Speech & Drama

1. Expressive Reading Criteria

2. Poetry Recitation Criteria

3. Upload Format

4. Judge Scoring Sheet: Expressive Reading & Poetry Recitation

5. General Criteria for all Categories

6. Tips from public speaking judges

7. Prescribed Expressive Reading Passages

8. Prescribed Poems

9. Requirements for a Recorded Performance:

Expressive Reading Criteria:

  • Choose a passage from the prescribed list according to the age. (See link below)
  • Time: Max 2 min
  • Read out aloud with expression and gestures (no props or singing).
  • Facial and vocal expression should tell the story.
  • Definition of Expressive Reading:
    • A reading is an interpretation by a contestant of a dialogue between two or more people or a reading in the first person.
    • Poetry or stories with a plot, climax and ending CANNOT be included.

Poetry Recitation Criteria:

  • The contestant chooses a poem to recite by memory, using all the skills of a good dramatic presentation.
    • No costumes, props or singing allowed.
    • Time limit:  2 minutes maximum where applicable (16-20 yrs).
  • Hint: Contestants should avoid choppy presentations.
  • Deliver complete thoughts; not a sing-song rhythm.
  • The poem may be selected from the list.
  • Age 16-20 yrs should choose their own poem.

Upload Format:

  • All Speech & Drama should be a video recording
  • The format should be either MPG,MP4 or AVI
  • Upload on the entry/submission form

Judge Scoring Sheet: Expressive Reading & Poetry Recitation

  • Mechanics: 

    • Platform appearance – posture & clothing  (10) (neatness, modesty, use of actions)
    • Clarity of speech (10)
    • Poise/Self-confidence (10)

  • Characterization: 

    • Facial expression, eye contact, gestures (10)
    • Variety of dramatic skills displayed(10)
    • Interpretation of author’s idea (5)
    • Drawing & holding audience attention (5)
    • Preparation (comfortable acquaintance with story) (10)
    • Overall effectiveness (20)

  • Overall Presentation 

    • Audience attention (10)
  • Total Points: (100)

General Criteria for all Categories:

  • Godly Character
  • NO Swearing
  • NO Blasphemy
  • Modest Clothing
  • NO Suggestive Moves or Lyrics

Public Speaking:

Tips from public speaking judges:

  • In public speaking, the key word is CONVINCING!
  • Your task is to convince the listener that these are your words, your thoughts and your feelings.
  • If you are portraying a specific character, you should make the audience believe you really are that person.
  •  Many factors contribute to a convincing performance: gestures, posture, voice inflection and emotion.
  • Match each carefully to your script and character.
  • Emotion should be carefully balanced:
    • If you portray too little emotion, your performance will appear bland and colourless.
    • If you portray too much emotion, you will appear harsh, phony and overbearing.
  • Also be careful that your emotion does not detract from clear, crisp, easily understood diction.
  • The key—preparation and practice!
  • Practice in front of a mirror.

Expressive Reading:

Prescribed Expressive Reading Passages:

Poems:

Prescribed Poems:

Refer to the Requirements for a Recorded Performance: