SPEECH REQUIREMENTS: 

 Contestants are required to deliver a 4 to 5 minute speech using the theme

from a Langston Hughes quote: “Let life be like music…"

PRACTICE/COACHING SESSION: 

 Saturday, January 21, 2023, at 1:00 p.m., at

 the Havre de Grace Colored School Museum and Cultural Center, Inc., 

555 Alliance Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078

(Virtual coaching sessions will be held with individual students upon request.)

AWARDS:

1st place in each category:

(middle and high school contestants) $500 each

2nd place in each category:

(middle and high school contestants) $300 each

3rd place in each category:

(middle and high school contestants) $200 each

(Plus the top 10 runners up will receive  $100 each)

Scholarships are payable to the student. All contestants must be present to receive their award. 

( Scholarships are awarded by a sponsor.  No donations or grants are used to fund the awards.)

RULES:

➢ Contestants must be a Harford County resident.

➢Contestants must be in grades 6 through 12. Homeschooled students are eligible.

➢Contestants must show a valid school ID or proof of age.

➢Contestants must deliver a speech that incorporates the official theme, “Let life be like music…" and use the phrase in their speech at least once.

➢ Speeches should be inspirational. No politics or offensive language are allowed.

➢ Speeches must be at least 4 minutes but no more than 5 minutes in length.

➢ A contestant will be penalized a point if the speech is less than 4 minutes or over 5 minutes. This penalty will be determined by the official timekeeper.

➢ Props, special costumes, clothing, or prompters are not permitted.

➢Speeches must be delivered in English.

➢Copyrighted or quoted material must be verbally identified.

➢Contestants must prepare his or her own speech.

➢ Contestants are not allowed to use or read from any notes during their oratorical contest presentation. 

PENALTIES

➢ Failure to use the official topic - 3 points

➢ Failure to identify non-original material – disqualification

➢ Use of props, special costumes/clothing, or prompters – disqualification

➢Time penalties – 1 point for every 15 seconds or a fraction of over or under the allotted time.

SCORING CRITERIA

➢ Poise – appearance, and personality: 20 points

➢ Content of Speech – subject adherence, theme, content, and logic: 35 points

➢ Delivery & Presentation – voice, volume, pronunciation, gestures, eye contact, sincerity, and emphasis: 35 points

➢Overall Effectiveness – appeal, impression, attitude, and effect: 10 points.