GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION

PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION 2011

RULES AND GUIDELINES

1.0. BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

1.1. The management of Ministry of Housing and Local Government

(MHLG) has decided to introduce Public Speaking Competition among
its staffs in the Professional and Administration level as well as the
Supporting Group level.

1.2. Speaking is one of the four main language skills for government
servant to be proficient with. In the new millennium, government
servants are expected to be able to master at least two languages,
namely Bahasa Melayu and English Language. This would make them
more efficient, as they are able to play a more relevant and functional
role in their daily life. This is also to comply with Government’s
aspiration in giving efficient and effective delivery service system to the
“rakyat”.

1.3. In the new millennium the world becomes smaller and more globalised.
Technology gets more advanced whereby computers will be the order
of the day. The proficiency in English language becomes a necessity,
as one need to interact with one another and to keep abreast with the
latest developments in technology. One who does not master the
English language in the new millennium will be at the losing end.

2.0. OBJECTIVE

2.1. The main objectives for the competition are as below:

i. To encourage the development of oral communication skills
among Ministry’s staffs;
ii. To promote the use of English language for daily basis; and
iii. To promote better understanding between young people.

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3.0. ELIGIBILITY

3.1. This competition is divided into 2 categories namely:

a. The Professional and Administration category
For the Professional and Administration category, officers from
Grade 41 to Grade 48 are eligible to participate.

b. The Support Group category

For the Supporting Group category, staffs from Grade 1 to
Grade 40 are eligible to participate.

4.0. COMPETITION

4.1. The competition is held at the following levels:

a. Department/Division/Unit/Agency level
i. Staffs should be encouraged to take part in the competition.
ii. The management of Department/Division/Unit/Agency is also
to encourage participants by providing incentives for the
winner of this level.
iii. Winner of this level will be representing the
Department/Division/Unit/Agency for the Ministry level
competition

b. Ministry level
i. Speaker from Department/Division/Unit/Agency will be
contesting in this level.
ii. Judges will choose the top three speakers for each category.
iii. The 1st place speaker will be given the opportunity to present
his/her public speaking during Ministry’s Innovation Day
Celebration.

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5.0. INCENTIVES AND PRIZES

5.1. The incentives and prizes for this competition are as follows:

CATEGORY PLACING PRIZES

1st place RM1,000.00, plaque,

certificate
Professional and
Administration Level 2nd place RM750.00, certificate

3rd place RM500.00, certificate

1st place RM1,000.00, plaque,

certificate
Supporting Group
Level 2nd place RM750.00, certificate

3rd place RM500.00, certificate

6.0. COMPETITION FORMAT

Speakers are to observe the following rules:

i. Topic will be given by the secretariat. All speakers will be given a
chance to choose the topic from the secretariat 7 days before the
competition begin.

ii. On the day of the competition, speakers will deliver a prepared

speech of 5 minutes on a topic chosen.

iii. A warning bell will be sounded at four minutes and a final bell at five
minutes.

iv. Speakers are expected to be innovative on the given topic, combining

research, personal experience and imagination.

v. Speeches must be original. Where research is used, sources should be

identified. Judges may disqualify competitors for plagiarism.

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vi. Speakers should use language, which is appropriate to the topic, the
audience and the formality of the occasion.

vii. Statements which might be construed as slanderous, embarrassing, or

containing stereotypes regarding religion, gender, culture or race are
unsuitable for a public speaking competition.

viii. Speakers are expected to dress neatly and appropriately in accordance

with the Government’s dress code.

7.0. Judging Criteria

7.1. The judging criteria for this competition are as follows:

Sub
Criteria Explanation
Criteria
Subject i. Is the subject matter of the speech
Matter suitable and substantial?
(20 marks) ii. Is the speech original and intelligent in
its exploration of the subject?
iii. Does the speaker develop the
argument and line of thought logically
and effectively?
iv. Is there a satisfactory conclusion, which
Content
lends a sense of finality to the speech?
(40 marks)
v. Does the speech carry a worthwhile
and convincing message?

Use of i. Is the message or point of view

plain conveyed in clear, correct?
English ii. Comprehensible and appropriate
(20 marks) language?
iii. Good choice of material

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Sub
Criteria Explanation
Criteria
iv. Makes sense
v. Factual
vi. Accurate
vii. Quotes are correct and appropriate
viii. Shows understanding of material
relevant to the topic
Tone i. Are tone, pace, pauses and projection
(15 marks) effective?
ii. Vocal must be loud
iii. Language use are appropriate with the
competition
Gestures i. Is the speaker’s style confident, fluent
Style
(15 marks) and natural?
(40 marks)
ii. Body language
iii. Eye contact
iv. Conspicuous use of notes, reading,
shuffling Palm cards
Others i. Humour
(10 marks) ii. Choice of words
i. Presented in meaningful order
· ii. Shows continuity of ideas
Organization iii. Uses orderly flow of thoughts
(20 marks) iv. Uses good transitions between
thoughts

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APPLICATION FORMAT

7.2. Department/Division/Unit/Agency which are interested in participating

in this Public Speaking Competition should take below action:

a) To fill in the Application Form (stated as Appendix A).

b) To submit the Application Form before or on 12th September

2011 (Monday) to the address below:-

Secretary General
Ministry of Housing and Local Government
Corporate Division
Level 2, Block K
Pusat Bandar Damansara
50782 KUALA LUMPUR
(u.p: Innovation Unit)

Tel. No. : 03- 2099 2310/3213/2446/2429

Fax No. : 03- 2094 4133
Email : inovasi@kpkt.gov.my

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APPENDIX A

APPLICATION FORM
PUBLIC SPEAKING COMPETITION 2011

Category: Please tick (√) where appropriate

Professional and Administration Level Supporting Group Level

1. Speaker’s Information:

Name :________________________________________________

Designation/:________________________________________________
Grade

Contact No. :_____________________(O) ____________________ (HP)

Fax No. :__________________ Email :_____________________

2. Contact Person Information

Name :________________________________________________

Designation/:________________________________________________
Grade

Contact No. :_____________________(O) ____________________ (HP)

Fax No. :__________________ Email :_____________________

3. Confirmation :
I hereby agree to allow the person above to join the competition and the
person above will be given full support to attend the day of competition or during any
other related activities regarding this competition.

_________________________ ______________________
Signature of Head of Department/ Official Stamp
/Division/Unit

Name :
Designation : Date :

REGISTRATION FORM
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