Global Youth Conference Platform Guidelines

The contestant assumes that he has been asked to defend a Christian’s rights or a legal cause. 

To prepare for the Oral Argument, contestants must submit a written outline to judges. The outline must comply with the following guidelines: 

1. Must be typed double-spaced. 
2. Must not exceed two pages. 
3. Must include introductory remarks. 
4. Must cite at least four cases of precedent or other authority. 
5. Must include arguments (outline form). 
6. Must include concluding statement. 

Oral Argument Tips and Techniques 

1. Getting Prepared 

• Know the facts and the law. Review the problem. Review the primary cases. 
• Decide what issues you are going to argue. Since your time is limited, you will not be able to make every argument. Be selective. Choose the arguments that are essential to your case. Usually, you should not present more than three arguments to the court. 
• When you give your argument, you do not want to be flipping note cards or pages. Limit your outline to one or two pages that you can place flat on the podium. You might staple pages into a file folder that you can open before you begin your presentation. 
• Practice. Ask family or friends to serve as judges and have them provide feedback concerning whether they were able to understand your arguments. Practice in front of a mirror. Practice as much as possible, but you should not memorize the argument as if you were reading from a script. 

When you are practicing: 

1. • Time yourself. Make sure your outline fits into the allotted time. 
   • Ask your audience to critique: 
     1. Tone of your voice—many people speak too softly. 
     2. Gestures—some are good; too many are distracting. 
     3. Posture—stand straight; do not slump or lean to one side or on the podium. 
     4. Nervous tendencies—gripping the podium, shifting or moving around, facial movements, putting hands in pockets and jingling change, holding or waving pen or pencil while speaking etc…
     5. Speed—many people talk much too quickly when they are arguing. 
     6. Overall organization—argument is easy to follow. 

1. Prepared Presentation 

1. Greeting—Start by saying, “May it please the court.” 
2. Introduction—Next, give a short introduction. “Your Honor, my name is [name], and I represent [client]. 
3. Explanation of the case—Next, in a sentence, describe the action. For example, “This is a case about whether the City of Kalamazoo’s display of the Ten Commandments on government property constitutes a violation of the Establishment Clause.” 
4. Statement of relief sought—Briefly tell the court what you want it to do. It is critical that the judge understands upfront what your client wants. For example, “The City of Kalamazoo asks this court to overturn/uphold (use only one depending on the outcome at the trial court) the decision of the trial court and hold that the display of the Ten Commandments on government property does not violate the Establishment Clause.” 
5. Outline/roadmap the content of your argument—Next, summarize or outline—in a sentence or two—your argument. For example, “We request that this Court overturn/uphold the decision of the trial court for three reasons. First____________ second, and third, .” Do not make this summary a mini-argument. 
6. Argument—Next transition into your argument. 
   1. Unless the issues and arguments build upon one another, start the argument with your strongest issue.
   2. Use the cases to support your argument. 
   3. Use “signposts” or mini-conclusions to subtly let the court know when you are moving from one argument to the next. 

Main conclusion—Conclude with a sentence or two summarizing the argument and requesting a specific ruling from the court. Closing remarks should be concise and brief. 

• Oral Advocacy Tips 

• Wait on the judge. The argument should not proceed until the Chief Judge indicates that you may begin. The judge will usually do this by asking if you are ready to proceed. 

• Be able to recite your introduction and conclusion without breaks or looking down. 

• Do not read your argument. 

• Know the facts inside and out as well as the case names. 

• Maintain eye contact with all of the judges, not just one. This will help keep all of them focused on your argument. 

• Inject some emotion but not too much. Voice inflection can help show emotion. 

• Do not bluff. If you truly do not know something and cannot think of a way to get around it, be honest. 

• If you finish your argument early, go ahead and conclude. Do not repeat yourself in an attempt to use up your allotted time. 

• If you run out of time, you should briefly summarize your remaining points. Do not exceed the time you have been given. You may ask the court for a brief moment to conclude. 

Courtroom Attire/Dress Code 

• Professional dress and grooming have some effect on how the judges evaluate the oralist and his or her arguments. 

• Both men and ladies should have their hair groomed and combed nicely and exhibit appropriate courtroom decorum. 

• For men, dark suits and conservative ties are best. For women, dark-colored dress suits or nonfrilly dresses are best. 

• Well-polished, conservative dress shoes are preferred. Women should avoid strappy platform shoes. 
• The judges for this competition will not count off if you do not own and cannot afford to purchase the recommended attire. Do not feel that you have to buy new clothes for this competition. You should, however, try to look your best. 

