Global Youth Conference Platform Guidelines

Click here to download a pdf version of the Platform Guidelines.

GENERAL GUIDELINES 

Students appearing in any platform competition should observe these important points, as they will enter into the judging process. Carelessness on these points could detract from an otherwise excellent presentation. A student may not use the same entry in competition if he/she placed in the top three at a previous GYC.

APPEARANCE 

Gentlemen: Dress shirts, ties, and jackets should be worn for all platform events with the following exceptions: 

  1. School uniforms, or a tuxedo with either a vest or cummerbund without a jacket may be worn to perform. 
  2. Jackets and ties are not required in the following categories: One-Act Play, Dramatic Dialogue, Illustrated Storytelling, Clown Act, Famous Speech 
GCEA quicklinks

Conference Guidelines

Ladies: Nice church outfits should be worn for all platform events with the following exceptions: 

  1. School uniforms may be worn to perform. 
  2. Formal attire that meets the modesty requirements for conference.
  3. Formal attire or church outfits are not required in the following categories: 

One-Act Play, Dramatic Dialogue, Dramatic Monologue, Illustrated Storytelling, Clown Act 

Poise—Self-Confidence Approach—The approach is one of the most important elements in speaking, public reading, or singing. The contestant should walk confidently and briskly to the podium or front of the room and establish eye contact, pause for 5-10 seconds, and begin his presentation. 

Eye contact—The contestant should establish rapport with the audience by good eye contact. He should avoid looking down often at his notes or Bible, at the ceiling, or out of the window. His eyes should move up and down, back and forth, over the entire audience slowly and naturally. 

Posture and gestures—The rule for posture is DO NOT SLOUCH! The contestant should stand straight, but not lock his/her knees. Gestures should be free and flow naturally from enthusiasm. Natural movements are more effective than forced gestures. Feel free to utilize the space on the stage or presentation area.

Delivery—The speaker should project his voice, using the diaphragm. Recreate the mood, experience, emotion, and feelings of the author. Employ voice variations and tempo. 

Preparation – Preparation and study are prerequisites for all speaking, reading, or musical performances. Research, organization, outline, and familiarity are the elements of preparation. 

Platform presentation – Introduction of entry before the judges: Contestants in platform presentations are to give their first and last names and title of presentation distinctly (“My name is John Doe and the title of my Famous Speech is __________________.”) For entries involving more than one person, a spokesman should be selected. 

JUDGES: This introduction is NOT to be counted as time against their presentation. 

All selections and scripts must be memorized. Exceptions: Preaching, Oratory, and Oral Argument contestants may use outline note cards. 

Material should be CAREFULLY CHOSEN OR WRITTEN for platform events to ENSURE that evil characters would NOT be glorified and that the student rehearsing (or the listener) would NOT be forced to dwell on negative or harmful thoughts or ideas. 

PLEASE NOTE: ALL AUTHORS/WRITERS FOR ALL PLATFORM EVENT SCRIPTS MUST BE GIVEN PROPER CREDIT. 

HINTS FROM PUBLIC SPEAKING JUDGES In public speaking, the key word is CONVINCING! Whether you present a dramatic monologue, a famous speech, or a recitation, your task is to convince the listener that these are your words, your thoughts, and your feelings. If you are portraying a specific character, you should make the audience believe you really are that person. Many factors contribute to a convincing performance: costuming (if allowed), gestures, posture, voice inflection, and emotion. Match each carefully to your script and character. Perhaps the most frequent comments from the judges deal with “emotion.” Emotion should be carefully balanced. If you portray too little emotion, your performance will appear bland and colorless. If you portray too much emotion, you will appear harsh, phony, and overbearing. Also be careful that your emotion does not detract from clear, crisp, easily understood diction. The key—preparation and practice! Practice in front of a mirror and use every opportunity to perform before others. 

Three (3) copies of the outline, script, speech, sermon, play, or story must be brought to convention. All copies are to be typed, double-spaced (typewriter or computer) in a clear plastic page protector with the student’s name, school name, customer number, school address, and telephone number visible on the front of EACH copy. Two (2) copies of outlines, scripts, etc. will be returned after your performance by the judges. One (1) copy of the material and your photo will not be returned. 2. Photo: Submit a color photo simulating the performance. This is VERY IMPORTANT! Write name and complete school name address on back of photo. 

Click here for: Single-Contestant Platform Event Guidelines.

Click here for: Multi-Contestant Platform Event Guidlines.