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RULE AND GUIDELINES OF

PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION


ANUGERAH SERI ASRAMA TERBILANG (ASAT)

1.0

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE


1.1

The standard of English among students in Malaysia is a cause for concern. This is
reflected by the low academic achievement of students in the public examinations.
The percentage of passes for the English Language subject in the said examination
has always been around 60%. As compared with the other subjects, the percentage
of English Language passes has always been the lowest. There has bee a hue and
cry among members of the public over the issue.

1.2

The Ministry of Education has been sensitive about the matter. Various steps have
been taken to arrest the situation and these include activities carried out in the
classroom as well as outside the classroom. Various Division of the Ministry of
Education and State Education Department implement their own projects and
programmes to help raise the standard of English among students. Schools too
conduct their own activities for the purpose.

1.3

In this context the Schools Division of the Ministry of Education also carries out a
number of support programmes to help the students achieve better results in the
English Language Subject. Some of the activities carried out by the said Division
are debate, choral speaking, story-telling, English-in-camp and essay writing
competition. However, it is felt that more activities are needed for students to get
better and more exposure to the language.

1.4

Starting this year ( 2000) School Division, Ministry of Education has decided to
introduce public speaking competition for students in the primary as well a the
secondary schools. Speaking is one of the four main language skills for students to
be proficient in. As we advance into the new millennium students are expected to
be able to master at least two languages, namely Bahasa Melayu and English
Language. This would make it easier for them to function as they are able to play a
more relevant and functional role in their daily life. In the new millennium too, the
world becomes smaller and more global in nature. Technology too gets more
advanced. Thus, proficiency in the English Language becomes a necessity, as one
needs to interact with one another and keep abreast with the latest developments in
technology. One who does not master the English language in the new millennium
will be at the losing end.

1.5

Through public speaking competitions it is hoped that an awareness is created


among students on the importance of upgrading themselves in the English
language. It would also serve as a catalyst for students to start using and learning
English in a more serious manner.

1.6

2.0

OBJECTIVE
2.1
2.2

3.0

PARTICIPATION
3.1
3.2

4.0

To unearth students potential so as to produce students of good caliber.


To enhance students critical and analytical thinking in producing brilliant ideas.

Open to all dormitory students in secondary school in Sarawak.(Form 1 6.)


Every division in Sarawak is advised to send one participant.

PRIZES
4.1

Prize for the state level competition are as follows :


i.
ii.
iii.

5.0

First
Second
Third

COMPETITION FORMAT
5.1

5.2

The competition is divided into two sections, as follows :


Section 1

Prepared Speech

Section 2

Impromptu Speech

any topic

For section 1 ( Prepared Speech ) contestants are to observe the following rules:
i.
ii.

5.3

Secondary school contestants will deliver a prepared speech of six ( 6 )


minutes on a topic of their choice.
A warning bell will be sounded at the 5th minute and a final bell at the 6th
minute.

For section 2, ( Impromptu Speech ) contestants are to observe the following rules:
i.
ii.
iii.

Contestants are given a topic four ( 4 ) minute before they are due to
present the speech.
All contestants speak on the same topic
The time allowed for the impromptu speech is three ( 3 ) minutes

iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.
6.0

A warning bell sounds at two ( 2 ) minutes and a final bell at three ( 3 )


minutes
Does the speaker express their views with conviction and / or humor ?
Are the speakers remarks accurate, relevant, interesting and lucid?
Does the speaker use plain English?
Does the speaker use clears, correct, simple and fluent speech?
Does the speakers impromptu speech vary greatly from the prepared
speech?

NOTE FOR TEACHERS, CONTESTANTS AND JUDGES


6.1

THE PREPARED SPEECH


For your audience to enjoy listening to you, you must enjoy having an audience.
To hold their attention you must persuade your audience to walk with you as you
share with them your thoughts, ideas and opinions. The subject matter should show
originality, logical development, continuity of ideas and knowledge of your topic.
The language should be delivered in such a way that it is easy to hear and
understand. You should use clear, correct, simple and fluent speech. A person at
ease is a comfortable person to be with. If you become anxious the audience will
pick that up. You must aim to be ease and in control of the situation.
You must be able to command the attention of the audience. You must have them
looking at you, quite and receptive, wanting to hear what you have to say. This is
termed platform presence and it is a necessary art to be developed in order to be a
successful speaker. Remember that people do not listen to speeches, they listen to
people speaking. Prepare your speech for here and now, this audience, these
people. Use words that are understandable and attractive, and know your subject.
That way you can peak with confidence, monitor the reaction of the audience and
stay in tune with them
Topics chosen must not touch on sensitive issues, such as race, religion, colour,
personalities, etc.

6.2

THE IMPROMPTU
The impromptu talk requirement for this competition sometimes causes
unnecessary anxiety for the students.
Hints on how to approach the impromptu
Draw on life's experience and knowledge.
Brainstorm the topic on a sheet of paper.

Themes for Prepared Speech


1.

Relationhip

2.

Dream

3.

Friendship

4.

Love

5.

Environment

6.

Social Issues

7.

Science and Technology

8.

Hobbies and Ambition

9.

Culture and Tradition

10.

Patriotism

Each participant is to choose his/her own topic based on any of the above themes.

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