ORATORY 

PERFORMANCE EVENT 

PLEASE REFER TO THE PLATFORM GENERAL GUIDELINES BEFORE PREPARING FOR ORATORY COMPETITION. 

The contestant chooses a topic and presents an eloquent and effective speech. It is a speech that is directed to the emotions with the purpose of persuading an audience to the orator’s viewpoint. The oratory should have a good thesis. 

1. The content of the speech must be original and prepared by the contestant. Any sources used 

for reference and supporting examples must be properly cited. Plagiarism of any kind will automatically disqualify the contestant. 

2. An outline (typed, double-spaced) is to be presented to the judges. It should include a title, 

thesis statement, main points, sub points, and a list of works cited. 

3. Appropriate topics include the list of “Composition Topics” in the Essay section of the Academic Guidelines. An orator may also choose to discuss a legal issue, citing specific court cases to support his opinions. 
4. Time limit for performance is six (6) minutes. If competition piece exceeds the 6-minute 

time limit, the contestant will receive a .5-point deduction for any portion of thirty (30) second increments. (For example, a piece timed at 6:12 would receive a half-point deduction from the total score. A piece of 6:42 would receive a deduction of a full point from the total score.) 

ORATORY JUDGING CRITERIA Areas of Evaluation POSSIBLE POINTS Mechanics 

1. Approach/departure (1-5) 
2. Appearance (1-5) 
3. Poise/self-confidence (1-5) 
4. Voice projection/inflection (1-5) 
5. Diction/enunciation (1-5) 

Outline

1. Introduction/closing (1-5) 
2. Major points/facts (1-5) 
3. Illustrations/anecdotes (1-5) 

Delivery

1. Facial expressions (1-5) 
2. Gestures (1-5) 
3. Eye contact (1-5) 
4. Enthusiasm (1-5) 
5. Persuasiveness (1-10) 

Script Content 

1. Originality (1-10) 
2. Ideas clearly presented in a logical progression (1-5) 
3. Worthwhile message (1-10) 

Proper documentation submitted (1-5) 

TOTAL POINTS (100) 

Checklist for Oratory: See Checklist for Platform Competition, page-3. 

MONOLOGUE 

PERFORMANCE EVENT 

PLEASE REFER TO PLATFORM GENERAL GUIDELINES BEFORE PREPARING DRAMATIC MONOLOGUE. 

A contestant characterizes an individual, expressing that individual’s thoughts, emotions, and reactions in a particular set of circumstances or events relevant to that individual. The presentation must be in the first person and may have a dramatic or comedic affect.

Contestants must write and perform this original presentation. The intent is to convey dramatic skills in which the contestant demonstrates ability and training in acting and script writing. 

1. The contestant may choose: 
2. Historical character and setting 
3. Biblical character and setting 
4. Fictional/imaginary character and setting 
5. Contestant could consider costuming or garment to help create a mood. 
6. Contestants are allowed ONE hand-held prop. No set is permitted. 
7. The monologue must be memorized. 
8. Time limit is four (4) minutes minimum, six (6) minutes maximum. If competition piece does not meet the four (4) minute minimum or exceeds the six (6) minute maximum time limit, the contestant will receive a .5-point deduction for any portion of thirty (30) second increments outside the allotted time. (For example, a piece timed at 3:42 would receive a half-point deduction from the total score. A piece of 6:42 would receive a deduction of a full point from the total score.) 

MONOLOGUE JUDGING CRITERIA 

Areas of Evaluation POSSIBLE POINTS 

Mechanics 

1. Approach/departure (1-5)
2. Voice projection/inflection (1-5) 
3. Diction/enunciation (1-5) 
4. Poise/self-confidence (1-5) 
5. Memory (1-5) 

Characterization 

1. Posture, movement, gestures (1-10) 
2. Facial expressions (1-5) 
3. Costume (1-5) 
4. Variety of dramatic skills displayed (1-10) 
5. Overall quality of characterization (1-10) 
6. Audience rapport (1-5) 

Script 

1. Originality, creativity (writing skills) (1-15) 
2. Worthwhile message (1-10) 

Proper documentation submitted (1-5) 

TOTAL POINTS (100) 

EXPRESSIVE READING 

PERFORMANCE EVENT 

PLEASE REFER TO PLATFORM GENERAL GUIDELINES BEFORE PREPARING EXPRESSIVE READING. 

