** Update: Date Change Alert! **
Our original date was a bit too crowded, so we’ve shuffled things around. Check out the new date right below and get ready for a fantastic evening of speeches. We promise it’ll be worth the wait!
looking forward to seeing you on
19 November 2024
Belfast Rugby Club - 18 March Place, Belfast
6:30pm start
6:30pm start
Entries Close - 12 November 2024
Welcome to the Primary Schools Speech Competition! We at the Rotary Club of Belfast Kaiapoi are thrilled to bring back this beloved community event, offering an exciting platform for Year 5, Year 6, and Year 7/8 students to shine. This competition is more than just a contest; it's a fantastic opportunity for young minds to express their ideas, showcase their talents, and grow in a supportive and engaging environment.
Participating in this competition will not only be fun but incredibly rewarding. Imagine the thrill of standing on stage, captivating an audience with your words, and receiving applause for your efforts. Our panel of experienced judges from Toastmasters will be there to provide valuable feedback, helping you improve your public speaking skills and boosting your confidence. Plus, we've secured some amazing prizes that await our top performers, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event!
Beyond the excitement and prizes, this competition is a chance to develop essential life skills. You'll learn how to think critically, articulate your thoughts clearly, and present your ideas confidently—skills that will benefit you far beyond the classroom. Whether you're passionate about storytelling, eager to share your opinions, or just looking to try something new, the Primary Schools Speech Competition is the perfect place to start. To participate, parents or caregivers need to complete the entry form on behalf of the entrant. Join us and take the first step towards becoming a confident, articulate speaker!
ENTER HERE
Once we've received your details we'll be in touch regarding competition rules and guidelines.
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Guidelines
Welcome to the world of speech-making, young wordsmiths! This isn't your average show-and-tell - it's a proper speech competition where your voice is the star of the show. No flashy slides or props here; we're going old-school cool with just you and your words.
Why, you ask? Well, we're on a mission to turn you into confident public speakers who can captivate an audience with nothing but your ideas and your voice. Think of it as training for your future TED Talks or stand-up comedy specials! So, let's dive into the guidelines and help you craft a speech that'll knock everyone's socks off.
Why, you ask? Well, we're on a mission to turn you into confident public speakers who can captivate an audience with nothing but your ideas and your voice. Think of it as training for your future TED Talks or stand-up comedy specials! So, let's dive into the guidelines and help you craft a speech that'll knock everyone's socks off.
Here are the guidelines to help you prepare
This event is designed to help you develop your public speaking skills without relying on audio or visual aids.
- Original Work: It's all you - Your speech should ideally be written by you, maybe as part of your classroom activities. We trust your teachers will guide and advise you, but the speech and its delivery are all yours. We trust everyone will follow these guidelines honestly.
- Years 5 and 6: 2 to 3 minutes
- Years 7 and 8: 3 to 4 minutes
- Judges will give a warning at 60 seconds and 30 seconds to go, and when your time is up
- Choose any topic you are passionate about. The goal is to speak about something that interests you and will engage your audience.
- Our judges from Toastmasters will use a standard marking sheet throughout the competition, from classroom level to regional finals. This ensures fairness and consistency in evaluation across all levels.
Criteria for Formal Speeches:
Purpose and Structure:
- Your speech should aim to persuade, entertain, or inform your audience. Start with a strong introduction, develop your ideas logically, and end with a solid conclusion. Remember the "hamburger" concept: beginning, middle, and end. Don't forget to greet your audience, either at the start or end of your speech (e.g., "Good morning, ladies and gentlemen...").
- Be original! Your ideas should be thought-provoking. Research your topic well to show a strong understanding. Natural, appropriate humour is always a plus.
- Do not use visual aids. This is a formal speech. If you need notes, use a single cue card with bullet points, keeping it discreet in your palm.
- Use appropriate language. Avoid any distasteful or vulgar language that might offend your audience.
Recommendations for Speech Presentations:
Audience Awareness:
- Make good eye contact and connect with your audience.
- Stand relaxed but with purpose. Use meaningful gestures. Make sure your appearance is tidy, and your hairstyle doesn’t hide your facial expressions.
- Use your voice effectively. Pronounce words clearly, use good grammar, and vary your tone and projection. Pause for emphasis when needed.
- Your speech should feel spontaneous and fluent. Use a rich vocabulary, deliver naturally and enthusiastically, and show command of your topic.
- After each group has presented, our judges will provide valuable feedback. This will include positive comments on what you did well and constructive suggestions for improvement. This 5-minute feedback session is a great opportunity to learn and grow as a speaker.
