Contest Judging

Working Through the Judge’s Guide & Ballot

There are three basic judging categories: Content, Delivery, and Language. Let’s take a look at each category.

Content Content is defined as “That which gives substance, meaning, and purpose to a speaker’s message.” This category has the largest number of qualifying statements and represents 50% of the value of the speech. Here you determine how well the speaker communicated a message. Areas to consider are:

• Speech Development


• Was the speech structured to have clearly defined opening, body, and conclusion?


• Was the speech organized so that the speaker’s ideas were clear and easy to follow? Were they presented in logical sequence?


• Did the speaker move from point to point smoothly, using effective transitions?


• What support material did the speaker use? Were facts, examples, and illustrations used well?
  

• Speech Effectiveness


• How did the audience react to the speech?


• Was the speaker’s purpose clear and well defined? (To entertain, inform, persuade, or inspire)


• Was the subject matter relevant to the audience?


• Was the subject matter presented clearly?


• What did the speaker intend to accomplish? What did the speaker actually accomplish?

• Speech Value


• Did the speaker have something to say? A clearly defined message?


• Did the speaker’s message have substance and logic?


• Were the speaker’s thoughts original or a rehash of old ideas?


• Was the speech in good taste?


• Did the speaker’s message contribute to the listeners’ knowledge? Their growth?

Delivery This is the second category. Delivery is defined as: “The mechanics of delivering the message.” This represents 30% of the value of the presentation. Areas to consider are:

• Physical -- Look and Observe


• How does the speaker look? Neat? Sharp? Is he or she properly attired? Or, an “I don’t care” look?


• Do his or her facial expressions reveal the “emotional” side of the speaker’s message?


• Is eye contact sharp and direct? Does it cover the entire audience?


• Do gestures have purpose? Do they complement words and message? Are they effective?


• Do body movements have purpose? Do they add to, or detract from, the speaker’s message?
  

• Voice -- Listen Carefully


• Does the speaker’s voice have a good quality? Is it firm to show strength, assured to show confidence, warm to convey friendliness, and pleasing to win the audience?


• Is the rate compatible with the message?


• Is the volume adequate, and were words spoken with clarity?


• Is the speaker’s voice flexible, to show feeling and emotion?


• Did the speaker’s style and pace build a strong contact with the audience?


• Did the speaker speak with enthusiasm for the message?

Language
The last category is language. Language is defined as: “The speaker’s word choice and grammatical skill.” This represents the final 20% of the points value.
Areas to consider are:

• Appropriateness


• Is the speaker’s language compatible with the speech and the audience?


• Do his or her words accurately convey the message?


• Has the speaker chosen words that will “sell” the message?

• Correctness


• Has the speaker used correct grammar and good enunciation?


• Do these reflect preparation?


• Is the speaker “master” of the words he or she has chosen to convey the message?