Florida High School High Tech
2015-2016 Speech Contest
Structure and Background Information
Beginning this year, the Able Trust Florida High School High Tech Program (HSHT) will
sponsor a research and speech contest for its student participants. The contest has two levels of
competition: local/site and state. The winner of each local contest will compete in state
competition against other local winners. The state contest will be held March 11, 2016 at the
Able Trust Board of Directors meeting.
The goals of the HSHT Speech Contest are to:
 Develop research, public speaking, and communication skills of students which are
critical to successful employment and self-advocacy; and
 Introduce students to policy topics relevant to all Floridians.
Qualifications
The Florida HSHT Speech Contest is open to any active, enrolled HSHT student.
2015-2016 Topics
Contestants must choose one topic from the approved list to address in their speech and one-page
summary of conclusions and/or recommendations. Speech topics for 2015-2016 are included as
an attachment to this document.
Contest Format
Each HSHT site is encouraged to conduct a contest for interested students. Early promotion of
the contest allows some students to use the project in their regular school programs and
assignments. Each HSHT site or organization will be responsible for recruiting local judges
including a time keeper. Suggested recruits include Business Advisory Council members, other
business partners, school administrators, members of civic/professional organizations,
community leaders, elected officials, and agency board members. HSHT staff, family members,
and other students are not considered qualified judges for the local contests. Local contests must
occur by January 15, 2016.
Local sites must adhere to the rules and scoring rubric as outlined below. Sites must notify the
Able Trust of site winners by January 18, 2016.
A maximum of three (3) site-level winners from around the state will compete for the final award
during the Able Trust spring Board of Directors Meeting on March 11, 2016 in Ft. Lauderdale,
1
FL. Each student must be present at the state contest in order to compete. A travel and lodging
stipend will be provided by the Able Trust to final contestants and one family member.
Rules
 Competitors must be an active, enrolled HSHT student.
 Competitors must select one of the speech topics provided by the Able Trust and address as
instructed.
 Competitors must prepare and present the speech personally. No form of video conferencing
will be permitted.
 Competitors are not permitted to use any visual aids such as PowerPoint presentations or
posters.
 Speeches must be 5-10 minutes in length.
 Competitors may elect to use a manuscript or 3x5 note cards during both site and state
competitions.
 Local and state judges reserve the right to ask questions, not to exceed 3 minutes per
competitor.
 Site level winners are permitted to make changes to their speech prior to the state
competition, but may not alter basic content or conclusions.
 Speeches must be an original work of the student.
 Competitors must prepare and submit a one-page summary of conclusions and/or
recommendations for both the site and state competitions.
Prizes
Site level competition prizes will be determined locally. For the state competition, the prizes are
as follows:
 First Place: $400
 Second Place: $200
 Third Place: $100
Application
Sites may determine application/entry procedures for local competitions. HSHT sites must
notify the Able Trust with a list of local participants by October 31, 2015. A list of local site
winners must be provided to the Able Trust for participation in the state competition by January
18, 2016.
Timelines
October 31, 2015 – List of local participants due to the Able Trust
January 15, 2016 – Deadline for local contests
January 18, 2016 – List of local site winners due to the Able Trust
Late January/Early February, 2016 – Optional regional competitions, if needed to narrow field
for state competition
February 15, 2016 – Top Three Contestants Announced
March 11, 2016 – State Competition, Orlando
2
Scoring Rubric
Student Name:
Strong Evidence
Indicators
that Indicators are
Present 5-4pts
Oral Communication
Speaking
Skills
Command of
Audience
Topic Analysis
& Conclusions
Appropriate tone is
consistent. Speaks at
the right pace to be
clear. Pronunciation
of words is very clear
and apparent.
Uses power of
presentation to
engage and captivate
the audience with the
message of the
speech.
Examples are vivid,
precise, and clearly
explained. Examples
are original, logical,
and relevant.
Non-Verbal Communication
Eye contact
consistently used as
an effective
Attention
connection.
Consistently looks at
audience.
