PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION
RULES AND GUIDELINES
1. Background and Rationale
1.1 The standard of English among students in Malaysia in a cause for concern.
This is reflected by the low academic achievement of students in the public examinations. The
percentage of passes for the English Language subject in the said examination has always been
around 60%. As compared with the other subjects, the percentage of English Language passes has
always been the lowest. There has been a hue and cry among members of the public over
this issue.
1.2 The Ministry of Education has been sensitive about the manner. Various steps have been taken to
arrest the situation and these include activities carried out in the classroom as well as outside the
classroom. Various Divisions of the Ministry of Education and the State Education Departments
implement their own projects and programmers to help raise the standard of English among
students. School too conduct their own activities for the same purpose.
1.3 In this context the Schools Divisions of the Ministry of Education also carries out a number of
support programs to help the students achieve better results in the English Language subject.
Some of the activities carried out by the said Divisions are debates, choral speaking, story telling,
English-in-camp and essay writing competition. However, it is felt that more activities are needed
for students to get better and more exposure to the language.
1.4 Starting the year of 2000, School Divisions, Ministry of Education has decided to introduce
public speaking competitions for students in the primary as well as the secondary schools.
Speaking is one of the four main language skills for students to be proficient in. As we advance
into the new millennium students are expected to be able to master at least two languages, namely
Bahasa
Melayu and English Language, This would make it easier for them to function, as they are able to
play a more relevant and functional role in their daily life. In the new millennium too the world
becomes smaller and more global in nature. Technology too gets more advanced. Computers will
be the order of
the day. This proficiency in the English language becomes a necessity, as one need ot interact
with one another and keep abreast with the latest developments in technology. One who does not
master the English language in the new millennium will be at the losing end.
1.5 Through public speaking competitions it is hoped that awareness it created among the importance
of upgrading themselves in the English language. It would also serve as a catalyst for students to
start using and learning English in a more serious manner.
2. Aim
To encourage the development of oral communication skills among students.
To promote the use of plain English
To promote better understand between young people
3. Eligibility
3.1 This competition is divided into 2 categories namely:
- The secondary school category
- The primary school category
3.2 For the secondary school category, students form Forms 1 – 5 of all
Government aided secondary school in Malaysia.
3.3 For the primary school category, only students from years 4 – 6 of all
Government aided primary schools in Malaysia can take part.
4. Competition Format
4.1 The competition is divided into two sections, as follows:
Section 1: Prepared Speech
Section 2: Impromptu Speech
4.2 For Section 1 (Prepared Speech) contestants are to observe the following rules:
Contestants delivered a prepared speech of six minutes on a topic of their own choice.
A warning bell sounds at five minutes and a final bell at six minutes.
4.3 For Section 2 (Impromptu Speech) contestants are to observe the following rules:
Contestants are given a topic four minutes before they are due to present the speech.
All contestants speak on the same topic.
While one contestant is presenting his/her speech, the other speakers must be quarantined
The time allowed for the impromptu speech is three minutes; (timing must be followed strictly)
A warning bell sounds at two minute and a final bell at three minutes.
5. Adjudication
5.1 Judging is nationally and internationally standardized. Judges are required to undertake a
substantial briefing to gain full understanding of the judging criteria and to work within the
Guidelines set.
5.2 Judging Criteria
5.2.1 The judging criteria for both the Prepared Speech and The Impromptu Speech are on two aspects
as follows:
a. Subject Matter
Is the subject matter of the speech suitable and substantial?
Is the speech original and intelligent in its exploration of the subject?
Does the speaker develop the argument and line of thought logically and effectively?
Is there a satisfactory conclusion, which lends a sense of finality to the speech?
Does the speech carry a worthwhile and convincing message?
b. Use of plain English
Is the message or point of view conveyed in clear, correct, comprehensible and appropriate
language?
Are tone, pace, pauses and projection effective?
Does the speaker avoid distracions?
Is the speaker’s style confident, fluent and natural?
Does the speaker avoid:
Ineffectual reptitions e.g. “ Ladies and Gentlement”
Pompous and condescending language
Extravagant gestures or movements
Over dramatics
Awkward pauses
Conspicuous use of notes, reading, shuffling Palm cards
Inappropriate quotations
Jokes that are irrelevant or inappropriate?
5.2.2 Additional judging criteria for the impromptu Speech also include the following:
Does the speaker demonstrate the ability to think clearly and creatively?
Does the speaker express their views with conviction and / or humor?
Are the speaker’s remarks accurate, relevant, interesting and lucid?
Does the speaker use plain English?
Does the speaker use clear, correct, simple and fluent speech?
Does the speakers impromptu speech veery greatly from the prepared speech
