Judge's Official Ballot
Table Topics Contest Rank
Impromptu speech on a topic provided by the contest chair, same for all contestants
Opening, Body, Close, Organization, Smoothness
Logic, Directness, Enthusiasm Achievement of Purpose, Audience Response
Appearance, Body Language, Speaking Area
Flexibility, Volume
To Speech Purpose And Audience
Grammar, Pronunciation, Word Selection
Opening, Body, Close, Organization, Smoothness
Logic, Directness, Enthusiasm Achievement of Purpose, Audience Response
Appearance, Body Language, Speaking Area
Flexibility, Volume
To Speech Purpose And Audience
Grammar, Pronunciation, Word Selection
Opening, Body, Close, Organization, Smoothness
Logic, Directness, Enthusiasm Achievement of Purpose, Audience Response
Appearance, Body Language, Speaking Area
Flexibility, Volume
To Speech Purpose And Audience
Grammar, Pronunciation, Word Selection
Opening, Body, Close, Organization, Smoothness
Logic, Directness, Enthusiasm Achievement of Purpose, Audience Response
Appearance, Body Language, Speaking Area
Flexibility, Volume
To Speech Purpose And Audience
Grammar, Pronunciation, Word Selection
| Judging items | Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Dave Brown | Alice Johnson | Bob Smith | Carol White |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speech Development
Opening, Body, Close, Organization, Smoothness | 30 | 23–29 | 17–22 | 0–16 | ||||
| Effectiveness
Logic, Directness, Enthusiasm Achievement of Purpose, Audience Response | 25 | 18–24 | 11–17 | 0–10 | ||||
| Physical
Appearance, Body Language, Speaking Area | 15 | 11–14 | 6–10 | 0–5 | ||||
| Voice
Flexibility, Volume | 15 | 11–14 | 6–10 | 0–5 | ||||
| Appropriateness
To Speech Purpose And Audience | 10 | 8–9 | 6–7 | 0–5 | ||||
| Correctness
Grammar, Pronunciation, Word Selection | 5 | 4 | 3 | 0–2 | ||||
| Total | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||
Speech Development is the way the speaker puts ideas together so the audience can understand them. The Table Topics® response is structured around a purpose, and this structure must include an opening, body and conclusion. The response is supported by relevant examples and illustrations, facts and figures, if appropriate, and is delivered smoothly.
Effectiveness is your subjective judgement of how the response came across. Were you able to determine the speaker's purpose? Did the speech relate directly to the given question or topic? Was the response clearly and logically presented?
Physical presentation of the response carries part of the responsibility for effective communication. The speaker's appearance should reinforce his or her response. Body language should support points through gestures, expressions and body positioning. The speaker makes effective use of and stays within the designated speaking area.
Voice is the sound that carries the message. It should be flexible, moving from one pitch level to another for emphasis, and should have a variety of rate and volume. A good voice can be clearly heard and the words easily understood.
Appropriateness of language refers to the choice of words that relate to the speech purpose and to the particular audience hearing the speech. Language should promote clear understanding of thoughts and should fit the occasion precisely.
Correctness of language ensures that attention will be directed toward what the speaker says, not how it is said. Proper use of grammar and correct pronunciation will show that the speaker is the master of the words being used.