Aim-for-A Tutoring
Public Speaking Contest

Contest Rules

  • Contest Date: June 9, 2007
  • Contest Time: 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
  • Contest Location: Novi Town Center, 45175 W 10 Mile Rd, Novi, MI 48375
  • Two levels:
    • Level 1: Grades 1-5 (speech time of 2 minutes)
    • Level 2: Grade 6 and higher (speech time of 3 minutes)
  • Three trophies for each level -- for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prize winners.
  • Participation medals for all.
  • All awards will be given at the Award Ceremony on June 9, 2007.
  • Participation is free for all Aim-for-A Tutoring students. For others, there is a registration fee of $9.95.
  • Please register by May 19, 2007.
  • The actual speech topics will be given to the contestants one week before the contest. This will give them ample time to prepare!

Judging Criteria

  • The speeches will be scored by at least two independent evaluators. The evaluators are certified English Language Arts teachers.
  • The final score of each speech will be the average of the individual scores.
  • The time given for each speech will be 2 minutes in the Level 1 contest and 3 minutes in the Level 2 contest.
  • Participants are allowed to use 3x5 cards, but no other props are allowed.
  • The speakers are encouraged to use their full allotted time. However, if they go over more than 30 seconds over the time limit, their score will be reduced by 20% for every 30 seconds.
  • The evaluators will judge the essays based on the following criteria:

    MatterManner
    Number of ideas
    Relevance to topic
    Creative thinking
    Overall organization and flow
    Catchy introduction
    Powerful conclusion
    Eye contact and articulation
    Voice and fluency
    Time management

Contest Preparation Help

  • Example topics for Level 1:
    • What is your favorite subject in school? What subject is your least favorite? Describe both subjects. Then tell how they are alike and how they are different.
    • You have received a gift of money. The money is enough to buy either a video game or a book. Which would you buy? Use specific reasons and details to support your answer.
  • Example topics for Level 2:
    • Do you believe that harmful global changes are occurring due to human actions? If so, what can we and should we do about it?
    • Some believe that fast food restaurants do not serve healthy food. Should the government regulate the type of food served in fast food restaurants?
  • Resources: