Standing Rules of NPESC

Standing Rules for the Operation of the

National Polytechnic English Speech Competition (NPESC)

General Introduction

The NPSC is not debating, elocution or acting. The competition is concerned with the competitor’s effective use of language to convey a message or a point of view to an interested audience. Choice of words, intonation, articulation, pace and pausing are all important in conveying the message in a speech. Anything which hinders the transmission of meaning or diverts attention from the speaker’s presentation should be avoided. This includes unnecessary and inappropriate gestures, affected pronunciation, over use of dramatics, unnecessary movement, irrelevant humour and mannerisms.

I.          Rules for Demonstration Speaking

A.    Purpose of the Category:

To develop skills in expository speaking with emphasis on skill in exhibiting a process using objects or physical activity.

B.     Definition of the Category:

A demonstration speech explains how to do something or how something works. Objects or physical activity by the demonstrator must be exhibited. Visual aids (charts, graphs, diagrams, maps, pictures, etc.) are optional and may be used to enhance the demonstration but are not to take the place of objects or activity. The speech must be instructive and present valuable and significant information.

C.     Rules:

1.      The speech must be original with the participant.

2. Objects or physical activity by the demonstrator must be exhibited.
3. Presentations will take place in normal-sized classrooms with normal-sized doors. A table or desk will be supplied. All visual aids, properties and equipment are to be supplied by the speaker.
4. This category prohibits the use of properties or equipment endangering the health or safety of the participant, audience or judge. This includes, but is not limited to, firearms, sharp knives, dangerous chemicals and animals.
5. One other person, and only one, may be used to assist the demonstrator by serving as the object of demonstration or by helping to set up, strike, or handle equipment. It is permissible for the aide to be both an object of demonstration and to help with the equipment. The aide shall not be considered a contestant; shall not be eligible for an award. The assistant may be a contestant in another category, but the committees are not responsible for special scheduling arrangements that this may require.
6. Maximum time limit: 7 minutes, including set up and strike down. A 15 second grace period is allowed, after which one point will be deducted from that evaluation item dealing with rate.
7. The use of both sides of one 4x6 note card is optional.

D. Criteria for Evaluation:

1.      The extent to which the topic content reflected value or significance to the speaker.

2.      The extent to which the use of objects and/or physical activity was visible and effectively incorporated into the demonstration process.

3.      The extent to which the presentation: (a) achieved effective organization, and (b) employed effective language skills, including such items as use of transitions and clear, vivid and appropriate word choices.

4.      The extent to which the vocal presentation was clear and appropriate to the subject, including such items as articulation, pronunciation, volume, rate, pitch and voice quality.

5.      The extent to which the physical presence contributed to the clarity and effectiveness of the presentation, including such items as facial expression, eye contact, gestures and bodily movement.

II.       Rules for Special Occasion Speech

A.    Purpose of the Category:

To develop skills related to adapting oral presentations to specific situational demands.

B.     Definition of the Category:

The challenge to the speaker is to make an appropriate presentation which responds to the constraints of the occasion (including the probable audience). In considering the "appropriateness" of the speaker's work, attention will be paid to the purpose the speaker chooses, the position taken, the content, organization and general stylistic "tone," and the manner of delivery. It is possible that a speech may pursue more than one of the standard general purposes of informing, persuading, and entertaining. Speakers may use visual materials but such materials must support -- not dominate--the presentation. This category calls for a speech, not a visual media show.

Participants in the Special Occasion Speech category are to develop and present an appropriate original speech for one of the following situations:

1.    A Docent Presentation at a Library or Museum: You have volunteered to act as a docent at your local library or museum for a special event (i.e. Youth Art Month, visiting exhibit, etc.).

2.    Testimony at a State Government Body: You are to speak to represent Governmental regulatory agency concerning a policy.

3.    Presentation to a Local Organization: You are to present your school's "Go Green" initiative to a local organization.

4.    History Day Event: You are to analyze a significant speech at a history day event. The presentation must include excerpts from the speech within your analysis.

5.    Graduation Speech: You have been selected to present a speech at the graduation.

C. Rules:

1.      Prior to the presentation, the participant is to announce which of the above situations has been chosen. This announcement must be brief and is not considered part of the presentation on which the student will be evaluated.

2.      Maximum time limit: 5 minutes. A 15 second grace period is allowed, after which one point will be deducted from that evaluation item dealing with rate.

3.      The use of both sides of one 4x6 note card is optional.

4.      Visual supporting materials may be used, but not worn.

D. Criteria for Evaluation:

1. The extent to which the apparent specific purpose was appropriate to the occasion.
2. The extent to which the content and organization of the speech fulfilled the speaker's purpose. Researched material must be verbally attributed to a source(s).
3. The extent to which the presentation reflected effective language skills, including such items as use of transitions and clear, vivid and appropriate word choices.
4. The extent to which the vocal presentation was clear and appropriate to the chosen occasion, including such items as articulation, pronunciation, volume, rate, pitch and voice quality.
5. The extent to which the physical presence contributed to the clarity and effectiveness of the presentation, including such items as the use of a note card, any visual materials, facial expression, eye contact, gestures and bodily movement.

III.    Rules for Oratory Speaking 

A.    Purpose of the Category:

To develop skill in composing and presenting a formal speech on a significant topic.

B.     Definition of the Category:

In Oratory, the oration is expected to be a thoroughly prepared, well composed, well expressed speech of exhortation on a significant topic. As such, the oration must be unequivocally persuasive in its purpose. It may fulfill its persuasive challenge in one of three ways: 1) by alerting the audience to the existence of a problem; 2) by affirming the existence of a problem and offering a solution; 3) by urging the adoption of a policy. While the topic of the oration should be of significance to general society, it should be adapted to an audience composed of the speaker's peers. The good oration is characterized by clear, vivid, and forceful language and appropriate stylistic devices such as metaphor, comparison/contrast, irony, etc. Finally, thoughtfulness as reflected in the choice of an approach to the topic and the quality of supporting materials is a necessary part of the good oration.

C. Rules:

1. The speech is to be original with the participant.
2. Properties or visual aids are not permitted.
3. Maximum time limit: 7 minutes. A 15 second grace period is allowed, after which one point will be deducted from that evaluation item dealing with rate.
4. The use of both sides of one 4x6 note card is optional.

D. Criteria for Evaluation:

1. The extent to which the content (a) reflected a worthwhile topic, and (b) provided quality modes of support materials, including analysis, reasoning and Factual information. Researched material must be verbally attributed to a source(s).
2. The extent to which organizational structure (introduction, body, conclusion) was both clear and effective.
3. The extent to which clear and compelling language as well as effective stylistic devices were used appropriately.
4. The extent to which the vocal presentation was clear and appropriate to the subject including such items as articulation, pronunciation, volume, rate, pitch and voice quality.
5. The extent to which the physical presence contributed to the clarity and effectiveness of the presentation, including such items as facial expression, eye contact, gestures and bodily movement.

IV.    Rules for Public Address  

A.    Purpose of the Category:

To develop the skill of providing a directly responsive statement to an issue of current public discussion.

B. Definition of the Category:

The challenge to the speaker is to contribute to the public dialog on a contemporary issue by presenting a well-informed statement which is directly responsive to a question about that issue. The speaker is to be knowledgeable and is to use quality supporting material to substantiate his/her position. As in all speaking categories, the Public Address speech is to be well organized, clear, and effectively presented.

The possible topic areas and specific questions are:

1. Terrorism:To what extent, if any, has recent military involvement made the world a safer place?
2. Nuclear Power:In light of the nuclear disaster in Japan, what, if any, should be the future of nuclear power in the United States?
3. Fine Arts Programming:Given the current state budget crisis, to what extent, if any, should Wisconsin public schools continue to fund fine arts classes?
4. Technology:To what extent the harm and benefit of the advanced technology?

C. Rules:

1. The speech must be original with the participant.
2. Auxiliary audio/visual materials are not permitted.
3. Maximum time limit: 7 minutes. A 15 second grace period is allowed, after which one point will be deducted from that evaluation item dealing with rate.
4. The use of both sides of one 4x6 note card is optional.

