Event Name: Public Speaking Solos
Location: Southern Cross Burwood – Drama Studio
Section Number: 65
Important Information for Attachments:
It is a requirement of this section that a PDF of the speech be provided prior to the performance date. The Eisteddfod Team acknowledges that entrants may not have the speech ready at the point of registration, and have allowed additional time for these to be prepared. Any entrant who chooses not to attach their speech at the point of submitting their registration must ensure their PDF is provided to the Eisteddfod Team by Thursday 25 March 2027. A 5 point deduction will be applied to any entry with no provided speech after that date.
Section Guidelines:
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.
1 speech only to be performed.
Each speaker will be required to compose an original (not AI generated) speech to be selected from the list of set topics for 2027:
2027 Season Topics
- The one question I wish I knew the answer to is…
- The smallest act of kindness can change a day.
- If I could have one superpower it would be…
- If I could live inside a book it would be…
- The world needs more wonder.
- Children can teach adults lots of things.
- The secret life of the school playground.
- What my future self could tell me now.
The speech will be directly based on (or connected by suggestion) to the topic.
The speaker must present a speech, not a dramatic performance. The speech should represent the speaker’s point of view.
Use of offensive language will be penalised, and the performance may be stopped. The content of the speech must be appropriate to the age of the performer and for a school age audience.
No staging constructions/elements permitted.
Props are not permitted in this section.
Costumes are not required – school uniforms or neat performance wear are preferred.
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.
- 2 point deduction for heavy reliance on cue cards/written material.
- 5 point deduction for not providing a copy of the speech or submitting a speech after the due date.
- 100% point deduction for use of any swearing or “slurs”