Event Name: Public Speaking Solos
Location: Southern Cross Burwood – Drama Studio
Section Number: 65
General Category Guidelines:
1 speech only to be performed.
Use of offensive language will be penalised, and the performance may be stopped. The content of the poem must be appropriate to the age of the performer and for a school age audience.
No staging constructions/elements permitted.
Section Specific Guidelines:
Public Speaking will be offered in three divisions:
-Years 5 & 6
-Years 7/8/9
-Years 10/11/12
Time Limit:
Years 5 & 6 – 3 minutes (warning bell at 2 minutes)
Years 7 – 9 – 4 minutes (warning bell at 3 minutes)
Years 10 – 12 – 6 minutes (warning bell at 5 minutes)
Speakers will be asked to stop if they reach 1 minute over the maximum time.
Each speaker will be required to complete a Prepared Speech to be selected from one of a list of set topics.
2026 Season Topics
* What if the world suddenly lost all technology?
* The most important lesson I’ve ever learned is…
* It is better to be kind, than be right.
* Sport is a great teacher.
* If animals could talk…
* The problem with AI…
* The one thing that truly makes us human is…
* Sometimes, the smallest actions make the biggest difference.
* Courage is not just for heroes.
The speech will be directly based on (or connected by suggestion) to the topic.
Speakers should ensure their speech content is appropriate for a school age audience. The speaker must present a speech, not a dramatic performance. The speech should represent the speaker’s point of view.
The speech should be appropriate for a school age audience.
Speech is to be original written by student and not AI generated.
Props are not permitted in this section.
Costumes are not required – school uniforms, neat performance wear or theatre blacks are preferred. If choosing to wear a costume, it must be appropriate for the general public.
Provided Equipment:
1 lectern or music stand (as available)
Please note – this is an unamplified section.
Judging Criteria:
- The speaker should feel a genuine connection with the content of their speech and present it formally but naturally. The piece should be fresh and engaging and should not appear to be just a memorised recital delivery.
- Speech Content
- Original content and point of view
- Coherent structure with a clear purpose
- Thought provoking
- Use of language to engage
- Linked to Speech Topics”
- Delivery and Vocal Expression
- Engaging delivery
- Eye Contact
- Appropriate gestures
- Vocal Dynamics
- Little/no use of notes
Immediate Point Deductions:
- 2 point deduction per 20 seconds over the maximum time.
- 5 point deduction for speech not previously submitted for approval on registration
- 2 point deduction for heavy reliance on cue cards/written material.
- 100% point deduction for use of any swearing or “slurs”
