Contest Format
Each contestant will give their own original speech on the topic of their interest at the NSW State Japanese Speech Contest.
They will participate in relevant divisions of the contest, i.e., High School Senior Division, Open Beginner Division, and Open Division.
Winners of the High School Senior Division and Open Division will progress to the Australian National Final Contest, scheduled on Saturday 1st October 2022.
Background speakers will compete either in High School Senior Division or Open Division.
In case a background speaker contestant won the State Contest, due to the regulations of the National Final Contest, they will not represent the state at the National Final regrettably, but instead the highest-ranking non-background speaker contestant will proceed to the National Final.
The subject, content and form of the speeches are left open to each contestant, however the speeches have to be their original work. Contestants who have competed in previous contests may not use the same speech (this includes title and content) presented in previous years.
The lengths of Speech (Time Limit) are set as below:
| High School Senior Division: | 2.5 - 3 minutes |
| Open Beginner Division: | 2.5 - 3 minutes |
| Open Division: | 4.5 - 5 minutes |
Divisions
This year the State Speech Contest and the National Speech Contest are conducted under the following NEW divisions.
Previous years |
NSW 2022 |
National Final 2022 |
| High School Wakaba | ||
| High School Senior | High School Senior* | High School Senior |
| Open Beginner | Open Beginner | |
| Open | Open* | Open |
Background Speaker
Background speakers will compete in either High School Senior or Open Division.
Please see the eligibility for each division in the Contest Application Section.
Rules:
The speech performance must fulfill the following conditions.
[Camera & Microphone Setting]
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The camera should be well focused and show the contestant’s head and torso, from the waist up, directly facing the camera.
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The room must be free of excess noise and other disruptions during the speech. Avoid too much echo.
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The microphone volume must be checked in advance to ensure that the contestant’s voice is clear and loud.
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The room must be well-lit, the contestant’s facial expressions are clearly visible. A neat and tidy environment is encouraged.
[Speech, Performance and Delivery]
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The speech must be the original work of the contestant. The degree of assistance given by teachers or by Japanese speakers should be limited to no more than correcting grammatical errors or making minor alteration for the sake of continuity.
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Uniforms that could identify the contestant’s school should not be worn. A neat appearance is encouraged.
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Contestants must not wear a hat, sunglasses or other items that obscure their face during the speech.
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Contestant may perform the speech either sitting or standing.
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Props (puppets, objects etc.) must not be used.
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Contestants should not read their speeches. They may refer to their notes, however, excessive reference will result in marks being deducted.
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Please be mindful of the speech time limit. The first warning bell will ring 30 seconds before the maximum time allowed. The second bell will ring at the maximum time limit.
Judging Criteria & Judges
The marking system is as follows:
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Contents 50%: Structure and development; Originality and uniqueness; Message and impact; Justification; Engagement.
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Language 30%: Grammar and expression; Language variety; Pronunciation and intonation.
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Presentation 20%: Delivery; Memorisation and fluency.
Judges
Judges will be from the field of Japanese language education and members of the Japanese community, and will decide the winners. Aggregates of rankings from all judges will determine the place allocated to each contestant in the order of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
In case of a draw, the judges will determine the outcome through discussion. The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The content of the judges’ discussion is not open to the public at any time.
Prizes
All contestants will receive a participation certificate. Prizes will be awarded in each division.
In High School Senior and Open divisions, the following gift vouchers will be awarded.
| The first prize: | $150 |
| The second prize: | $100 |
| The third prize: | $50 |
In Open Beginner division, the following gift vouchers will be awarded.
| The first prize: | $300 |
| The second prize: | $100 |
| The third prize: | $50 |
Date and Venue
The 2022 NSW State Japanese Language Speech Contest is scheduled to take place via ZOOM:
When:
Sunday, 7th August 2022 9:00 – 2:00 (*time is approximate)
Where:
ZOOM (The zoom link is to be notified later)
How to Apply
All applications must be lodged via the registration site: Contest Entry Form
Closing date: Friday 29th July 2022
Enquries:
Send an email to NSWJSpeech@gmail.com or Send us an enquiry