An expressive reading is a memorized interpretation by a contestant of a reading which consists of a dialogue between two or more people or a reading in the first person. The reading must have a moral and/or Scriptural value or must highlight Christian heritage or patriotism. (Poetry or stories with a plot, climax, and ending CANNOT be included.) 

1. Examples: 

(a) Song of Moses and the Israelites (Exodus 15:1-19), 

(b) Naomi and Ruth  (Ruth 1), 

(c) Paul before Agrippa (Acts 26). 

2. The script may be self-written. 
3. Create an atmosphere by using tone of voice, inflections, pauses, gestures, and movement (utilize space available).
4. No costumes, props, sets, or singing allowed. 
5. Presentation time limit is four (4) minutes minimum, six (6) minutes maximum. If 

competition piece does not meet the four (4) minute minimum or exceeds the six (6) minute maximum time limit, the contestant will receive a .5-point deduction for any portion of thirty (30) second increments outside the allotted time. (For example, a piece timed at 3:42 would receive a half-point deduction from the total score. A piece of 6:42 would receive a deduction of a full point from the total score.) 

EXPRESSIVE READING JUDGING CRITERIA Areas of Evaluation POSSIBLE POINTS 

Mechanics 

1. Approach/departure (1-5) 
2. Voice projection and inflection (1-5) 
3. Diction/enunciation (1-5) 
4. Poise/self-confidence (1-5) 
5. Memory (1-5) 

Characterization 

1. Posture, movement, gestures (1-10) 
2. Facial expressions (1-5) 
3. Appearance (1-5) 
4. Variety of dramatic skills displayed (1-10) 
5. Interpretation of author’s idea (1-15) 
6. Audience rapport (1-5) 

Script 

1. Degree of difficulty (1-10) 
2. Worthwhile message (1-10) 

Proper documentation submitted (1-5) TOTAL POINTS (100) 

FAMOUS SPEECH

Performance Event

PLEASE REFER TO PLATFORM GENERAL GUIDELINES BEFORE PREPARING FOR FAMOUS SPEECH OR FAMOUS SERMON. 

The contestant chooses a speech, sermon, or article written or delivered by another person, usually of public significance. 

1. Contestants must present speeches, sermons, or articles originally given by famous people. (Men must present speeches given by men and women must present speeches given by women).
2. The time limit is four (4) minutes minimum to eight (8) minutes maximum. In the event that a selection would exceed the limit if delivered in its entirety, the contestant should choose an excerpt to present which will fit the time limit. The excerpt must be presented exactly as written/delivered by the original speaker. The contestant is not allowed to edit the selection or excerpt in his own words. If competition piece does not meet the four (4) minute minimum or exceeds the eight (8) minute maximum time limit, the contestant will receive a .5-point deduction for any portion of thirty (30) second increments outside the allotted time. (For example, a piece timed at 3:42 would receive a half-point deduction from the total score. A piece of 8:42 would receive a deduction of a full point from the total score.) 
3. Suggested speakers: George Washington, Patrick Henry, Jonathan Edwards, William Jennings Bryan, Charles H. Spurgeon, J. Harold Smith, General Douglas MacArthur, Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, S. M. Lockridge, Jess Hill, Charles Mims, Johnny Johnson. Rosa Parks, Margaret Thatcher, Lila Rose, Candace Owens, Mother Teresa, Corrie Ten Boom
4. No singing allowed during the speech. 
5. The speech is to be memorized. 
6. Contestants may wear a costume, but props are not permitted. 

FAMOUS SPEECH JUDGING CRITERIA Areas of Evaluation POSSIBLE POINTS 

Mechanics 

1. Approach/departure (1-5) 
2. Appearance (1-5) 
3. Poise/self-confidence (1-5) 
4. Voice projection and inflection (1-5) 
5. Diction/enunciation (1-5) 

Characterization 

1. Facial expression (1-5) 
2. Gestures (1-5) 
3. Eye contact (1-5) 
4. Memory (1-10) 
5. Persuasiveness (1-10) 

Script content 

1. Degree of difficulty (1-10) 
2. Interpretation of author’s idea (1-15) 
3. Worthwhile message (1-10) 

Proper documentation submitted (1-5) 

TOTAL POINTS (100) 

POETRY RECITATION 

PERFORMANCE EVENT 

PLEASE REFER TO PLATFORM GENERAL GUIDELINES BEFORE PREPARING THE POETRY RECITATION. 

The contestant chooses a poem to recite by memory, using all the skills of a good dramatic presentation. 

