Florida High School High Tech 2016-2017 Speech Contest Structure and Background Information The Able Trust Florida High School High Tech Program (HSHT) will sponsor a research and speech contest for its student participants for fiscal year 2017. The contest has three levels of competition: local, regional, and state. The winner of each local contest will compete in a regional competition against other local winners. The winner of each regional contest will advance to the state competition which will be held in June, 2017 at the Able Trust Board of Directors meeting. The goals of the HSHT Speech Contest are to: Develop research, public speaking, and communication skills of students which are critical to successful employment and self-advocacy; and Introduce students to policy topics relevant to all Floridians. Qualifications The Florida HSHT Speech Contest is open to any active, enrolled HSHT student. 2016-2017 Topics Contestants must choose one topic from the approved list to address in their speech and one-page summary of conclusions/recommendations. Speech topics for 2016-2017 are included as an attachment to this document. Contest Format Each HSHT site is encouraged to conduct a contest for interested students. Early promotion of the contest allows some students to use the project in their regular school programs and assignments. Each HSHT site or organization will be responsible for recruiting local judges including a time keeper. Suggested recruits include Business Advisory Council members, other business partners, school administrators, members of civic/professional organizations, community leaders, elected officials, and agency board members. HSHT staff, family members, and other students are not considered qualified judges for the local contests. Local contests must occur by March 31, 2017. Local sites must adhere to the rules and scoring rubric as outlined below. Sites must notify the Able Trust of local winners by April 5, 2017. 1
A maximum of three (3) regional winners will compete for the final award during the Able Trust summer Board of Directors Meeting in June, 2017 in Tallahassee, FL. Each student must be present at the state contest in order to compete. A travel and lodging stipend will be provided by the Able Trust to final contestants and one family member/guardian. Rules Competitors must be an active, enrolled HSHT student. Competitors must select one of the speech topics provided by the Able Trust and address as instructed. If the wild card topic is selected, students must submit a thesis statement (approximately 50 words) to the Able Trust by January 13, 2017 for approval. Competitors must prepare and present the speech personally. No form of video conferencing will be permitted. Competitors are not permitted to use any visual aids such as PowerPoint presentations or posters. Speeches must be 5-10 minutes in length. Competitors may elect to use a manuscript or 3 note cards during local, regional, and state competitions. Local, regional, and state judges reserve the right to ask questions, not to exceed 3 minutes per competitor. Site level winners are permitted to make changes to their speech prior to the regional and state competitions, but may not alter basic content or conclusions. Speeches must be an original work of the student. Competitors must prepare and submit a one-page summary of conclusions and/or recommendations for the local, regional, and state competitions. Competitors must adhere to the dress code (outlined below) for local, state, and regional competitions. Dress Code Competitors should dress in business casual attire at all levels of competition. Business Casual attire for men is defined as trousers or khakis and a shirt with a collar. No jeans. No athletic wear. A necktie is not required. Business Casual attire for women is defined as trousers or knee-length skirt and a blouse or shirt with a collar. No jeans. No athletic wear. Prizes Site level competition prizes will be determined locally. For the state competition, the prizes are as follows: First Place: $400 Second Place: $200 Third Place: $100 Application Sites may determine application/entry procedures for local competitions. HSHT sites must notify the Able Trust with a list of local participants by January 13, 2017. A list of local site 2
winners must be provided to the Able Trust for participation in the state competition by April 5, 2017. Timelines January 13, 2016 List of local participants due to the Able Trust March 31, 2017 Deadline for local contests April 5, 2017 List of local site winners due to the Able Trust Late April/Early May, 2017 Regional competitions May 19, 2017 Top Three Contestants Announced June, 2016 State Competition, Tallahassee 3
