Words That Shook The World
National High School Public Speaking Competition
Overview
The Words That Shook The World National High School Public Speaking Competition was founded in 2006 by noted public speaking authority and author Richard H. Greene with the mission "to seek out, develop and recognize outstanding high school student orators." The 2009 New York City "Environmental Solutions" competition, offered at no cost to students, their parents or schools, will reach into every high school in New York City and is open to every high school student.
Participation
All contestants must be bona fide students presently enrolled in a high school in The New York City Schools or otherwise receive written permission from the competition to compete.
Students must submit a two to three minute speech on one of the four "Environment Solutions" topics to the www.wordsthatshooktheworld.com web site to be entered into the competition. Complete details on the production and submission of speeches can be found on the web site.
Speeches not submitted through the Words That Shook The World web site will be not accepted. Speeches longer than 4 minutes will be disqualified. We would like to target speeches to be 3 minutes.
Only one entry per student is accepted per student per competition category. A student MAY enter two, three or ALL four competitions if they wish and will be eligible for scholarships in each category.
All submissions become the property of Words That Shook The World and may be used on the competition website, and by the sponsors and for promotion on television and radio, as deemed appropriate by the competition. The content of the submissions, including any inventions or innovations that are suggested or included, are the sole and exclusive property of the student.
Any use of profanity within the speech will result in disqualification. The verification of facts and the acknowledgment of quotations within speeches is the responsibility of the student and are subject to verification by Words That Shook The World. Slanderous, libelous or fictitious statements about individuals, institutions, corporations or organizations are not permitted. Students are encouraged to review speech content and presentation with their high school teachers, principals and parents before submitting.
Judging
Speeches will be judged by Words That Shook The World, The National Forensics League, sponsors, expert and celebrity judges and other students, as determined by the competition, based on content, presentation and message. 10 semi-finalists will be selected from the entries in each competition and 5 Finalists in each competition will compete in a “live” competition in New York City on January 15, 2010.
The decision of the judges, at all levels, will be final.
Finalists will be notified by Words That Shook The World. A list of competition finalists and top winners will be posted on the Words That Shook The World web site at the conclusion of the competition.
Awards
Words That Shook The Word has the right to change or modify competition awards.
Code of Conduct
The Words That Shook The World National High School Public Speaking Competition is designed to enhance student oratory skills, leadership, critical thinking and ethical decision-making abilities, and help furnish the skills needed to be of service to others. The competition is open to every high school student at no cost. We believe that racial/ethnic background, gender, or socioeconomic status should not impede any young person’s development into an active and effective speaker and citizen leader.
Responsibilities of Students
Every high school student in The New York City School System – grades 9 -12 – is encouraged to participate in the competition. The speeches are limited to three minutes. Any use of profanity within the speech will result in disqualification. The verification of facts and the acknowledgment of quotations within speeches is the responsibility of the student and are subject to verification by Words That Shook The World. Slanderous, libelous or fictitious statements about individuals, institutions, corporations or organizations are not permitted. Students are encouraged to review speech content and presentation with their high school teachers, principals and parents before submitting.
Responsibilities of Parents
Parents are encouraged to take an interested and active role in the competition by advising and assisting their children, providing suggestions and critique. Parental permission and release forms will be required for all students participating and those selected for competition finals.
Responsibilities of teachers and school administrators
Teachers and school administrators expect students to behave in a manner which will not interfere with the learning of other students, to put forth their best efforts and participate in the learning process. Teacher and administrator input with students participating in the competition are encouraged and will be beneficial and meaningful as students prepare speech content and delivery.
Responsibilities of Words That Shook The World
Words That Shook The World is committed to building student oratory and leadership skills through the competition. Parental release of information on student finalists and winners will be required for publicity purposes. All winning speeches will be available for Words That Shook The World promotion and no other compensation will be afforded winning students other than identified awards and prizes. Words That Shook The World will ensure any competition awards or prizes are verified and provided to the student winners. Words That Shook The World will provide adult supervision at live finals competitions but it is the responsibility of the student’s parents or guardians to supervise children. Words That Shook The World is a non-profit organization and is registered in the State of California.