1. The poem may be: (a) Biblical, (b) patriotic, (c) of high moral content, (d) about our Christian heritage. 
2. No costumes, props, or singing allowed. 
3. Time limit is four (4) minutes minimum to six (6) minutes maximum. If competition piece does not meet the four (4) minute minimum or exceeds the six (6) minute maximum time limit, the contestant will receive a .5-point deduction for any portion of thirty (30) second increments outside the allotted time. (For example, a piece timed at 3:42 would receive a half-point deduction from the total score. A piece of 6:42 would receive a deduction of a full point from the total score.) 

Hint: Contestants should avoid choppy presentations. Deliver complete thoughts, not necessarily “line.” 

POETRY RECITATION JUDGING CRITERIA 

Areas of Evaluation 

POSSIBLE POINTS 

Mechanics 

1. Approach/departure (1-5) 
2. Voice projection and inflection (1-5) 
3. Diction/enunciation (1-5) 
4. Poise/self-confidence (1-5) 
5. Memory (1-5) 

Characterization 

1. Posture, movement, gestures (1-10) 
2. Facial expressions (1-5) 
3. Appearance (1-5) 
4. Variety of dramatic skills displayed (1-10) 
5. Interpretation of author’s idea (1-15) 
6. Audience rapport (1-5) 

Script 

1. Degree of difficulty (1-10) 
2. Worthwhile message (1-10) 

Proper documentation submitted (1-5) 

TOTAL POINTS (100) 

PREACHING (Male Only) 

PERFORMANCE EVENT 

PLEASE REFER TO PLATFORM GENERAL GUIDELINES BEFORE PREPARING FOR PREACHING COMPETITION. 

A contestant must prepare and deliver an original sermon not to exceed eight (8) minutes in length. If competition piece exceeds the eight (8) minute time limit, the contestant will receive a .5-point deduction for any portion of thirty (30) second increments outside the allotted time. (For example, a piece timed at 8:12 would receive a half-point deduction from the total score. A piece of 8:42 would receive a deduction of a full point from the total score.) The sermon may be evangelistic or follow one of the suggested topics for oratory and essay. Each sermon will be judged on Biblical content, outline, and effective delivery, as well as on the general guidelines given under “Platform Division.” Contestant may use outline cards. Grammar is very important! 

PREACHING JUDGING CRITERIA 

Areas of Evaluation 

POSSIBLE POINTS 

Mechanics 

1. Approach/departure (1-5) 
2. Appearance (1-5) 
3. Poise/self-confidence (1-5) 
4. Voice projection and inflection (1-5) 
5. Diction/enunciation (1-5) 

Outline

1. Introduction/closing (1-5) 
2. Major points (1-5) 
3. Illustrations/anecdotes (1-5) 

Delivery

1. Sincerity and warmth (1-5) 
2. Persuasiveness (1-5) 
3. Overall presentation (facial expression, gestures, eye contact, etc.) (1-10) 

Message content 

1. Content based on Biblical doctrine (1-15) 
2. Scripture used to support text (1-10) 
3. Application to life (1-10) 

Proper documentation submitted (1-5) 

TOTAL POINTS (100) 

HINTS FROM THE PREACHING JUDGES 

Your first task in preparing to preach is to develop a good outline. This will be the heart of your sermon. Since you must adhere to your outline carefully, you will want to make it do its best work for you. Your outline should flow naturally from the Scripture text and should be detailed and clearly organized with an introduction and conclusion. Be sure to include fitting illustrations and supporting Scriptures that lead logically to your conclusion. While notes are permissible, it should not be obvious that you are using them. Have someone evaluate your delivery to be sure it includes variety in gesture, voice inflection, and volume. Variety is important as it attracts your listeners’ attention more than sheer volume or speed can; loud and fast are not always best! Above all, be sure your message is Scriptural, is theologically correct, and leads the listener to an appropriate decision about his Christian life. 

CLOWN ACT 

PERFORMANCE EVENT 

PLEASE REFER TO PLATFORM GENERAL GUIDELINES BEFORE PREPARING FOR CLOWN ACT. 

Clown Act is an individual performance event to be performed by ONE person, not a couple or group. 

THIS CATEGORY IS NOT INTENDED TO BE “WHITE FACE” BUT RATHER THE TRADITIONAL “CIRCUS CLOWN” APPEARANCE. 

