Table Topics Contest Judge's Guide and Ballot

Judging Items Excellent Very Good Good Fair Score Speech Development Opening, Body, Close, Organization, Smoothness 30 23-29 17-22 0-16   Effectiveness Logic, Directness, Enthusiasm, Achievement of Purpose, Audience Response 25 18-24 11-17 0-10   Physical Appearance, Body Language 15 11-14 6-10 0-5   Voice Flexibility, Volume 15 11-14 6-10 0-5   Language Appropriate to Speech, Purpose, and Audience, Good Grammar, Pronunciation, and Word Selection 15 11-14 6-10 0-5   Total Score

Judging Criteria

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.

Effectiveness is your (the contest judge's) subjective judgment 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?

Physical presentation of the response carries part of the responsibility for effective communication. The speaker's appearance should reinforce his/her response. Body language should support points through gestures, expressions, and body positioning.

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.

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 being used.

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