NEW YORK STATE FORENSIC LEAGUE
IMPROMTU BALLOT
Judges:
1. Points should be given on a 100 point basis. Please award a minimum of at least 75.
2. The speaker with the highest point total should be given the rank of 1.
3. No two speakers may be given the same rank.
4. Each speaker will draw 2 topics from a set held by the judge. The speaker will choose one immediately, and will have 5 minutes to divide as he/she chooses between preparation and speaking time. The topics will be chosen from a wide variety of categories.
5. There is a mandatory 30 second grace period during which no penalty may be assessed.
A speaker who exceeds this grace period may not be ranked first in the round.
6. Speakers must be made aware of the passage of time by the judge, via time cards or han signals.
7. Speakers are not permitted to use note cards of any kind.
The best impromptu speech combines clear thinking, effective delivery, obvious organization and a interesting presentation to address some central aspect of the chosen topic. The speaker should strive to make maximum speaking use of the 5 minutes of allotted time, with minimal time given to preparation. The speaker will be held accountable to strict adherence to the topic, and shall be heavily penalized for wandering too far afield. The speaker should demonstrate knowledge of the subject and should display appropriate analysis and synthesis of material. Delivery should be comfortable and direct. The speaker’s personal point of view should not be factored into the judge’s decision.
ROUND______ DATE_______ ROOM_______ JUDGE’S CODE__________