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‫האגודה הישראלית לתרבות הדיון‬
Sia'h vaSig —Israel Debating Society
The Harry Hurwitz National Public Speaking Competition
2015-2016
School Year
Sia'h VaSig-Israel debating society, founded in 1987 by Dr.Ann Sversky,
is a non-governmental organization whose main goal is to promote
civilized, well-mannered discourse in Israel using the world wide- known
format of "Debate" and rhetoric.
Overview:
At some point in our lives, public speaking is required of each of us. It may be in a
social, political or business setting. Additionally, studying rhetoric also develop selfesteem, confidence and powers of persuasion, not to mention improving language
skills, increasing the ability to analyze issues logically and build strong arguments,
enhancing students' abilities to succeed in higher education, interpersonal
communication and other spheres of life. All these essential skills are developed in the
course of preparation for the competition of persuasive public speaking
Goals:
- Enabling students to research the background knowledge of the topic/issue/problem;
- Presenting information and opinion on a wide range of topics of social and moral
importance in an organized manner, with supporting facts and arguments;
- Sharpening and significantly improving presentation, public speaking and analytical
and critical thinking skills
The Public Speaking Israeli National Competition for Junior and Senior High
Schools provides an opportunity for young people to develop the skills of effective
spoken language (both Hebrew and English).
The competition is open to three – five students per school division (junior and senior
high), both in English and in Hebrew. The participants develop their knowledge of
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issues, enhance their speech writing skills, their speaking and presentation skills and
their ability to think analytically, boosting self-confidence with emphasis of
encouraging the discussion of controversial topics and current affairs.
Contact persons for registration and topic approval till November 25th
Tel-Aviv-Central Jerusalem- Southern Districts
Tom Zavilyansky 0528239807
Tamar Perechodnik
tomzavi@gmail.com
0549712008
dunlop73@gmail.com
Bronislava Kabakovitch-0523954625
genady_b@bezeqint.net
broniak57@gmail.com
The Finals: Begin Centre, Jerusalem-17.00-20.30 December 28, 2015
Harry Hurwitz Memorial Fund provides prizes, medals and
refreshments
Regional competitions will take place on the following venues and
dates:
District
Venue
Preparation
session date
Competition
Date and Time
Registration
Links
Center
Atid Lod High school for
sciences
December 6th
17.00-20.00
December 16th
17.00-20.00
For Schools
Hebrew University Campus
December 7th
17.00-20.00
December 23rd
For Schools
17.00-20.00
For Students
Jerusalem
For Students
Southern
District
Sha’ar Ha Negev High
School, Sapir College
December 6th
17.00-20.00
December 20th
17.00-20.00
For Schools
Northern
District
The Hebrew Reali School
in Haifa, Beit Biram
Campus
December
17.00-20.00
December 21st
17.00-20.00
For Schools
National
Finals
Begin Centre
December 28th
17.00-20.00
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For Students
For Students
Students present the topics under The
Face of Israel umbrella issue;
e.g.,

Social Issues

Innovations:

Youth

Environment

Ethnic and religious diversity
Technology and Science
*Each student has to define a sub-subject under the umbrella topic and should have a
clear message delivered:
e.g., This House Would Demand that All Vehicles run on environmentally-friendly
fuel

a speech explaining why natural gas is the solution to make all Israeli
transportation more environmentally friendly

a speech inspiring the audience to take action about the issue
This House Believes That Israeli Schools Should Establish Start Ups
This House Believes That Knesset Members Should Receive an Average Salary of an
Israeli Citizen
Speech length required: Junior High –4-5 minutes; Senior High-5-6 minutes
Schools should register to the Competition Organizational Committee no later than
November 15th, 2015
REGIONAL PREP SESSIONS WILL BE ORGANIZED UPON REQUEST – please
contact regional contacts persons
Please Note:
*No accessories are allowed
*Speakers are allowed to quote from sources but must attribute them.
*Speeches must be delivered, not read (the use of cue cards is allowed)
*Speakers must maintain eye contact with audience
*Appropriate body language is required
*Students must author their own speeches
*Penalties may be applied to any competitor who violates any of these rules. *Students
usually present the same material in all rounds of a prepared event.
*Formal dress code is in order
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The speech must be designed to persuade an audience and it must be about a serious topic
of interest to a contemporary audience.
The speech is under time
10 points off the final grade
The speech is over time:
10 points off the final grade
Persuasive Speech Rubric
Introduction
Received
Possible
15
Attention Getting Device
5
A thesis and argument is clearly stated
5
Preview or “Roadmap”
5
Body & Organization
30
At least 3 Substantial Points or Sub-arguments are clearly articulated
12
At least 2 Minor Points for each Major Point support the subarguments
8
Effective transitioning between points
5
Proportional time allocation is given to each point
5
Research & Evidence
15
Quotations are cited correctly in the speech
5
Arguments are supported by evidence .
5
Research skills are clearly present in the speech
5
Style & Delivery
25
Effective eye contact is maintained
7
Appropriate volume, projection, rate and tone are used
8
Body language is professional
5
Words are clearly articulated and pronounced correctly
5
Conclusion
10
Attention Maintaining Device is compelling and apt
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5
Effective summary of major points
10
Total Points
100
https://sites.google.com/site/cheekcomm1020/syllabus/persuasive-speech-grade-rubric
Recommended links and sources:
http://www.speechgems.com/persuaders.html
http://www.slideshare.net/gmurphy_tvo.org/15-oral-persuasion-techniques
http://www.publicspeakinginternational.com/public-speaking-tips-persuade/
http://www.publicspeakinginternational.com/blog/bid/173551/For-Persuasive-Speaking-UseThese-Four-Powerful-Techniques
http://homeworktips.about.com/od/speechclass/a/How-To-Write-A-Persuasive-Speech.htm
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