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Toastmaster Speech Contests
Sample Scoring Ballots

These are unofficial copies of the ballots used for scoring the various Toastmasters International Contests. They are posted for the use of contestants during development of speeches. They are not intended for judging.

At each contest each judge is given a copy of a judges guide and ballot sheet. The information from which is reproduced below. In the actual ballot the 'Judging Criteria' is on the back and space is provided on the front to record scores given to each speaker.

-- Prepared by Richard Frantz Jr., Cheshire Toastmasters

Judge's Code of Ethics

  1. Judges will consciously avoid bias of any kind in selectiung first, second and third place contestants. They will not consider any contestant's Club, Area, Division or District affiliation. Nor will they consider any contestant's age, sex, race, creed, national origin, profession or political beliefs. They wull demonstrate the utmost of objectivity.
  2. Judges will not time the speeches and will not consider the possibility of under-time or overtime when judging a contestant's speech.
  3. Judges will support by word and deed the contest rules and judging standards, refraining from public criticism of the contest and revealing scores and ranking only in accordance with official policy.

 

International Speech Contest (Held each Spring)

Judging Item Judging Criteria Excel-
lent		 Very Good Good Fair
Content
50%		 Speech Development
Structure, Organization, Support material		 Speech Development is the way the speaker puts ideas together so the audience can understand them. The speech is structured around a purpose, and this structure must include an opening, body, and conclusion. A good speech immediately engages the audience's attention and then moves forward towards a significant conclusion. This developement of speech structure is supported by relevant examples, illustrations, facts, and figures, delivered with such smoothness that they blend into the framework of the speech to present the audience with a unified whole. 20 14-19 9-13 0-8
Effectiveness
Achievement of Purpose, Interest, Reception		 Effectiveness is measured in part by the audience's reception of the speech, but a large part is your subjective judgemnt of how the speech came across. You should ask yourself such questions as "Was I able to determine the speaker's purpose?" "Did thje speech relate directly to that purpose?" "Was the audience's interst held by the speaker?" "Was this speech subject appropriate for this particular audience?" 15 11-14 6-10 0-5
Speech Value
Ideas, Logic, Original Thought		 Speech value justifies the act of speaking. The speaker has a responsibility to say something meaningful and original to the audience. The listeners should feel the speaker has made a contribution to their thinking. The ideas should be important ones, although this does not preculde a humorous presentation of them. 15 11-14 6-10 0-5
Delivery
30%		 Physical
Appearance, Body Language		 Physical presentation of a speech carries part of the responsibility for effective communication. The spekaer's appearance should reinforce the speech, whether profound, sad, humorous or instructional. Body language should support points through gestures, expressions, and body positioning. 10 7-9 4-6 0-3
Voice
Flexibility, Volume		 Voice is the sound that carries the message. It should be flexible, moving from one pitch to another for emphasis, and should have a variety of rate and volume. A good voice can be clearly heard and the words easily understood. 10 7-9 4-6 0-3
Manner
Directness, Assurance, Enthusiasm		 Manner is the indirect revelation opf the speaker's real self as the speech is delivered. The speaker should speak with enthusiam and assurance, showing interest in the audience and confidence in their reactions. 10 7-9 4-6 0-3
Language
20%		 Appropiateness
To speech purpose and audience		 Appropriateness of language refers to the choice of words that relate to the speech purpose and to the particular audience hearing thspeech. language should promote clear understanding of thoughts and should fit the occasion precisely. 10 7-9 4-6 0-3
Correctness
Grammar, Pronunciation, Word Selection		 Correctness of language ensures that attention will be directed toward what the speaker says, not to how it is said. Proper use of grammar and correct pronunciation will show that the speaker is the master of the words used. 10 7-9 4-6 0-3
Total
100%		     Max
100		      

Humorous Speech Contest (held each Fall)

