ELOCUTION – RULES & GUIDELINES
1. The speech may not exceed 5 minutes in duration. The time limit will be strictly enforced. A 30
second warning will be given.
2. The speaker is expected to memorize their speech, and is not allowed to read any part of the
speech from notes or cards. Use of index cards is allowed, but only for reference of outline and
key points. Reading verbatim from note cards is discouraged and will result in reduction in the
participants score.
3. Points will be awarded based on the following criteria:
a. Content
i. Greeting & Introduction of the subject
ii. Exposition of the main theme (Conciseness & Clarity of message,
Originality/Points of interest, Incorporation of Personal references, Quotations
& Biblical References)
iii. Conclusion
b. Speaking Presentation
i. Memorization (evaluated by pauses)
ii. Verbal Clarity (Annunciation and pronunciation of words, voice strength and
projection)
iii. Presentation/Speaking Style (Audience contact and voice modulation, ability to
keep the audience engaged by their speaking style)
4. The decision of the judges will be final.
DEBATE – RULES & GUIDELINES
Debate opens with the affirmative team (the team that supports the resolution) presenting their
arguments, followed by a member of the opposing team. This pattern is repeated for the second
speaker in each team. Finally, each team gets an opportunity for rebutting the arguments of the
opponent. Speakers should speak slowly and clearly. The judges and members of the audience will be
taking notes as the debate proceeds.
1. There are two teams, each consisting of two or three speakers.
2. Each team has two or three constructive speeches, and two to three rebuttal speeches. The
affirmative gives the first constructive speech, and the rebuttals alternate: negative, affirmative,
negative, affirmative. The affirmative has both the first and last speeches of the debate. (5 – 10
minutes). The time limit will be strictly enforced. 1 minute warning will be given after 7 minutes.
3. The affirmative must advocate everything required by the topic itself. No revision of position of
a team is permitted during the debate.
4. A short recess for teams to prepare their rebuttals. (5 minutes)
5. The opposing team begins with the rebuttal, attempting to defend the opposing arguments and
to defeat the supporting arguments without adding any new information. (3 – 5 minutes)
6. First rebuttal of the affirmative team (3 – 5 minutes)
7. Each team gets a second rebuttal for closing statements with the affirmative team having the
last opportunity to speak. (3 – 5 minutes each)
Quiz – RULES & GUIDELINES
Round 1:
1. General Round – Each team - quota of 4 questions.
In this round each team has its own quota of 4 questions and other questions passed
to it from the previous team that did not answer.
A team gets 30 seconds to answer the question intended for it, and is awarded 20
points for answering it.
If the team, the question intended for gives a wrong answer, the quiz master will give
the correct answer.
If the team that the question intended for passes it. The next team/s get 15 seconds to
answer it and is awarded 10 points for the right answer. The team members can discuss
before giving the answer.
If a team cannot answer a question they can pass it or after 30 seconds it gets
automatically passed to the next team.
If a team is answering a question and the time passes, then the team gets to complete
the answer and is awarded points for the right answer.
There is no negative marking for wrong answer. No buzzer is used in this round.
Round 2:
2. Rapid Fire Round
In this round each team will be asked 10 questions one after another.
On the immediate completion of a question, each team gets 5 seconds to answer it.
If a team is not able to answer a question, they can pass it for the next question.
There is no team discussion in this round.
10 points is awarded for the correct answer. No negative points for the wrong answer.
Once a question is passed the team cannot give an answer later.
No buzzer is used in this round.
Round 3:
3. Buzzer Round – Ten questions in all
10 questions will be fired at all the teams one after another.
The teams can discuss among themselves and then press the buzzer/bell to answer the
question first. No discussion is allowed after pressing the buzzer.
The team that presses the buzzer/bell first gets a chance to answer it.
10 points for the correct answer and minus 5 points for the wrong answer.
If a team doesn’t answer or gives a wrong answers after they press buzzer they also lose 5
points.
If a team presses the buzzer before the question is over they will be asked to answer it
without the question being completed.
The question has to be answered in 20 seconds.
If a question is not answered by the first team who pressed the bell. The team that
pressed the bell next gets to answer.
There are no choices in this round.
If two teams press the buzzer/bell together there will be a pull of cards to decide who gets
the chance to answer if. If the first team answers it correctly they get a point. If they give
a wrong answer they lose 5 points and the next team that pressed the buzzer gets to
answer.
Round 4
4. In case of a tie.
In case of a tie after the 4th round, the tied teams get into a buzzer/bell round.
Rules are similar to buzzer round
If a team answer right they get 25 points. If they answer wrong they get minus 25 points.
