Judging criteria

The following table is the criteria that the judges of the My First Speech competition will use to determine winning entrants.

It is important that you consider these criteria when developing your speech.

Content – 50%

Well-constructed arguments that engage the audience

Demonstrated understanding of issues

Original and creative ideas

Demonstrated use of evidence and research

Well-structured with an opening, body and conclusion

Language – 30%

Promotes clear understanding of the issues

Language is kept simple and to the point

Demonstrates respect and consideration of others and is appropriate to a
broad audience

Presentation and organisation – 20%

The entry feels like a finished, professional piece of work

There has been effort made in the speech’s creation

Judging panel

Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges, consisting of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and three additional members of the House (MPs).

The judges’ decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into.