What the Contest Looks Like
- Formal and Structured: The event is run with formal protocols, including designated roles like Contest Chair, Chief Judge, and Timer.
- Online Format: Conducted entirely on Zoom, with specific rules for managing an online audience (e.g., muted mics, no entry during speeches, disabled public chat).
- Types of Contests: There are eight main types:
Contest Type | Description | Levels |
|---|---|---|
International Speech Contest | A prepared speech on a topic of the speaker’s choice (5–7 minutes). | Club → International (Group) → Global Championship (GYGC) |
Table Topics Contest | An impromptu speech where all contestants speak on the same surprise topic (1–2 minutes). | Club → International (Group) |
Evaluation Contest | Contestants evaluate a “test speech” and present their feedback (2–3 minutes). | Club → International (Group) |
Storytelling Contest | A prepared story focusing on drama, voice modulation, and imagery (5–7 minutes). | Club → International (Group) |
Monologue Contest | A solo dramatic or expressive performance highlighting emotion, character, and delivery (3–5 minutes). | Club → International (Group) |
Debate Contest | Teams or individuals argue for or against a motion, judged on reasoning, evidence, and rebuttal skills. | Club → International (Group) |
Humorous Speech Contest | A prepared speech designed to entertain while delivering a message (5–7 minutes). | Club → International (Group) |
Tall Tale Contest | An exaggerated and imaginative story told with humor and creativity (3–5 minutes). | Club → International (Group) |
- Progression: Winners from club-level contests advance to a final group-level contest within their designated GYGC group.
How the Contest Works (The Flow)
- Opening: The Sergeant at Arms calls the meeting to order, welcomes everyone, and outlines general discipline rules.
- Introduction: The Contest Chair or Contest Master takes over, explains the contest’s purpose, and introduces the Chief Judge.
- Rules Explanation: The Contest Master clearly explains the specific rules for that contest (timing, procedures, disqualification criteria).
- Contestant Roll Call: Contestants are confirmed present in the order they will speak (determined by a prior lottery).
- Speech Delivery: For each speaker, a strict protocol is followed:
- Audio/Video check.
- Confirmation from the Chief Judge.
- Introduction (name, speech title).
- The speech itself, with timing signals (Green, Yellow, Red cards).
- A one-minute silent period for judges to score after each speech.
- Judging & Tallying: After the final speech, a 3-minute break allows judges to finalize scores. The Chief Judge and Tally Counters move to a breakout room to calculate the results.
- Awards Ceremony: While results are tallied, participants receive virtual certificates and share experiences. The Chief Judge returns to announce the winners.
- Closing: A Vote of Thanks is given, and the meeting is formally adjourned.