1. Costumes—A costume is required and may be commercially made or homemade. It must be loose-fitting and meet GYC modesty standards. Males must wear male garments. Females must wear female garments. 
2. Makeup—Facial makeup must be pleasant—no satanic/demonic/horror/white face images permitted. Special attention should be given to eyes, eyebrows, nose, cheeks, and mouth. 
3. Presentation—A typed (double-spaced) description of the skit/act must be provided for judges. It must be positive, teach a Biblical principle/moral, and be void of sexual implications or ethnic ridicule. Focus should be on concepts such as strengthening traditional family values, love of God, exercise of faith, wisdom, defense of freedom, getting along with others, service, and/or commitment to virtuous living. The script must address a children’s audience. The script may be the original work of the contestant or may be the work of another person. Note: Clown Act is not just stand-up comedy. It is an act with a lesson. It may be mute or vocal. Electronic sound effects are permitted. The contestant must provide all necessary equipment. No off-stage assistance is permitted. 
4. Props—At least four hand-held props are required (e.g., balls, books, balloons, bats, hats, mirrors, puppets, stuffed animals, and mops) and must be included in the act. 
5. Setup time—Two minutes. 
6. Time limit—Four (4) minutes minimum, six (6) minutes maximum. If competition piece does not meet the four (4) minute minimum or exceeds the six (6) minute maximum time limit, the contestant will receive a .5-point deduction for any portion of thirty (30) second increments outside the allotted time. (For example, a piece timed at 3:42 would receive a half-point deduction from the total score. A piece of 6:42 would receive a deduction of a full point from the total score.) 

CLOWN ACT JUDGING CRITERIA 

Areas of Evaluation POSSIBLE POINTS 

Costume (e.g., garment, wig, hat, shoes) 

1. Color (1-5) 
2. Appropriateness (1-5) 
3. Quality (1-5) 

Presentation 

1. Entrance/departure (1-5) 
2. Stage presence (1-10) 
3. Age appropriateness (1-5) 
4. Facial expressions (1-10) 
5. Moral lesson (1-10) 
6. Character impersonation (1-5) 

Makeup

1. Quality (1-5)
2. Colors (1-5) 
3. Design (1-5) 

Props (e.g., bats, balls, balloons, rope, fiddle, puppets, broom, bucket) 

1. Physical manipulation (1-5) 
2. Significance to lesson (1-5) 
3. Integration to presentation (1-5) 
4. Complement to costume (1-5) 

Proper documentation submitted (1-5) 

TOTAL POINTS (100) 

HINTS FROM THE CLOWN ACT JUDGES:

Judges will be looking for evidence that the contestant has carefully woven the entire presentation into a clear message in which costume, props, gestures, facial expression, characterizations, makeup, and “the lesson” are integral. Transitions, flow, relevance, timing, dexterity, agility, and motions are important components of the presentation. Does the act draw and maintain audience attention? Is the lesson clear? Does the contestant use props well? Is there “dead” time (awkward periods of inactivity)? The costume and makeup are vital for impression; if these are weak, the entire presentation is weakened. They do not have to be elaborate, but they do need to be appropriately selected and applied to reveal and sustain the character of the clown. Careful attention should be given to hair (wig), hat, bows, shoes, gloves, eye and mouth makeup, and costume adornments (badges, buttons, suspenders, etc.). 

ILLUSTRATED STORYTELLING 

PERFORMANCE EVENT 

PLEASE REFER TO PLATFORM GENERAL GUIDELINES BEFORE PREPARING FOR THIS ENTRY. 

The contestant tells, from memory, a Bible-based story (missionary adventure, “Jungle Doctor,” Punchinello (by Max Lucado), etc.). The script must have the basic elements of a story—beginning, plot, climax, and conclusion. It must also have an appropriate moral or Christian application. The storyteller may use such items as flannelgraph, visual aids, costume, sound effects, accompaniment, or any “prop” that enhances story material. 

1. The contestant must indicate to judges to which age group he/she is speaking. 
2. Contestant must use at least two hand-held illustrations (picture, tools, books, etc.), but NO 

puppets can be used. Note: Costumes add impact. 

3. The contestant must not record his/her voice in place of live speaking. 
4. No other person may assist. Recorded material must be compiled, arranged, and operated by 

the contestant. 

5. This event is NOT a one-act play, an expressive reading with props, nor may it be a poem. 

The emphasis is to be on telling an effective story. 

6. Setup time is limited to two (2) minutes. 
7. The time limit for the presentation is four (4) minutes minimum, six (6) minutes maximum. 