D. Criteria for Evaluations:

1. The extent to which a direct and well defined response to the question was provided.
2. The extent to which the speaker analyzed and organized the ideas to provide the answer.
3. The extent to which the content (a) supported the main idea with worthwhile evidence, and (b) employed effective language skills including such items as use of transitions and clear, vivid and appropriate word choices. Researched material must be verbally attributed to a source(s).
4. The extent to which the vocal presentation was clear and appropriate to the subject, including such items as articulation, pronunciation, volume, rate, pitch and voice quality.
5. The extent to which the physical presence contributed to the clarity and effectiveness of the presentation, including such items as facial expression, eye contact, gestures and bodily movement.

V.       Rules for Radio News Casting

A.    Purpose of the Category:

To develop the skills in organizing news items for vocal presentation.

B.     Definition of the Category:

The challenge to the speaker is to present a well-organized, clearly communicated newscast. Source material shall be provided by the committee. The host polytechnic is to provide the judge with a copy of the packet of material given to each speaker. At least one commercial is to be included within the time limits of the presentation.

C. Rules:

1. The speaker may delete or edit any parts of items from the provided material.
2. One-half hour before the round, the speaker will receive source material. Identical material will be provided for each participant at five minute intervals.
3. The newscast will include one commercial advertising some product or service.
4. The time limit shall be 5 minutes and the speaker is expected to finish "on the nose; "however, if a speaker concludes the presentation within ten seconds on either side of five minutes the speaker will not be penalized. Beyond those limits a point will be subtracted for each ten seconds.

D. Criteria for Evaluation:

1. The extent to which the student provided clear and logical organization of the news-script, balancing the levels and types of news including international, national and state news, weather and sports.
2. The extent to which the presentation reflected effective language skills, including use of smooth transitions with clear, vivid, and appropriate word choices.
3. The extent to which the delivery was in a clear, pleasant, and confident voice, reflecting good articulation, pronunciation, volume, pitch and voice quality.
4. The extent to which the commercial(s) was incorporated as an important item in the newscast without dominating the news.
5. The extent to which the student delivered the newscast within the time limits without unnatural speeding up or slowing down.

VI.    Rules for TV News Casting

A.    Purpose of the Category:

To develop the skills in newscasting

B.     Definition of the Category:

The challenge to the speaker is to present a well-organized, clearly communicated newscast in television. Source material shall be provided by the committee. Spesific subjects shall be included in the material.

C. Rules:

1. The speaker must be ready in studio-class 30 minutes before he/she performs.
2. One-half hour before the round, the speaker will receive source material. Identical material will be provided for each participant at five minute intervals.
3. The newscast will include news report and weather broadcast.
4. Host committee will provide materials for approximately 5 minutes of speaking for 2 subjects of interrelated news. 
5. Any use of visual aids is permitted.
6. Participant has to wear formal apparel.
7. All participants must not wear jeans in this competition.
8. Every participant must keep his/her appearance neat and clean.

D. Criteria for Evaluation:

1. The extent to which the student provided clear and logical organization of the news script, balancing the levels and types of news including international, national and state news, weather and sports.
2. The extent to which the presentation reflected effective language skills, including use of smooth transitions with clear, vivid, and appropriate word choices.
3. The extent to which the delivery was in a clear, pleasant, and confident voice, reflecting good articulation, pronunciation, volume, pitch and voice quality.
4. The extent to which the student delivered the newscast within the time limits without unnatural speeding up or slowing down.

VII. Rules for Solo Acting

A.    Purpose of the Category:

To develop skills in the presentation of dramatic literature.

