Email your speech by March 1st to Qualify for the Finals!
Speech Topics
Ages 11 – 14: Friendship in Islam How does Islam define friendship? Is it important? Does it differ than the way we look at friendship in society today? What makes a good friend? How do we choose and keep the right friends? What are the advantages and disadvantages of friendship? What role do friends play in this life? What about the Hereafter?
Ages 15 - 17: The Role of Islam & Muslims in Humanity What responsibilities do we have to the world as Muslims? What does Islam say about our role in humanity? Are we only responsible for our own deeds, or do we have some other roles to play? What should Muslims be focused on today in the world? How can we get there? What can your community do better? How? Share some inspiration with the audience.
Ages 18 - 22: Building Our Legacy as Muslims If you were to die today, how would you be remembered? What type of impact should we as Muslims be trying to leave behind in the world we live in? What is your legacy, and what should it be? Does our legacy really matter? Why or why not? Explain.
Competition Rules & Regulations
Written versions of your speech need to be submitted by March 1st via email to ansaarofworcester@gmail.com after students have registered on the website as competition participants. Based upon the written submissions, judges will select the semi-finalists in each category if needed to reduce the number of participants. You will be notified by March 8th if you have been selected for semi-finals.
Speeches must be minimum 1.5 minutes and may not exceed 3 minutes. Stiff penalties will apply for timing violations.
Speeches must be the original work of the student who submits and delivers it.
Speeches will be given standing behind podium with microphone for a panel of esteemed judges.
Phrases or verses in other languages besides English may be used but must be fully translated into English during the speech.
Semi-finalists will be selected to compete on the day of the competition in person. Two finalists from each of the age categories will be chosen. Finalists will be asked to stand at the podium and respond to a few questions from the judging panel about their speech and topic. Judges will then select the final winner.
Any student who fails to attend the competition will be automatically forfeit.
There is no use of profanity or cursing allowed. Use of any inappropriate language will result in disqualification.
Prizes will be awarded to all finalists, the 1st prize winner and the runner-up.
Judges decisions are final.
Judging Criteria
Student performances will be judged based on the following criteria. Scores will be kept confidential and judging decisions are final.
Content: 34 points
The student presents ideas that inspire, are unique, thought-provoking and in line with Islamic values. The student presents examples from the Quran, sunnah and/or Islamic history to support his/her ideas. There is a sufficient number of ideas and arguments presented. Information presented is accurate and references or sources of information used are alluded to orally.
Presentation & Style: 33 points
The student delivers the speech well with fine oratory skills. Appropriate pace, use of pauses, body language, posture, intonation, and sincerity in tone will all be rewarded with points. Points may be deducted for poor pronunciation, incorrect grammar, and/or incorrect word usage. Failure to translate verses, terms, or expressions from another language into English will also be penalized.
Logistics & Timing: 33 points
Speeches must not be delivered in less than 1.5 minutes nor may they exceed 3 minutes at the longest. Minimum 10-point penalty will be deducted for every 30 seconds over or under time. Students must dress and present themselves professionally and behave respectfully with other contestants during the competition.
Final Notes
Students must be prepared to respond to 2-3 impromptu questions posed by the judges after the delivery of their speech.
Scores will be out of 100 points and the top two scores will be the finalists for each category. Response to judge questions will be used to determine the final winner and runner-up.
Students must submit the draft of their written speeches by March 1st to be considered for the competition and will be notified by March 8th insha Allah if they will continue in the competition on March 21st.
Any use of profanity, inappropriate language, or racially offensive terms will result in immediate disqualification.
Any student not appearing at the event forfeits the competition.
Prizes will be awarded at the end of the day to the winner & runner-up in each category.
Student must be the age of the category he/she enters on March 21, 2020 to be eligible for that category.