University of Birmingham Public

Speaking Competition 2024

Marking Guidance
Speech: marks (0-10)

Purpose and Meaning: Evaluation includes both audience reception and

subjective judgement of the speech's impact. Considerations include whether the
speaker's purpose was discernible, if the speech directly addressed that purpose,
and whether the audience remained engaged throughout.

Structure: Development entails organising ideas for audience comprehension,

following a purpose-driven framework of an opening, body, and conclusion. An
effective speech captivates the audience from the start, leading them towards a
notable conclusion. The speech flows seamlessly, presenting a cohesive
message to the audience.

Speech Content: The content of the speech should serve to validate the act of
speaking. The speaker bears the responsibility of delivering meaningful and
original insights to the audience.

Humorous speeches should not be penalised. Where the speech is humorous,

does it achieve the level of humour intended?

To summarise:
Is there a clear message?
Is the speech engaging?
Is there a clear opening, middle and ending?
Is there good sequencing of ideas?
Is the speech meaningful and original?

Delivery: marks (0-10)

Physical presence: A significant aspect contributing to effective communication
is the delivery of the speech. The speaker's appearance should align with the
speech's tone, whether it's profound, humorous, or instructional. Body language,
including gestures, facial expressions, and posture, should reinforce key points
and remain within the designated speaking area.

Voice: The voice serves as the conduit for delivering the message. It should
exhibit flexibility, smoothly transitioning between pitch levels to emphasise key
points, with variations in rate and volume. A good voice ensures clear
projection and easy comprehension of words.

Appearance: As the speech unfolds, the speaker's appearance offers insights into
their genuine self. Speaking with enthusiasm and confidence demonstrates a
genuine interest in the audience and belief in their engagement. Equally, the
speaker should maintain eye contact with the audience and judges.

To summarise:

Does the speaker speak with confidence and enthusiasm?

Are there moderations in tone and voice?
Is body language used effectively and consciously?
Does the speaker maintain eye contact?

Language and technique: marks (0-10)

Language:

Language appropriateness pertains to selecting words relevant to the speech's

purpose. The language should facilitate clear comprehension of ideas and suit
the occasion accurately.

Technique:

Does the speaker appropriately & effectively employ public speaking

techniques?

To summarise:

Does the speaker use grammar and pronunciation correctly?

Do the word choices relate to the speech/message?
Does the speaker use public speaking techniques effectively and
appropriately?
Sales ability: Round two only

For round two the speaker is also given a mark out of 10 for their sales ability.
The additional focus of this round is on their ability to be persuasive.

The difference between round two (pitching round) and the final (table
topics)

In the final round the speakers will deliver a Table Topic Speech:

In this round, speakers have the freedom to explore various aspects of the given
topic. The topic is usually a question or statement, for example, “Dear
Society…”. Speakers can share personal experiences, opinions, anecdotes, or
provide informative insights related to the topic. The focus is unrestricted, it is
up to the speaker to decide how they would like to approach the topic.

Importantly, there are no specific objectives or requirements unlike in round

two.

For example, if the prompt is a painting, speakers might discuss its aesthetic
qualities, historical significance, emotional impact, or even interpret its meaning
in various ways. Or it could simply be the speaker's perspective on the painting.
It is the speaker's choice.

Pitching Round Impromptu Speech:

In the pitching round, speakers are tasked with persuading the audience/judges
to buy the item/concept presented in the prompt.

As well as considering the other requirements, speakers should (where

appropriate) adopt a persuasive tone and focus on highlighting the unique
features, benefits, and value propositions of the item.

The objective is to effectively market the item and convince the audience of its
desirability or usefulness. If a speaker speaks well but does not do this, they
may score well on speech, delivery and language and technique but score poorly
on sales ability.

Speakers can use sales techniques such as storytelling, emotional appeal,

statistics. How the speaker pitches the item is up to them. They have creativity
in this regard.
For example, if the prompt is a painting, speakers should craft their speeches to
emphasise why the painting is worth purchasing, its artistic merit, potential
investment value, or how it can enhance the buyer's life or surroundings. This is
one approach.

In summary, while both rounds require impromptu speaking skills, the key
distinction lies in the purpose and approach of the speeches. The table topic
round allows for creativity and exploration of the topic. While the pitching
round still focuses on this, there is an additional focus on persuasive
communication aimed at convincing the audience to buy the item presented in
the prompt.
Marking Criteria for the University of Birmingham Public Speaking
Competition 2024