Information for Judges - Air Cadet League of Canada

Philosophy

Effective speaking is an experience in individual development. The speaker’s own growth, measured against his or her own previous experience and accomplishments, is the most important feature of the competition.

The development of strong communication skills in individual members is the primary objective. Confident, responsible, self-expression is a goal of the speaking competition.

Content is as important, or more so, than delivery. A super delivery of “nothing” is still “nothing”, and like any citizen, Air Cadets have the right to criticize any situation or segment of society. However, the League expects them to (a) document and support criticism and (b) suggest a solution or a better alternative.

Salutations

There is no required form or length of salutation. Each speaker is expected to greet his/her listeners in some form. Salutations may vary from “Ladies and Gentlemen” to “Ladies and Gentlemen, Judges, guests, fellow Air Cadets”, etc. Mentioning judges in the salutation is optional. Salutations need not be the very first words spoken. If a speech starts with a question, challenge or stage-setting scenario, the salutation may more effectively occur after the first few sentences. Judges should certainly take the opportunity in their comments to indicate their opinion of whether or not the strategy was effective.

Speech Endings

Speakers should not end a speech with a thank you. They should think of a speech as a gift. The giver of a gift does not thank the recipient.

The Speech

Speech topics have been provided. No speech type is better than another. Cadets are expected to do the best job they can with the speech type they select. Although some judges may have a personal preference for a particular speech type, we ask that they evaluate the speech given by the standards and requirements for its type (informative, persuasive, entertaining).

Why Effective Speaking

Think about the goals of the public speaking program. Air Cadets are aiming to be more valuable members of society. They are learning to organize and present ideas, opinions, and information in a logical, persuasive manner. They are building confidence in self-expression. They are taking responsibility for the most important skill of adult life — communication. Judging their efforts provides valuable guidance to these young speakers. Judging comments reinforce and reward their efforts. An unbiased observer can zero in on strengths and weaknesses and pinpoint areas needing attention. Judging speeds growth and development by presenting a clear, honest reflection to the speaker.

Judges‘ Roles and Responsibilities

To encourage and aid the speaker’s development;
To mirror back to the speakers their presentation, with constructive comments and reinforcement;
To assign scores using the score sheet;
To emphasize content over delivery;
To rank all the speakers, breaking their own ties;
To complete a comments sheet for each speaker and to briefly explain those comments to the speaker, if requested, and
To be called upon to give general comments to the speakers.

Scoring

Each speaker gives one prepared speech for a possible score of 76 points and an impromptu speech for a possible score of 24 points, with an overall possible total of 100 points. A standardized score sheet is provided. Scoring is allotted as follows:

Prepared Speeches (total 76 points) Introduction (8 points)

effective and appropriate
relevant to topic
aroused curiosity and interest in topic

Content and Organization (30 points)

information complete and logically presented
overall understanding of topic evidenced by research
conveyed subject effectively to audience
kept to central topic
speech developed with originality
correct grams, phrasing, sentence structure and use of words

Informative: Did the speaker show evidence of varied sources of up to date material?

Persuasive: Did the speaker state an issue, illustrate an area of concern, suggest a solution, give logic and reasons for these solutions (use facts) and seek out audience support for the solution given or challenge the audience?

Entertaining: Did the speaker use a variety of humour in a light manner? Did you enjoy it?

Delivery and Style (30 points)

captured and held
spoke directly to audience with enthusiasm, confidence and eye contact, smiles, gestures and facial expressions suitably employed proper stance, pronunciation and enunciation quality and carry power of voice, effective and pleasing use of pitch, tempo, pauses
rate of delivery

Conclusion (8 points)