These are unofficial copies of the ballots used for scoring the various Toastmasters International Contests. They are posted for the use of contestants during development of speeches. They are not intended for judging.
At each contest each judge is given a copy of a judges guide and ballot sheet. The information from which is reproduced below. In the actual ballot the 'Judging Criteria' is on the back and space is provided on the front to record scores given to each speaker.
| International Speech Contest | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Judging Item | Judging Criteria | Excel- lent |
Very Good | Good | Fair | |
| Content 50% |
Speech Development Structure, Organization, Support material |
Speech Development is the way the speaker puts ideas together so the audience can understand them. The speech is structured around a purpose, and this structure must include an opening, body, and conclusion. A good speech immediately engages the audience's attention and then moves forward towards a significant conclusion. This development of speech structure is supported by relevant examples, illustrations, facts, and figures, delivered with such smoothness that they blend into the framework of the speech to present the audience with a unified whole. | 20 | 14-19 | 9-13 | 0-8 |
| Effectiveness Achievement of Purpose, Interest, Reception |
Effectiveness is measured in part by the audience's reception of the speech, but a large part is your subjective judgment of how the speech came across. You should ask yourself such questions as "Was I able to determine the speaker's purpose?" "Did the speech relate directly to that purpose?" "Was the audience's interest held by the speaker?" "Was this speech subject appropriate for this particular audience?" | 15 | 11-14 | 6-10 | 0-5 | |
| Speech Value Ideas, Logic, Original Thought |
Speech value justifies the act of speaking. The speaker has a responsibility to say something meaningful and original to the audience. The listeners should feel the speaker has made a contribution to their thinking. The ideas should be important ones, although this does not preclude a humorous presentation of them. | 15 | 11-14 | 6-10 | 0-5 | |
| Delivery 30% |
Physical Appearance, Body Language |
Physical presentation of a speech carries part of the responsibility for effective communication. The speaker's appearance should reinforce the speech, whether profound, sad, humorous or instructional. Body language should support points through gestures, expressions, and body positioning. | 10 | 7-9 | 4-6 | 0-3 |
| Voice Flexibility, Volume |
Voice is the sound that carries the message. It should be flexible, moving from one pitch to another for emphasis, and should have a variety of rate and volume. A good voice can be clearly heard and the words easily understood. | 10 | 7-9 | 4-6 | 0-3 | |
| Manner Directness, Assurance, Enthusiasm |
Manner is the indirect revelation of the speaker's real self as the speech is delivered. The speaker should speak with enthusiasm and assurance, showing interest in the audience and confidence in their reactions. | 10 | 7-9 | 4-6 | 0-3 | |
| Language 20% |
Appropriateness To speech purpose and audience |
Appropriateness of language refers to the choice of words that relate to the speech purpose and to the particular audience hearing the speech. language should promote clear understanding of thoughts and should fit the occasion precisely. | 10 | 7-9 | 4-6 | 0-3 |
| Correctness Grammar, Pronunciation, Word Selection |
Correctness of language ensures that attention will be directed toward what the speaker says, not to how it is said. Proper use of grammar and correct pronunciation will show that the speaker is the master of the words used. | 10 | 7-9 | 4-6 | 0-3 | |
| Total 100% | ||||||
| Humorous Speech Contest (held each Fall) | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Judging Item | Judging Criteria | Excel- lent |
Very Good | Good | Fair | |
| Content 55% |
Speech Development Structure, Opening, Body, Support material |
Speech Development is the way the speaker puts ideas together so the audience can understand them. The speech is structured around a purpose, and this structure must include an opening, body, and conclusion. A good speech immediately engages the audience's attention and then moves forward towards a significant conclusion. This development of speech structure is supported by relevant examples, illustrations, facts, and figures, delivered with such smoothness that they blend into the framework of the speech to present the audience with a unified whole. | 15 | 11-14 | 6-10 | 0-5 |
| Effectiveness Excitement Created, Suspense, the Unexpected Twist, Surprise, Connection of Humorous events, Achievement of Purpose |