Judging Item Judging Criteria Excel-
lent		 Very Good Good Fair
Content
55%		 Speech Development
Structure, Opening, Body, Support material		 Speech Development is the way the speaker puts ideas together so the audience can understand them. The speech is structured around a purpose, and this structure must include an opening, body, and conclusion. A good speech immediately engages the audience's attention and then moves forward towards a significant conclusion. This developement of speech structure is supported by relevant examples, illustrations, facts, and figures, delivered with such smoothness that they blend into the framework of the speech to present the audience with a unified whole. 15 11-14 6-10 0-5
Effectiveness
Excitement Created,Suspense, the Unexpected Twist, Surprise, Connection of Humorous events, Achievement of Purpose		 Effectiveness is measured in part by the audience's reception of the speech, but a large part is your subjective judgemnt of how the speech came across. You should ask yourself such questions as "Was I able to determine the speaker's purpose?" "Did thje speech relate directly to that purpose?" "Was the audience's interst held by the speaker?" "Was this speech subject appropriate for this particular audience?" 15 11-14 6-10 0-5
Speech Value
Ideas, Originality of Thoughts and Material		   15 11-14 6-10 0-5
Audience Response
Attentiveness, Laughter, Interest, Reception		   10 7-9 4-6 0-3
Delivery
30%		 Physical
Appearance, Body Language		 Physical presentation of a speech carries part of the responsibility for effective communication. The spekaer's appearance should reinforce the speech, whether profound, sad, humorous or instructional. Body language should support points through gestures, expressions, and body positioning. 10 7-9 4-6 0-3
Voice
Flexibility, Volume		 Voice is the sound that carries the message. It should be flexible, moving from one pitch to another for emphasis, and should have a variety of rate and volume. A good voice can be clearly heard and the words easily understood. 10 7-9 4-6 0-3
Manner
Directness, Assurance, Enthusiasm		 Manner is the indirect revelation opf the speaker's real self as the speech is delivered. The speaker should speak with enthusiam and assurance, showing interest in the audience and confidence in their reactions. 10 7-9 4-6 0-3
Language
15%		 Appropiateness
To speech purpose and audience, Reflecting Good Taste		 Appropriateness of language refers to the choice of words that relate to the speech purpose and to the particular audience hearing thspeech. language should promote clear understanding of thoughts and should fit the occasion precisely. 10 7-9 4-6 0-3
Correctness
Grammar, Pronunciation, Word Selection		 Correctness of language ensures that attention will be directed toward what the speaker says, not to how it is said. Proper use of grammar and correct pronunciation will show that the speaker is the master of the words used. 5 4 3 0-2
Total
100%		     Max
100		      

Judging the Humorous Speech Contest

The primary difference between judging the regular or standard speech contest as opposed to the strictly humorous speech contest lies in the treatment of the material. The humorous speech requires an obvious conscious use of comedic elements intended to inform and entertain. The humor must be there. in judging the humorous speech it is important to remember that humor makes many appeals from the belly laugh to the well-concealed smile. It may involve warm and sympathetic general laughter or it may castigate a victim with hard and ruthless derision.

Purpose of Humor

The purpose of humor is to delight, entertain, or regale an audience through the presentation of ideas in the spirit of fun. Kinds of humor incorporated in a speech may range from allusions to ridiculous behavior, to wit and satire.
 
Reaction to intellectual humor (wit, satire) arises from perception and insight the speaker conveys to the audience. In this type of humor, an undertone of excessive bitterness can destroy the effect of the humor. The speaker's attitude, then, requires a just sense of proportion so that the essential lightness of spirit is achieved.

Attitude of Humor

The most important element to be aware of is the speaker's point of view or attitude of humor. In the speech, the speaker should convey a contrast in the juxtaposition or reversing of the normal and the abnormal, the expected and the unexpected. Humor involves a sudden change.
 
Excessive sentimentality, bitterness, depravity, exaggeration, any conspicuous straining for effect, any flat dullness upsets the balance of humor. The speaker should avoid language, anecdotes or references that are objectionable to a particular audience. This requires that the speaker know the make-up of the audience.

