PATHWAYS - Dual Members

1. What are the rules for an online contest?

Will the judging criteria change in any way? The judging criteria remains the same, but judges will be instructed not to judge contestants on the quality of their video but rather to judge based on the judging items outlined in the judge’s guide and ballot (e.g., content, delivery, language for the International Speech Contest). Should technology issues occur to a degree that hinders the contest, the chief judge can make the decision to stop the contest and resume when the issues are resolved.

2. How should a judge grade the "Effectiveness, Achievement of Purpose, Interest, Reception" for a speech? While observing audience member reactions is one way of determining how to score a contestant for Effectiveness (which includes achievement of purpose, interest, and reception), it is not the only indicator that should be considered. First, judges can consider their own reaction to the speech as an audience member. Additional questions to keep in mind when rating effectiveness include: Was the subject relevant to the audience? Was the subject presented clearly? What was the speech purpose? Did the speaker achieve their purpose?

...from the TI website: https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/news-and-announcements/covid-19-faq#Judging

ONLINE CONTESTS PROCEDURES

1. If the first-place winner chooses not to compete in an online contest, can the second-place winner compete instead? Yes.

2. How should we go about obtaining signatures for speech contest forms?

The Judge’s Certification of Eligibility and Code of Ethics and the Speaker’s Certification of Eligibility and Originality must be completed and returned to the chief judge. This can be a digital signature directly on the fillable form or a scan or photo of the printed and completed form.

3. What should we do if technology fails while a speaker is delivering their speech? If technology fails and the chief judge determines that the contest needs to be paused, the contestant speaking will be allowed 30 seconds extra overtime and should resume their speech at the point at which the technology failed. If the technology repeatedly fails, the chief judge has the right to make the decision to reconvene the contest at a later date or time, if they feel that the contest can no longer continue.

4. What should we do if technology fails for a judge while a contestant is delivering a speech? It is up to the chief judge to determine if technology failure on the part of one judge should pause the contest. Some Districts may choose to appoint extra voting judges in the event of a technology failure on the part of a voting judge.

5. Can a contestant ask for audience members to turn their webcams on so they can interact with the audience? The timer should leave their camera on through the entire contest and remain visible to all contestants. All other audience members should keep their webcams off. Webcams can slow down internet traffic and distract from a clear view of contestants.

...from the TI website: https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/news-and-announcements/covid-19-faq#OnlineContestProcedures

Automated Forms (Electronic)

Courtsey of Kathleen Bingaman, DTM, District 44

Many hours were spent by Kathleen Bingaman to create the Excel forms which tally the numbers so there won’t be mistakes, making it easier for judges and ballot counters. She set up rules so the cell will show in red if the addition of points reaches past 100. The top three scores should show up in green. If you are able to get a contest program where you can select the text, it’s even easier to grab the correct names off the document and paste into the forms.

Ballot Counter

Evaluation Judge's Form

Evaluation Tiebreaker Judge's Form

Humorous Speech Judge's Form

Humorous Speech Tiebreaking Judge's Form

International Speech Judge's Form

International Speech Tiebreaking Judge's Form

Table Topics Speech Judge's Form

Table Topics Tiebreaker Judge's Form