Effectiveness is measured in part by the audience's reception of the speech, but a large part is your subjective judgment of how the speech came across. You should ask yourself such questions as "Was I able to determine the speaker's purpose?" "Did the speech relate directly to that purpose?" "Was the audience's interest held by the speaker?" "Was this speech subject appropriate for this particular audience?" | 15 | 11-14 | 6-10 | 0-5 | |
| Speech Value Ideas, Originality of Thoughts and Material |
15 | 11-14 | 6-10 | 0-5 | ||
| Audience Response Attentiveness, Laughter, Interest, Reception |
10 | 7-9 | 4-6 | 0-3 | ||
| Delivery 30% |
Physical Appearance, Body Language |
Physical presentation of a speech carries part of the responsibility for effective communication. The speaker's appearance should reinforce the speech, whether profound, sad, humorous or instructional. Body language should support points through gestures, expressions, and body positioning. | 10 | 7-9 | 4-6 | 0-3 |
| Voice Flexibility, Volume |
Voice is the sound that carries the message. It should be flexible, moving from one pitch to another for emphasis, and should have a variety of rate and volume. A good voice can be clearly heard and the words easily understood. | 10 | 7-9 | 4-6 | 0-3 | |
| Manner Directness, Assurance, Enthusiasm |
Manner is the indirect revelation of the speaker's real self as the speech is delivered. The speaker should speak with enthusiasm and assurance, showing interest in the audience and confidence in their reactions. | 10 | 7-9 | 4-6 | 0-3 | |
| Language 15% |
Appropriateness To speech purpose and audience, Reflecting Good Taste |
Appropriateness of language refers to the choice of words that relate to the speech purpose and to the particular audience hearing the speech. language should promote clear understanding of thoughts and should fit the occasion precisely. | 10 | 7-9 | 4-6 | 0-3 |
| Correctness Grammar, Pronunciation, Word Selection |
Correctness of language ensures that attention will be directed toward what the speaker says, not to how it is said. Proper use of grammar and correct pronunciation will show that the speaker is the master of the words used. | 5 | 4 | 3 | 0-2 | |
| Total 100% | ||||||
Judging the Humorous Speech ContestThe primary difference between judging the regular or standard speech contest as opposed to the strictly humorous speech contest lies in the treatment of the material. The humorous speech requires an obvious conscious use of comedic elements intended to inform and entertain. The humor must be there. in judging the humorous speech it is important to remember that humor makes many appeals from the belly laugh to the well-concealed smile. It may involve warm and sympathetic general laughter or it may castigate a victim with hard and ruthless derision. |
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Purpose of HumorThe purpose of humor is to delight, entertain, or regale an audience through the presentation of ideas in the spirit of fun. Kinds of humor incorporated in a speech may range from allusions to ridiculous behavior, to wit and satire.Reaction to intellectual humor (wit, satire) arises from perception and insight the speaker conveys to the audience. In this type of humor, an undertone of excessive bitterness can destroy the effect of the humor. The speaker's attitude, then, requires a just sense of proportion so that the essential lightness of spirit is achieved. |
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Attitude of HumorThe most important element to be aware of is the speaker's point of view or attitude of humor. In the speech, the speaker should convey a contrast in the juxtaposition or reversing of the normal and the abnormal, the expected and the unexpected. Humor involves a sudden change.Excessive sentimentality, bitterness, depravity, exaggeration, any conspicuous straining for effect, any flat dullness upsets the balance of humor. The speaker should avoid language, anecdotes or references that are objectionable to a particular audience. This requires that the speaker know the make-up of the audience. |
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| Evaluation Contest | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Judging Item | Judging Criteria | Excel- lent |
Very Good | Good | Fair | |
| Analytical Quality Clear, Focused |
Analytical quality refers to the effectiveness of the evaluation. every evaluation should carefully analyze the strengths and weakness of the speaker's presentation. were the evaluator's comments clear and logical? Did the evaluator identify specific strengths and weaknesses of the presentation? | 40 | 28-39 | 17-27 | 0-16 | |
| Recommendations Positive, Specific, Helpful |
