Format of the VCAA Plain English Speaking Award - Victoria

Section 1. Prepared Speech
Section 2. Impromptu Speech

Section 1. Prepared Speech

School and Regional Finals

For school and regional finals participants deliver a prepared speech of 6 minutes on a topic of their choice.
A warning bell sounds at 5 minutes and a final bell at 6 minutes.

State Semi-finals and Finals

Participants deliver a prepared speech of 6 minutes on a topic of their choice.
A warning bell sounds at 5 minutes and a final bell at 6 minutes.

Section 2. Impromptu Speech

Speakers are given a topic 4 minutes before they are due to present the speech.
All contestants speak on the same topic.
The time allowed for the impromptu speech is 3 minutes.
A warning bell sounds at 2 minutes and a final bell at 3 minutes.

Please note

1. Students should prepare speeches which do not exceed the time limit (6 minutes for prepared and 3 minutes for impromptu). Adjudicators will allow students to finish a sentence or thought if it means going over the time limit but they will not take into account anything substantial that is spoken after the bell.

2. At the National Final all speakers will be required to deliver a prepared speech of 8 minutes duration. The time allowed for the impromptu speech is 3 minutes. A 5 minute interview will be conducted.

3. Speakers will not be allowed to use a lectern at any of the finals. A microphone may be needed at the Victorian State Final.