If competition piece does not meet the four (4) minute minimum or exceeds the six (6) minute maximum time limit, the contestant will receive a .5-point deduction for any portion of thirty (30) second increments outside the allotted time. (For example, a piece timed at 3:42 would receive a half-point deduction from the total score. A piece of 6:42 would receive a deduction of a full point from the total score.) 

ILLUSTRATED STORYTELLING JUDGING CRITERIA 

Areas of Evaluation POSSIBLE POINTS 

Mechanics 

1. Approach/departure (1-5) 
2. Voice projection and inflection (1-5) 
3. Diction/enunciation (1-5) 
4. Poise/self-confidence (1-5) 
5. Memory (1-5) 

Characterization 

1. Posture, movement, gestures (1-5) 
2. Facial expressions (1-5) 
3. Use of dramatic accessories (music, costume, easel, etc.) (1-15) 
4. Effectiveness of overall narrative (1-10) 
5. Audience rapport (1-10) 

Script 

1. Worthwhile message (1-10) 
2. Flow of story (beginning, plot, climax, conclusion) (1-15) 

Proper documentation submitted (1-5) 

TOTAL POINTS (100) 

HINTS FROM THE ILLUSTRATED STORYTELLING JUDGES:

Since contestants in Illustrated Storytelling use some kind of visual aids, one of the keys to an effective presentation is the ability to control those visual aids easily, smoothly, and attractively without interrupting the flow of the story. If you are using story cards, practice turning them without looking down. If you are using flannelgraph, make sure your pieces will stick without distracting pats and pokes. Practice placing the pieces accurately and quickly without turning your back to the audience or stopping the story. Be sure your visuals are in good repair. If they are old, have them re-drawn or repaired. In addition to improving their use of visual aids, storytellers should follow the suggestions given for other speaking categories. THE JUDGES look for exciting narrative, effective dialogue, props, smooth flow of ideas, and a dramatic climax. 

VENTRILOQUISM 

PERFORMANCE EVENT 

PLEASE REFER TO PLATFORM GENERAL GUIDELINES BEFORE PREPARING FOR VENTRILOQUISM. 

Ventriloquism is the art of speaking so that the voice seems to come from some source other than the speaker. The object is to animate a dummy/ventriloquism puppet in such a manner as to present a lifelike act and convince the audience that the dummy/ventriloquism puppet is actually talking. 

1. Dummy/puppet—The dummy’s/puppet’s mouth may be controlled by button, lever, string, 

rod, or by hand. The only part of the dummy/puppet required to be movable is its mouth; extra effects may add polish to the performance. The dummy/puppet may be professionally made or homemade. 

2. The dummy’s/puppet’s hairstyle and clothing must be consistent with Contestant Guidelines. 3. Judging will be based largely on the SKILL OF THE PERFORMING ARTIST. 
3. There will be only one contestant in this category. 
4. Script must be memorized. 
5. The script must have a Scriptural application or principle. 
6. Time limit is six (6) minutes maximum. If competition piece exceeds the six (6) minute time 

limit, the contestant will receive a .5-point deduction for any portion of thirty (30) second increments outside the allotted time. (For example, a piece timed at 6:12 would receive a half-point deduction from the total score. A piece of 6:42 would receive a deduction of a full point from the total score.) 

VENTRILOQUISM JUDGING CRITERIA 

Areas of Evaluation 

POSSIBLE POINTS 

Spoken Material

1. Suitable to occasion (1-10) 
2. Shows preparation and planning, not wholly extemporaneous, and not just a collection of jokes (1-10) 
3. Basic theme and unity builds to a message of Christian or patriotic worth (1-10) Dummy/ventriloquism puppet—Suitable, personable, well made (1-10) 

Skill of ventriloquist 

1. Use of variety: singing, laughing, sighing, etc. (1-5) 
2. Variation of voice between performer and dummy/puppet (1-10) 
3. Absence of lip movement (1-10) 
4. Articulation (1-10) 

Effective Presentation

1. Timing (1-5) 
2. Poise of performer (1-10) 
3. Arouses audience response (1-5) 

Proper documentation submitted (1-5) 

TOTAL POINTS (100) 

HINTS FROM VENTRILOQUISM JUDGES:

Ventriloquist! Make your dummy/puppet come alive. Do not treat the dummy/puppet as a doll but as a real person. The ventriloquist needs to act as if he does not know what the dummy/puppet will be saying next. Be spontaneous and react to the dummy/puppet. Ventriloquist—be yourself. Practice in front of a mirror. Also, practice looking at the audience as well as the dummy/puppet. PRACTICE. PRACTICE. PRACTICE.