Judging Criteria

The judging criteria used for the National Bank RSA Cyril Bassett VC Speech Competition is the International Contest standard as used globally by Toastmasters International.

Judging panels for the competition are assembled by Toastmasters New Zealand in conjunction with the RSA.

Speakers will be marked on the effectiveness of their speech and their performance on the day. The emphasis is on verbal communication.

Judging Criteria

• Speech development - 20%
  Includes structure, organisation, support material
• Effectiveness - 15%
  Relates to achievement of purpose, interest, audience reception
• Speech value - 15%
  This includes original and logical ideas used
• Physical delivery - 10%
  This is your appearance and use of body language
• Voice - 10%
  Your voice volume and flexibility
• Manner - 10%
  Manner includes your directness, assurance and enthusiasm
• Appropriateness - 10%
  This means the appropriateness of the speech to your purpose and the audience
• Correctness - 10%
  Includes grammar, pronunciation and word selection

Some Do’s and Dont's

• Students must prepare and deliver his/her own speech
• The timing is 6-8minutes. You will be heavily penalised if you speak for less than 5mins 30sec, or for more than 8min 30sec.
• Audio visual aids such as slides, overhead projection, power point, flip charts, white board, etc are not permitted.
• Cue cards and notes are discouraged. Judges discretion will apply to penalties in this instance.
• Speakers may not use a lectern.
• Timing begins with the first verbal or nonverbal communication with the audience.

Useful Resources
The Toastmasters website is an excellent resource for all public speakers.

For step by step tips on preparing a contest speech,
go to http://www.toastmasters.org.nz/index.cfm/Contests, scroll to find Useful Resources.  

Toastmasters New Zealand
http://www.toastmasters.org.nz/index.cfm