Joto Speech Contest has its clear objective to help get junior high school students motivated and educated in English learning through their various exercises in preparation for/at the performance of the speech. The following criteria is to be used in selecting a winner, reviewing a speaker’s total performance balancing in the three key areas of effective speaking, i.e. Content, Language, and Delivery. The judging criteria will take into account and judges will be looking in particular for the below-mentioned points.

Content (40%)

Speech Development is to access how naturally the structure of the speech is organised for the audience to easily understand the flow of the speech with a logical sequence, containing relevant examples and facts. Each paragraph should smoothly lead to the next and the beginning of the speech appropriately tie in with the end. Duration of the speech shall be considered.

Speech Value is measured regarding ideas presented by the speaker. The speech should contain something meaningful and original to the audience, contributing to their thinking. The speaker should avoid a re-hash of other material. If the subject is a time worn, it should be treated in a new way with creative flair.

Language (20%)

Appropriateness is taken into consideration when the judges see if the language is appropriate for the audience. The speaker should try to use correct words and grammar when planning the speech. The speech doesn’t require unnecessarily complex language so called technical jargon. Most sentences should be short and easy to understand.

Pronunciation varies. Nevertheless, the speaker should always try to acquire the right pronunciation of words. The speaker also should articulate clearly, placing intonation and rhythm correctly to make the speech effective.

Delivery (40%)

Presentation includes the following three basic points; 1) gestures should be natural, timely, complementary, and easy to see; 2) posture displays confidence and poise; 3) eye contact is effective in connecting the speaker to the whole audience.

Voice is vital to convey the message. The volume should be loud and clear enough so it is easy to hear. A good speech is usually slow enough overall to be understandable. The speech should have adequate voice inflection.

Attitude includes assurance and enthusiasm created by the speaker. The speaker should appear confident and make the audience believe the message. The speaker also should show enthusiasm for the message.