 

Evaluation Contest

Judging Item Judging Criteria Excel-
lent		 Very Good Good Fair
Analytical Quality
Clear, Focused		 Analytical quality refers to the effectiveness of the evaluation. every evaluation should carefully analyze the strengths and weakness of the speaker's presentation. were the evaluator's comments clear and logical? Did the evaluator identify specific strengths and weaknesses of the presentation? 40 28-39 17-27 0-16
Recommendations
Positive, Specific, Helpful		 Recommendations are an important part of an evaluation. An evaluator not only points out the strengths and weakness of a speech, he/she also offers specific recommendations for improvement. Recommendations should be practical, helpful and positive, and they should enable the speaker to improve his or her next presentation. 30 22-29 13-21 0-12
Technique
Sympathetic, Sensitive, Motivational		 Technique refers to the manner in which the evaluator presents his/her comments and recommendations. An evaluator should be sensitive to the feelings and needs of the speaker, yet inspire and encourage the speaker in his/her future speaking efforts. 15 11-14 6-10 0-5
Summation
Concise, Encouraging		 Summation is how the evaluator concludes the evaluation. The conclusion should briefly summarize the evaluator's comments and suggestions, and be positive and encouraging. 15 11-14 6-10 0-5
    Total
100%		      

 

Table Topics Contest

Judging Item Judging Criteria Excel-
lent		 Very Good Good Fair
Speech Development
Opening, Body, Close, Organization, Smoothness		 Speech Development is the way the speaker puts ideas together so the audience can understand them. The Table Topics response is structured around a purpose, and this structure must include an opening, body and conclusion. The response is supported by relevant examples and illustrations, facts and figures if appropriate, and is delivered smoothly. 30 23-29 17-22 0-16
Effectiveness
Logic, Directness, Enthusiasm, Achievement of Purpose, Audience Response		 Effectiveness is your subjective judgement of how the response came across. Were you able to determine the speaker's purpose? Did the speech relate directly to the given question or topic? Was the response clearly and logically presented? 25 18-24 11-17 0-10
Physical
Appearance, Body Language		 Physical presentation of the response carries part of the responsibility for effective communication. The Speaker's appearance should reinforce his or her response. Body language should support points through gestures, expressions and body positioning. 15 11-14 6-10 0-5
Voice
Flexibility, Volume		 Voice is the sound that carries the message. It should be flexible, moving from one pitch to another for emphasis, and should have a variety of rate and volume. A good voice can be clearly heard and the words easily understood. 15 11-14 6-10 0-5
Language
Appropriate to Speech, Purpose and Audience. Good Grammar, Pronunciation and Word Selection.		 Language refers to the choice of words that relate to the response. Language should promote clear understanding of thoughts and should fit the occasion precisely. Proper use of grammar and correct pronunciation will show that the speaker is the master of the words used. 15 11-14 6-10 0-5
    Total
100%		      

 

Tall Tales Contest

Judging Item Judging Criteria Excel-
lent		 Very Good Good Fair
Speech Development
Opening, Build-up, Climax, Organization, Smoothness		 Speech Development is the way the speaker puts ideas together so the audience can understand them. A good tall tales speech immediately engages the audience's attention, then smoothly builds up to a climax and conclusion. 30 22-29 13-21 0-12
Speech Techniques
Effective use of Exaggeration, Irony, Pun, Suprise Twists, Humor, Slapstick, etc.		 Speech Techniques refers to the use of various tall tales skills, such as exaggeration, irony, pun, humor and surprise twists. These techniques are the essence of the tall tale, and they must be skillfully incorporated into the tale. 25 18-24 11-17 0-10
Physical
Appearance, Body Language		 Physical presentation of a speech carries part of the responsibility for effective communication. The speaker's appearance should reinforce the story. Body language should support the story through gestures, expressions and body positions. 15 11-14 7-10 0-6
Voice
Flexibility, Volume		 Voice is the sound that carries the message. It should be flexible, moving from one pitch level to another for emphasis, and should have a variety of rate and volume. A good voice can be clearly heard and the words easily understood. 15 11-14 7-10 0-6
Language
Appropriate to Speech, Purpose and Audience. Good Grammar, Pronunciation and Word Selection		 Language refers to the choice of words that relate to the story. Language should promote clear understanding of thoughts and should fit the occasion precisely. Proper use of grammar and correct pronunciation will show that the speaker is the master of the words beign used. 15 11-14 7-10 0-6
    Total
100%