07 May 2014
The Multicultural Perspectives Public Speaking Competition was introduced in 1996. It aims to heighten the awareness of multicultural issues among NSW primary school students while developing their interest in public speaking and improving their confidence and speech-writing skills.
What are the speaking requirements?
At each stage of the competition contestants present both a prepared speech and an impromptu speech. For their prepared speech, contestants must choose a topic from the list of multicultural topics at bottom of the next page The prepared speech must have multicultural content. The impromptu speech is chosen by the adjudicator on the day, and will be on a general, non-multicultural theme. Contestants will have 5 minutes to write their impromptu speeches. The speaking times for each speech and division are outlined below. Note that speakers are expected to finish at or just beyond the official speaking time, and it will be considered poor timing to reach the continuous bell.
| Division / Speech | Warning bell | Speaking time (2 bells) | Continuous bell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Years 3&4 prepared speech | 2 minutes | 3 minutes | 4 minutes |
| Years 3&4 impromtpu speech | 30 seconds | 1 minute | 1 ½ minutes |
| Years 5&6 prepared speech | 3 minutes | 4 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Years 5&6 impromptu speech | 1 ½ minutes | 2 minutes | 2 ½ minutes |
What are the prepared speech topics for 2014?
| 2014 Years 3&4 topics | 2014 Years 5&6 topics |
|---|---|
| Racism is bullying | Asylum seekers |
| Multiculturalism at the FIFA World Cup | The meaning of Australia Day |
| Empathising with other people | Getting a multicultural education |
| How kids can make a difference | Learning different languages |
| Harmony Day | Religion |
| Every family has a story | Multiculturalism in the media |
| My overseas connections | The same but different |
| When does a migrant become an Australian? | Un-Australian |
| Multiculturalism at school | Stereotypes |
| What makes a community? | Living between cultures |
What are the adjudicators looking for?
The adjudicators will make their decision based on the manner, matter and method the contestants employ in presenting their speeches. They will expect contestants to be confident and engaging speakers. The prepared speeches need to show an understanding of multiculturalism, and be well developed and interesting. Contestants are also expected to demonstrate a balance of personal opinion and information in their speeches, as well as a balance of humour and sincerity. Finally, adjudicators are required to give equal consideration to the prepared and impromptu speeches in making their decision.
What are the rules of the competition?
Other than the entry rules and speaking times detailed above, it should also be noted that contestants are not allowed to use any props or external aids such as Powerpoint presentations during their speeches. They are encouraged to speak from palm cards and present from a stage without the use of a lectern or microphone. Finally, just a reminder that the prepared speech must have multicultural content to be successful.
More information can be found at The Arts Unit.
Tower Stret Public School will be competing in a local final at Padstow Park PS on Wednesday 18 June.
Students who are interested need to prepare a speech on one of these topics and then see Mrs Cutter.