Table
Pencils, scratch pad
Glass of water
Copy of page #11 from these rules (Basis of Judging)
Copy of page #12 from these rules (Worksheet)*
Copy of page #13 from these rules (Ballot)
After the conference of the Judges, one of the ballots is to serve as the Official Ballot.
(*) If there are more than nine (9) speakers in a category, then you will need to give each Judge two worksheets.
1. The Arrangements Officer should have the contest room ready at least an hour before the contest starts. (Some contestants may wish to get the feel of the room.)
Be sure to check out such items as:
a. Seating arrangement.
b. Judges tables --
Should be spaced separately
Should be arranged so that they can see the speaker
Should be situated so they will not be bothered by people looking over their shoulder.
c. Be sure lectern is in place. Check on mike.
d. Are timekeepers tables in right place?
Lights in working order?
Are colored flags, and a bell, on table?
e. Is easel in place? Is blackboard available?
f. Have ice water and glasses on each judge's table and on head table for speakers.
g. Check all other physical arrangements in the room.
2. You may appoint an assistant, or assistants, if you wish.
3. Confer with the Liaison Officer for any last minute changes.
4. Have a sign made for the entrance door which reads:
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5. At close of the contest check over entire room to make sure that all supplies, etc., have been picked up by the Liaison Officer.
1. Start the contest on time.
2. Introduce all personnel (time keepers, doorkeepers, liaison, easel tender, etc.)
Introduce the JudgesIntroduce each by name, where they are from, advise
whether they are instructors, sponsors, guest judges, etc,
3. Explain timing and use of the signal lights, flags, etc,
Ask contestants if they have any questions.
Ask audience to refrain from photography during the contests.
4. Use a warm-up before each category.
5. Keep contest moving smoothly and rapidly. However, allow Judges sufficient time to complete their worksheet before introducing the next speaker.
Keep audience and speakers relaxed, you may tell a story if it is in good taste.
Stay at the lectern until the contestant is in front of the microphone.
YOU SHOULD LEAD THE APPLAUSE.
Check to see that microphone is adjusted for contestant.
6. Introduce the contestants in the manner outlined under "Introductions."
Be ready to move quickly to the lectern when speaker has finished.
7. At the close of the contest
a. Call all speakers back to the front of room and announce their names and topic of their speeches.
b. Congratulate the speakers,
c. Thank the judges, and all personnel. (Award Certificates if they are to be used)
d. Make any other announcements as may be necessary.
e. Close the meeting on a high note,
8. Before leaving the room, check with the Liaison Officer to picked up all the supplies.
Turn your kit or folder over to the Liaison Officer.
Timekeepers will operate the lights, keeping time with a stopwatch or watches. In event of light failure -- use the signal flags, or a bell.
Make sure no one is permitted to enter, or leave, while a contestant is speaking.
Doors should never be locked this is a fire hazard.
Open the entry door soon as the speaker finish.
Before contest starts check to see that there is an easel in the room (or a blackboard, with chalk). Both should be in front of room.
After contest closes, if name cards used, turn in to Liaison officer.
Subjects should be in a sealed envelope at the time you get them.
Three minutes before the first contestant speaks, he should be allowed to draw two subjects. He keeps one and returns the other to you.
When the first contestant starts speaking, the next speaker draws two subjects -- keeps one and returns the other.
The speaker hands the subject to the M/C as he approaches the lectern.
You are the Committee member in Charge.
You should know the contest rules and be able to make a decision should a problem arise.
Have envelopes for: (a) Official Judges Ballot, (b) Time sheets. Envelopes should be marked as to the type of contest enclosed.
Inform each judge, immediately, if a contestant speaks under orover the required time.
Judges are to turn in only one official ballot, in a sealed envelope.
At the close of the contest, picked up all supplies.
a. Judges are to be seated so they can easily see speaker.
b. Judges will be given a simple worksheet with point system. (Example page #12)
Do not turn in the Worksheet.
c. Judges will be informed by the Liaison Officer if a contestant speaks under, or over, the required time.
d. Soon as a speech category is completed, the judges will convene for a short conference to determine the rank of speakers based on notes and points from their worksheets.
e. Judges are to turn in only one official ballot -- in a sealed envelope, rating speakers as WINNER, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, etc, (Official ballot page #13).
f. The Judge's decision will be considered final.
Judges are requested to judge speakers on their speaking techniques with primary consideration to: Purpose of talk, organization, delivery, use of examples, ability to maintain interest of audience, a strong and effective closing.
Addressing the chair is not required, but is acceptable. Contestant selects a subject (by drawing) three (3) minutes before speaking. How well did he handle the subject chosen? Was message clear? A contestant who noticeably bridges (switches to subjects not related to his topic), should be graded lower.
FIVE MINUTE CONTESTS
Speakers should be at ease, delivering a "well-rounded" talk -- one that has a real message, or point. Examples should be clear. Addressing the chair is optional. (Timing starts with first word.)
PUBLIC SERVICE CONTEST (10-minute talk)
We are looking for professionalism! The speaker should address the chair. These contestants are aspiring to become speakers before outside groups. Did they speak like a professional? Did they handle notes or exhibits with ease? Was the meaning of the talk clear? Were examples appropriate? Would you like to invite this speaker to address your service club?
EVALUATIONS
A contestant may approach the judges and ask for an evaluation. The judge may make suggestions, but is under no obligation to offer evaluations. We discourage any attempt of a judge to advise contestant how he ranked the talk.
| JUDGE'S WORKSHEET | ||||||||||
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| Effective Opening |
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| Clearly Presented |
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| Closing |
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Suggested Penalty Points:
Speaking UNDER - or - OVER the Required Time -- 5 points
Bridging in the Impromptu Contest -- 5 points
JUDGES' BALLOT CARNEGIANS SPEECH CONTEST
Type of contest(check one)
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Impromptu ____________
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3 minutes
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| Chapter __________________ |
Assigned Topic _________
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5 minutes
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Humorous _____________
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5 minutes
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| District __________________ |
Public Service __________
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10 minutes
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| Division _________________ | ||
| International _____________ |
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JUDGES: ** (a) Please show speakers in order of your rating, i.e., winner, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc.
(b) Turn in only one ballot per contest
Judge _________________________
TIMEKEEPERS WORKSHEET
Chapter _______________________
District ________________________
Division _______________________
International ___________________
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Liaison officer shall immediately inform each judge if a contestant speaks under, or over, required time.
Timekeeper ___________________________
Timekeeper ___________________________
DIVISION CONTESTANTS CERTIFICATION FORM
Please complete and send to:
Chairman, Contests & Awards Committee
(Refer to back of Carnegian Report for name of the current Chairman
Copy to.............Executive Director
(Their address is on the back of the Carnegian Report)
(Please print names clearly)
IMPROMPTU CONTEST
HUMOROUS CONTEST
Speaker ___________________________Speaker _____________________
Alternate #1 ________________________Alternate #1 _________________
Alternate #2 ________________________Alternate #2 _________________
Alternate #3 ________________________Alternate #3 _________________
PERSONAL EXPERIENCE CONTESTPUBLIC SERVICE CONTEST
Speaker ___________________________Speaker _____________________
Alternate #1 ________________________Alternate #1 __________________
Alternate #2 ________________________Alternate #2 __________________
Alternate #3 ________________________Alternate #3 __________________
ASSIGNED TOPIC CONTEST LEADERSHIP CONTEST
Speaker _____________________ Nominee: ___________________
Alternate #1 _________________Sorry, we have no entry ________
Alternate #2 _________________
Alternate #3 _________________
Division # _____ Date ________
By _________________________
Governor