Tuesday, 14 February 2012

REVISED FORMAT

Dear All,

As you will be aware, Youth Speak has previously taken on the format of a public speaking competition, involving the delivery of a pre-prepared speech.

I have been overwhelmed by the standard in the competition, and think that we can make a lot more of this brilliant opportunity. For that reason, the revised format will be employed.

Each school will submit one team of TWO people. A motion will be given to the teams on the day of the final. Each team will then be given 15 minutes to devise their debate.

The structure of the debate will go as follows:

Team A speaker 1 speaks for 3 minutes, introducing the terms of the debate and outlining his/her argument.

Team B speaker 1 speaks for 3 minutes, rebutting Team A's first speaker and offering his/her argument in return.

Team A speaker 2 speaks for 3 minutes, rebutting Team B's first speaker and then offering the second half of team A's argument.

Team B speaker 2 speaks for 3 minutes, rebutting Team A's second speaker and offering the second half of Team B's argument; and then concluding the debate.


For the first and last minute of ANY 3 minute speech, no points of information (POIs) can be made. Only for the second minute can the speaker be interrupted.


This format allows for students to directly argue and note down points of rebuttal as the debate progresses. Training sessions 3 and 4 will ensure all students are fully prepped on this format, and ready to deliver brilliant arguments! The level of skill has been very impressive thus far, and I have complete confidence that the students will shine in the final.

If anyone has any further questions please do email me a.r.grogan@dur.ac.uk

Best wishes and good luck!

Annalie Grogan

Thursday, 7 July 2011

Welcome!

YOUTH SPEAK 2012

A competition designed to give you, the competitors, the opportunity to develop the skill of public speaking. This blog will provide useful updates, hints and tips on key qualities that past and present world class public speakers employ. 

Until next time,

Youthspeak