General Rules for All Contests
- Discipline: Microphones must be muted during speeches. No one is allowed to enter the room once a speaker begins.
- Chat: The public chat is disabled to prevent distraction. Private chat with the Contest Chair or Zoom Master is allowed.
- Technical Issues: If disconnected, participants must wait in the waiting room until the current speaker finishes.
- Judging: Decisions by the panel of judges are final.
- Speech: Please do not talk about sex, politics, or religion.
Contest-Specific Rules
Contest Type | Speech Duration | Preparation Time | Key Rules |
|---|---|---|---|
International Speech | 5–7 minutes | Prepared in advance | Must be original; no props; winner advances to the next level. |
Table Topics | 1–2 minutes | None (impromptu) | Speaker must respond to the given topic immediately; no preparation or notes allowed. |
Evaluation | 2–3 minutes | 5 minutes after a test speech | Must follow standard evaluation format; no notes used during delivery except those taken in prep time. |
Storytelling | 5–7 minutes | Prepared in advance | Must tell a coherent story; limited props allowed depending on contest rules; originality recommended. |
Monologue | 3–5 minutes | Prepared in advance | Speaker performs a character or dramatic piece; memorization required; must remain within time limits. |
Debate | 4–6 minutes per side | Limited prep (topic announced in advance or on the spot) | Must follow assigned side (affirmative/negative); arguments must be structured; no interruptions except during crossfire (if used). |
Humorous Speech | 5–7 minutes | Prepared in advance | Must be original and primarily humorous; no props; humor must be appropriate for youth audiences. |
Tall Tale | 3–5 minutes | Prepared in advance | Story must be exaggerated or fictional; creativity encouraged; no props allowed unless rules permit. |
Timing and Disqualification
- Each contest has a strict time range with a 30-second “grace period” on either end.
- Speakers who fall outside this grace period (e.g., less than 4:30 or more than 7:30 in a 5-7 minute speech) are disqualified.
- Timers show color cards but do not announce the actual time taken; they report directly to the Chief Judge.