First Amendment Speech Contest

Hello Students!

We are excited to hear your speeches! Please look over these attachments to help you prepare your best speech!

Attached is the judges’ grading rubric as well as the contest rules.

Please note that each contestant will need to give an introduction of him or herself. This part of the speech is untimed. Introducing yourself also helps you get comfortable in front of the judges.

Also, there have been a few questions from contestants. I hope that reading these questions will help you feel more prepared and relaxed about the process.

 

1. What will the room be like when I’m judged?

We are fortunate to use public libraries for the preliminary speech contests. The Utah State Capitol Building will be where the speech contest finals will be held. There will be a judges table in front of the presentation area for all contests. At the presentation table, three judges will sit facing you while rating your speech. One judge will be the timer of your speech. In front of the judges will be a presentation area with a podium and microphone. Contestants will need to either stand and speak from the podium, or they are free to walk around with the microphone in their hands. Do whatever makes you feel comfortable!

 

2. Who is allowed to watch me present my speech?

You can invite anyone you choose! Parents, siblings, and friends are all welcome! This is an event where your strongest supporters can be there to watch you, clap for you, and help you be your best! 

Please keep in mind that this event is open to the public. That means that anyone who wants to watch the contest is welcome to do so if they are not disturbing the contestants.

 

3. What should I wear?

This is a speech contest, so your appearance and how you present yourself is important. Speakers with longer hair should make sure to pull their hair back. The judges will want to see your faces and see your mouths!  Those who make it to finals, please plan to wear Sunday best at the Capitol building.  The colors all the volunteers will be wearing at the Speech Contest Finals are white and black. We encourage speech finalists to wear white and black as well.

 

4. When will I know if I am going to Finals on November 7th?

All contestants will be notified by email or by phone by Saturday, October 26th by 8 pm.

 

5. Will I be able to see the grading sheets?

No, grading sheets will not be given to the student after the speech is presented.

 

6. May I videotape my speech at the contest?
Yes, you are welcome to video your speech at both the preliminary and speech contest finals. 

 

7. Do students who present speeches in languages other than English receive more points?

All students are judged by the same judging sheets. However, students who present in foreign languages often are given special consideration by the judges. This is due to the nature of a student having to present ideas in a non-native language. So far, we have not had any 1st place winners by students who speak languages other than English.