B.     Definition of the Category:

The material for Solo Acting shall be a cutting from serious or humorous drama or other literature adapted to the dramatic format with brief narrative transitions allowed. Original material may not be used. The material may be a monologue or a selection which includes any number of characters. In case the later, the participant shall be required to adjust his/her acts. Quality material in both divisions must be used. Quality material is characterized by insights into human values, motivations, relationships, problems, and understandings and is not characterized by sentimentality, violence for its own sake, unmotivated endings, or stereotyped characterizations. By using the self as a medium between the selection and the audience, the student shall create the character(s) and shall utilize action appropriate to the characterization(s) within the control of the setting. The student shall also prepare an introduction which includes author(s) and selection(s) and prepares the listener for the emotional and intellectual content of the selection.

C. Rules:

1. An introduction to the chosen selection is required and must be either memorized or presented extemporaneously without the use of notes.
2. The presentation is to be memorized.
3. The use of a single stationary chairis allowed.
4. Costumes, props (including tables and additional chairs), sound, lighting, and make-up are optional, prepared by participant, and shall not be scored.
5. Maximum time limit:  10 minutes. A 15 second grace period is allowed, after which one point will be deducted from that evaluation item dealing with pace.

D. Criteria for Evaluation:

1. The extent to which the introduction familiarized the audience with the tone and theme.
2. The extent to which the material chosen provided insights into human values, motivations, relationships, problems, and understandings.
3. The extent to which the presentation established and projected the motivations, emotions, and interrelationships of the character(s) through voice.
4. The extent to which the presentation established and projected the motivations, emotions, and interrelationships of the character(s) through bodily movement and facial expression.
5. The extent to which the presentation constituted a well-paced and unified segment of dramatic action.

VIII.       Rules for Story Telling

A.    Purpose of the Category:

To develop skill in presenting imaginative material of the narrative form.

B.     Definition of the Category:

To tell a story is to chronicle events. The burden of the storyteller is to chronicle those events in a coherent, unified, clear, and interesting manner. The storyteller may use vocal variation and physical movement to suggest different characters and character relationships in order to make the story clearer and more interesting. The storyteller must sit in a chair; other costumes or props are not permitted. It should be remembered throughout that the emphasis of the storyteller's art is on the teller as intermediary or narrator. The student is expected to "demonstrate a sense of audience", that is, tell the chosen story in such a manner that it would be suitable for the intended audience, be it young children, teenagers, adults or chronologically advanced. Material for storytelling will be chosen by the student based on the topic areas announced by the committee. A student will choose and rehearse one or more different stories for each topic area. Original material is acceptable.

Poosible topic areas  are:

1. A Story from Indonesian heartland
2. A Story about a fool
3. A Story with puns or other word play
4. A Story about overcoming heartbreak or sadness

C.     Rules:

1. A brief introduction identifying author, title and intended audience is required.
2. No other costumes, props, or visual material may be used. Vocal music, if used, must be incidental and consist of no more than thirty (30) seconds total, after which there will be a one point deduction.
3. Notes are not permitted.
4. Maximum time limit: 10 minutes. A 15 second grace period is allowed, after which one point will be deducted from that evaluation item dealing with rate.

D.    Criteria for Evaluation:

1. The extent to which the story as told constituted a coherent, spontaneous and unified narrative appropriate to the topic area.
2. The extent to which the teller's choice of language and introduction was appropriate to the chosen story and audience.
3. The extent to which nonverbal expressions, including such items as gestures, facial expression and bodily movement contributed to clarity.
4. The extent to which vocal aspects of the performance were appropriate and enhancing to the meaning of the story, including such items as articulation, pronunciation, vocal clarity, volume, rate and pitch.
5. The extent to which the suggestion of character and character relationship was appropriate to the material.

Rules IX: Participant Qualification

Polytechnic may qualify astudent.

A.    Any student in compliance with the eligibility definitions of Polytechnic is eligible to represent his or her polytechnic.

B.     To be an eligible speaker for the NPSC, a student must provide official documents from appropriate polytechnic officials verifying that he/she is registered as a polytechnic student and delegate of the NPSC

Rules X: Judging

A.    Judges are selected on the basis of their communication skills, public speaking experience and their ability torelate to polytechnics competitors.

B.     Judges give equal consideration to both speeches in the allocation of marks. Judging is a subjective process but will always be related to the nominated criteria and guidelines. The judging and evaluation criteria is attached to this document.