Shamrock Invitational with Wyatt Debate

2025 — Louisville, KY/US

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Informative

Event Description:

INFORMATIVE SPEAKING—Senior Division

Judge Instructions

Rules Summary

1. In this event, each student delivers an original speech which is meant to explain, define, describe, or illustrate a particular subject.

2. The time limit is 10 minutes with a 30-second “grace period.” Should a student go beyond the grace period, the student may not be ranked 1st in the round. No minimum time is mandated. No violation of the grace period at the Regional tournament or the State Quarterfinal, Semifinal, or Final rounds may result in disqualification.

3. The speech must be the original work of the student. The presentation must be memorized. A fabricated topic may not be used. Any non-factual reference, including a personal reference, must be so identified.

4. The student may choose to use audio/visual aids to supplement and reinforce the message. No electronic equipment may be used. No live animals or additional people may be used as visual aids. Items of dress put on and removed during the presentation are costuming and not permitted. Visual aids my not violate the law. The host school is no responsible for providing facilities, equipment, or assistance in a contestant’s use of visual aids. If a visual aid displays published pictorial material, the source must be included on the Works Cited page but does not need to be cited orally.

5. Quotation: Not more than 150 words of the speech may be direct quotation and such quotations must be identified orally and in a copy of the speech (print or digital) available at Regional and State tournaments if asked for.

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Hints for Judges

1. The introduction should get the attention of the audience as well as preview the speech.

2. Good speaking skills should be evident; the speech’s organization must be clear and easy to follow, and eye contact is essential.

5. If used, presentation aids should be effectively selected, prepared, and presented.

5. Audience rapport should be evident.

6. Sources should be used to support any facts or claims.

7. Fluency of language is important as well as logical development of content.

Judging Criteria

I. Choice of Material Used in Speech

Did the speaker confine remarks to the topic of the speech? Did the speaker show depth of analysis and a desire to contribute to the audience's understanding? Did the speaker select supporting materials, including the presentational aids (if any) that contributed to the informative nature of the speech?

II. Organization of the Speech

Did the speaker have an appropriate introduction and conclusion? Did the speaker present clearly and compellingly the main points in the body of the speech? Did the speaker employ transitions that were clear and smooth? Did the speaker develop evidence, examples, and illustrations to support the main points?

III. Demonstration of Rhetorical Excellence

Did the speaker demonstrate good sentence structure and effective use of language? Did the speaker effectively inform the audience?

IV. Presentation of the Speech

Did the speaker demonstrate attributes of effective speaking such as eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures? Did the speaker exhibit poise, control of bodily action, and clarity of speaking voice?

********Judge Notice********

In an effort to ensure fairness in judging practices, KHSSL has standardized the point values given to student performances. Please use the following rubric in order to assign point values to each student's performance. Students may not receive the same point value. Students may not receive more points than an individual more highly ranked. Judges are strongly encouraged to justify the reason for the rating on the ballot.