Rules and Regulations

Hey peepz,

Below is the Rules and Regulations for the NTU NIE Speech Contest 09:

Rules & Regulations:

a. Contestants are allowed to talk about ANY topic of their choice with the exception of politics, religion, sex and violence.

b. Speeches will be 4 minutes 30 seconds to 7 minutes 30 seconds. A contestant will be disqualified from the contest if the speech does not fall within the time stipulated above.

c. Contestants will draw lots to decide on their speaking order with the contest administrators.

d. When the time comes for the contestant to be introduced, and if the contestant is not present at that moment, the contestant will be disqualified. However, if the contestant gives prior notice to the contest chairperson and MC, and has all required paperwork in good order prior to the introduction, disqualification shall not occur.

e. There will be one minute of silence in between contestants, during which the judges will make their assessment on the contestant. The next contestant is to make full use of this time to prepare the stage for their speech.

f. Contestants have to remain in the same room throughout the duration of the contest.

g. Announcement of contest winners is final unless the list of winners is announced incorrectly, in which case the judges, tally counters, or timers or organizing committee chair may immediately interrupt to correct the error.

$ 2 administrative fee is charged per contestant.

CONDUCT OF CONTEST AND JUDGING CRITERIA

1. PURPOSE - To provide an opportunity for students to improve their speaking abilities and to give recognition to the best as encouragement to all. - To provide an opportunity for the audience to learn by observing the more proficient speakers who have made it to the contest.

2. APPLICABILITY - These rules, unless otherwise noted, apply to NTU/NIE Speech Contest (NNSC) 2009 only.

3. SELECTION SEQUENCE - Any number of students may apply. A qualifying round will be commenced to shortlist 8 applicants for the finals.

4. ELIGIBILITY - To be eligible to compete at the NNSC 2009, an individual must be either (a) a matriculated student of Nanyang Technological University, or (b) a trainee teacher at the National Institute of Education. The following are ineligible for competition in the contest: i) Members of NTU Toastmasters Club. ii) Members of NTU InspYre Toastmasters Club. iii) Past winners of the NNSC. iv) Staff of NTU or NIE.

5. SPEECH SUBJECT AND PREPARATION

A. English shall be the main language of delivery. The speech may be constructed around any subject matter except race, religion, politics and sex. Props can be used after approval by the Chief Admin Officer. Approval shall be obtained before the start of the respective round.

B. Contestants must prepare their own speeches, which must be substantially original. Any quoted material must be so identified during the speech presentation. Contestants are encouraged to rehearse their speeches beforehand.

C. All contestants will speak from the same platform or area designated by the contest chairpersons with prior knowledge to all the judges and all the contestants. The contestants may speak from any position within the designated area and are not limited to standing at the lectern/podium.
i. A lectern/podium will be available. However, the use of the lectern/podium is optional.
ii. If amplification is necessary, a lectern/podium fixed-mounted microphone and a portable microphone shall be made available. The selection and use of a microphone is optional for each contestant.
iii. Contestants are responsible for arranging their preferred setup of the lectern/podium microphone and other equipment in a quiet manner.

6. GENERAL PROCEDURE

A. For the contest, 3 judges, 1 timer, 2 tally-counters and 2 logistics officers (SAAs) will be appointed.

B. The rules and regulations will be made available on the registration form. Judges, counters, and timers are briefed on their duties by the organizing committee chairpersons. Contestants will then draw lots to decide on their speaking order with the contest administrators.

C. When the time comes for the contestant to be introduced, and if the contestant is not present at that moment, the contestant will be disqualified. However, if the contestant gives prior notice to the contest chairperson and MC, and has all required paperwork in good order prior to the introduction, disqualification shall not occur. The contestant may speak in the drawn order, but waives the opportunity of a briefing if it is missed.

D. Each contestant will be introduced in this manner: The contestant’s name, speech title, speech title, and contestant’s name.

E. There will be one minute of silence in between contestants, during which the judges will make their assessment on the contestant. The next contestant is to use this time to prepare the stage for their speech.

F. Contestants have to remain in the same room throughout the duration of the contest.

G. Announcement of contest winners is final unless the list of winners is announced incorrectly, in which case the judges, tally counters, or timers or organizing committee chair may immediately interrupt to correct the error.

7. TIMING OF THE SPEECHES

A. Speeches will be 4 minutes 30 seconds to 7 minutes 30 seconds. A contestant will be disqualified from the contest if the speech does not fall within the time stipulated above.

B. Upon being introduced, the contestant shall proceed immediately to the speaking position. Timing will begin with the contestant’s first definite verbal or non-verbal communication with the audience. This usually will be the first word uttered by the contestant, but would include any other communication such as sound effects, a staged act by another person, or the use of props.

C. Timers shall provide light signals to the contestants, which shall be clearly visible. The timing sequence will be as follows:

Time Signal Duration
5 minutes Green Light 1 minute
6 minutes Amber Light 1 minute
7 minutes Red Light 1 minute