Scoring Rubric Student Name: Date: HSHT Site: Indicators Oral Communication Speaking Skills Command of Audience Topic Analysis & Conclusions Strong Evidence that Indicators are Present 5-4pts Appropriate tone is consistent. Speaks at the right pace to be clear. Pronunciation of words is very clear and apparent. Uses power of presentation to engage and captivate the audience with the message of the speech. Examples are vivid, precise, and clearly explained. Examples are original, logical, and relevant. Non-Verbal Communication Eye contact consistently used as an effective Attention connection. Consistently looks at audience. Does not have distracting mannerisms that Mannerisms affect effectiveness. & Gestures Gestures are purposeful and effective. Poise Is well poised and in control at all times. Moderate Evidence that Indicators are Present 3-2pts Appropriate tone is usually consistent. Speaks at the right pace most of the time, but shows some nervousness. Pronunciation of words is usually clear, sometimes vague (not Presents speech as mere repeating of facts and speech comes across as report. Examples are usually concrete, sometimes need clarification. Examples are effective, but need more originality or thought. Eye contact is mostly effective and consistent (not Sometimes has distracting mannerisms that pull from the presentation (not Usually uses purposeful gestures. Poised and in control most of the time; rarely loses composure Little Evidence that Indicators are Present 1-0pts Has difficulty using an appropriate tone. Pace it too slow/fast; nervous. Pronunciation of words is difficult to understand; unclear (not Lacks enthusiasm and power to deliver the speech. Examples are abstract or not clearly defined. Examples are sometimes confusing, leaving the listener with questions. Eye contact does not always allow connection with the speaker (not disability related). Has mannerisms that pull from effectiveness of the speech (not Occasionally gestures are used effectively. Isn t always well poised. Sometimes seems to lose composure. Points Earned Weight Total Score Gross Total Points Extra Points for Poise During Q&A Segment w/ Judges (up to 5 points) Time Deduction (5 points per 30 seconds over/under time) Net Total Points Rank 4
Attachment #1: 2015-2016 Speech & Essay Contest Topic Options Students must select one and address as instructed Topic #1: Water Quality and Supply The availability of fresh water is a limiting factor to how large a city can grow, how many people can live in a state, and more basically how people live their lives. While it may seem that Florida has no lack of available fresh water, with abundant rivers, lakes and rain throughout the State, our fresh water supply is limited. Water is necessary for personal use such as drinking and bathing, growing the food we eat, for business use, to keep our lawns green, and pools full. There are numerous segments of the state population that rely on the availability of clean and potable fresh water: individuals, businesses, agriculture, and communities are just a few of the major users of fresh water in Florida. Additionally, there are many State and Federal regulations governing water quality and access. To ensure an adequate supply of fresh water for future Floridians, we need to become smarter about how we use, invest in, and protect our fresh water supplies. Keeping in mind the various segments of the population that rely on water to live and work, what suggestions would you make to address the needs of the State to ensure an adequate supply of clean and usable freshwater? Topic #2: Quality of Life and Quality of Place Florida is recognized worldwide as a tourist destination. Yet, when people think of Florida, we need them to think not just of surf, sand, and sun, but also as a place where they want to come to get a great education, to raise a family, or to run a business. For Florida to prosper in the 21st century, we must effectively promote the state as a great place to learn, live and work. We have to change how our state is perceived, and that begins with changing the fundamentals of what our state offers (Florida Chamber Foundation, Six Pillars Strategic Plan). Think about the city, town, or neighborhood where you live. What innovations would make it a better, nicer place to live, work, and play for its diverse culture and visitors? Consider current barriers such as lack of public transportation, recreation outlets, and cleanliness. Provide a vibrant description of your ideal community and the necessary innovations to make it so. Topic #3: Compensation of College Athletes Currently, college athletes are not paid a salary for their performance, but rather receive their compensation in the form of educational scholarships. Sometimes the scholarships are full, covering all expenses such as tuition, room, board, and books. Other times athletes may only receive partial scholarships that cover only tuition and even partial tuition. Colleges and universities make money off of athletics through ticket sales, booster donations, TV agreements, performance awards, and sales of merchandise. Other groups such as video game companies and TV networks also profit from student athletes. Provide a persuasive argument on why you feel college athletes should receive a salary in addition to their scholarships or if you believe that college athletes are justly compensated with the current system. 5