Speech Contest Checklist

Functionaries;

1. Contest Chairman (Toastmaster)
2. Chief Judge
3. Judges (at least 4)
4. Tie Breaking Judge
5. Timers x 2
6. Counters x 2
7. Sgt. @ Arms
8. Contestants

Before the contest;

1. Contestants draw speaking positions
2. Chief Judge reviews timing instructions with timers and speakers
   • 5 to 7 for speech (4:30 qualify, 5:00 green, 6:00 yellow, 7:00 red, 7:30 disqualify but light stays on)
   • 2 to 3 for evaluation ( 1:30 qualify, 2:00 green, 2:30 amber, 3:00 red, 3:30 disqualify but light stays on)
   • timing begins with first meaningful communication, verbal or non-verbal
   • in the event of lights failing an extra 30 seconds is given before disqualification
3. Chief Judge reviews contest rules with contestants
   • contestants must be members in good standing
   • for speech contest they must have given 6 manual speeches
   • speakers must stay within the designated speaking area
   • speeches must be substantially original, any non-original material must have sources mentioned
   • can not compete at area level or above representing more than one club, can compete in multiple club contests
   • protests can be made by contestants or judges during the contest up until the results are announced, once announced the decision is final
4. Chief judge reviews ballot with judges
   • ballot sheet is a guide, it is not binding
   • judges should discount timings
   • first, second, and third only are marked on standard judges guide
   • all positions are marked on tie breaking judges guide
   • tie breaking judge is anonymous
   • judging should not be shared with anyone
   • official ballot must be signed before passing on to counters
5. Chief Judge briefs the counters
6. Speakers inform Sgt. @ Arms of any special needs or props required

During the contest;

1. Sgt. at Arms calls contest to order
2. Contest chair gives introduction
3. Chief judge reports that all have be briefed
4. for evaluation contest
   • guest speaker gives speech
   • contestants are escorted out by Sgt. at arms
   • contestants are given 5 minutes to prepare
5. each contestant is introduced in turn with name and speech title only given twice
6. timers note down times for contestants, and circle any disqualifying times
7. after each contestant there is 1 minute silence while judges fill out ballot
8. following the last contestant there is silence until the ballots have been collected
9. Chief Judge and counters leave with ballots and time record sheet
   • all out of time contestants are disqualified
   • 3 for 1^st, 2 for 2^nd, 1 for 3^rd
   • ballots counted twice
   • tie breaking ballot is used to break ties
10. Chief Judge passes on 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd results to contest chair
11. Contest chair announces results so as last place is not known, unless there are 3 or less contestsnts (ie 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th with 6 contestants, 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd with 5 contestants, 1^st and 2^nd only with 4 or less contestants)
12. Chief Judge and timers may interrupt to correct an error, otherwise the announced results are binding.
13. protests are resolved by a vote of the judges
14. disqualifications should be announced though names should not
15. first place goes on to the next level, with second place as substitute in case of emergencies

Last Updated on 4/17/99
By Roland Jones
Email: roly@homemail.com