Recommendations are an important part of an evaluation. An evaluator not only points out the strengths and weakness of a speech, he/she also offers specific recommendations for improvement. Recommendations should be practical, helpful and positive, and they should enable the speaker to improve his or her next presentation. | 30 | 22-29 | 13-21 | 0-12 | |
| Technique Sympathetic, Sensitive, Motivational |
Technique refers to the manner in which the evaluator presents his/her comments and recommendations. An evaluator should be sensitive to the feelings and needs of the speaker, yet inspire and encourage the speaker in his/her future speaking efforts. | 15 | 11-14 | 6-10 | 0-5 | |
| Summation Concise, Encouraging |
Summation is how the evaluator concludes the evaluation. The conclusion should briefly summarize the evaluator's comments and suggestions, and be positive and encouraging. | 15 | 11-14 | 6-10 | 0-5 | |
| Total 100% | ||||||
| Table Topics Contest | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Judging Item | Judging Criteria | Excel- lent |
Very Good | Good | Fair |
| Speech Development Opening, Body, Close, Organization, Smoothness |
Speech Development is the way the speaker puts ideas together so the audience can understand them. The Table Topics response is structured around a purpose, and this structure must include an opening, body and conclusion. The response is supported by relevant examples and illustrations, facts and figures if appropriate, and is delivered smoothly. | 30 | 23-29 | 17-22 | 0-16 |
| Effectiveness Logic, Directness, Enthusiasm, Achievement of Purpose, Audience Response |
Effectiveness is your subjective judgement of how the response came across. Were you able to determine the speaker's purpose? Did the speech relate directly to the given question or topic? Was the response clearly and logically presented? | 25 | 18-24 | 11-17 | 0-10 |
| Physical Appearance, Body Language |
Physical presentation of the response carries part of the responsibility for effective communication. The Speaker's appearance should reinforce his or her response. Body language should support points through gestures, expressions and body positioning. | 15 | 11-14 | 6-10 | 0-5 |
| Voice Flexibility, Volume |
Voice is the sound that carries the message. It should be flexible, moving from one pitch to another for emphasis, and should have a variety of rate and volume. A good voice can be clearly heard and the words easily understood. | 15 | 11-14 | 6-10 | 0-5 |
| Language Appropriate to Speech, Purpose and Audience. Good Grammar, Pronunciation and Word Selection. |
Language refers to the choice of words that relate to the response. Language should promote clear understanding of thoughts and should fit the occasion precisely. Proper use of grammar and correct pronunciation will show that the speaker is the master of the words used. | 15 | 11-14 | 6-10 | 0-5 |
| Total 100% | |||||
| Tall Tales Contest | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Judging Item | Judging Criteria | Excel- lent |
Very Good | Good | Fair |
| Speech Development Opening, Build-up, Climax, Organization, Smoothness |
Speech Development is the way the speaker puts ideas together so the audience can understand them. A good tall tales speech immediately engages the audience's attention, then smoothly builds up to a climax and conclusion. | 30 | 22-29 | 13-21 | 0-12 |
| Speech Techniques Effective use of Exaggeration, Irony, Pun, Surprise Twists, Humor, Slapstick, etc. |
Speech Techniques refers to the use of various tall tales skills, such as exaggeration, irony, pun, humor and surprise twists. These techniques are the essence of the tall tale, and they must be skillfully incorporated into the tale. | 25 | 18-24 | 11-17 | 0-10 |
| Physical Appearance, Body Language |
Physical presentation of a speech carries part of the responsibility for effective communication. The speaker's appearance should reinforce the story. Body language should support the story through gestures, expressions and body positions. | 15 | 11-14 | 7-10 | 0-6 |
| Voice Flexibility, Volume |
Voice is the sound that carries the message. It should be flexible, moving from one pitch level to another for emphasis, and should have a variety of rate and volume. A good voice can be clearly heard and the words easily understood. | 15 | 11-14 | 7-10 | 0-6 |
| Language Appropriate to Speech, Purpose and Audience. Good Grammar, Pronunciation and Word Selection |
Language refers to the choice of words that relate to the story. Language should promote clear understanding of thoughts and should fit the occasion precisely. Proper use of grammar and correct pronunciation will show that the speaker is the master of the words being used. | 15 | 11-14 | 7-10 | 0-6 |
| Total 100% | |||||