Does not have
distracting
mannerisms that
Mannerisms
affect effectiveness.
& Gestures
Gestures are
purposeful and
effective.
Poise
Is well poised and in
control at all times.
Date:
HSHT Site:
Moderate Evidence
that Indicators are
Present 3-2pts
Little Evidence that
Indicators are
Present 1-0pts
Appropriate tone is
usually consistent.
Speaks at the right pace
most of the time, but
shows some
nervousness.
Pronunciation of words
is usually clear,
sometimes vague (not
disability related).
Has difficulty using an
appropriate tone. Pace
it too slow/fast;
nervous. Pronunciation
of words is difficult to
understand; unclear
(not disability related).
x 10
Presents speech as mere
repeating of facts and
speech comes across as
report.
Lacks enthusiasm and
power to deliver the
speech.
x 10
Examples are usually
concrete, sometimes
need clarification.
Examples are effective,
but need more
originality or thought.
Examples are abstract
or not clearly defined.
Examples are
sometimes confusing,
leaving the listener
with questions.
x 10
Eye contact is mostly
effective and consistent
(not disability related).
Eye contact does not
always allow
connection with the
speaker (not disability
related).
x5
Sometimes has
distracting mannerisms
that pull from the
presentation (not
disability related).
Usually uses purposeful
gestures.
Has mannerisms that
pull from effectiveness
of the speech (not
disability related).
Occasionally gestures
are used effectively.
x5
Poised and in control
most of the time; rarely
loses composure
Isn’t always well
poised. Sometimes
seems to lose
composure.
x5
Points
Earned
Weight
Total
Score
Gross Total Points
Time Deduction (5 points per 30 seconds over/under time)
Net Total Points
Rank
3
Attachment #1: 2015-2016 Speech & Essay Contest – Topic Options
Students must select one and address as instructed
Topic #1: Water Quality and Supply
The availability of fresh water is a limiting factor to how large a city can grow, how many people can live
in a state, and more basically how people live their lives. While it may seem that Florida has no lack of
available fresh water, with abundant rivers, lakes and rain throughout the State, our fresh water supply is
limited. Water is necessary for personal use such as drinking and bathing, growing the food we eat, for
business use, to keep our lawns green, and pools full. There are numerous segments of the state
population that rely on the availability of clean and potable fresh water: individuals, businesses,
agriculture, and communities are just a few of the major users of fresh water in Florida. Additionally,
there are many State and Federal regulations governing water quality and access. To ensure an adequate
supply of fresh water for future Floridians, we need to become smarter about how we use, invest in, and
protect our fresh water supplies.
Keeping in mind the various segments of the population that rely on water to live and work, what
suggestions would you make to address the needs of the State to ensure an adequate supply of clean and
usable freshwater?
Topic #2: Quality of Life and Quality of Place
Florida is recognized worldwide as a tourist destination. Yet, when people think of Florida, we need them
to think not just of surf, sand, and sun, but also as a place where they want to come to get a great
education, to raise a family, or to run a business. For Florida to prosper in the 21st century, we must
effectively promote the state as a great place to learn, live and work. We have to change how our state is
perceived, and that begins with changing the fundamentals of what our state offers (Florida Chamber
Foundation, Six Pillars Strategic Plan).
Think about the city, town, or neighborhood where you live. What innovations would make it a better,
nicer place to live, work, and play for its diverse culture and visitors? Consider current barriers such as
lack of public transportation, recreation outlets, and cleanliness. Provide a vibrant description of your
ideal community and the necessary innovations to make it so.
Topic #3: Compensation of College Athletes
Currently, college athletes are not paid a salary for their performance, but rather receive their
compensation in the form of educational scholarships. Sometimes the scholarships are full, covering all
expenses such as tuition, room, board, and books. Other times athletes may only receive partial
scholarships that cover only tuition and even partial tuition. Colleges and universities make money off of
athletics through ticket sales, booster donations, TV agreements, performance awards, and sales of
merchandise. Other groups such as video game companies and TV networks also profit from student
athletes.
Provide a persuasive argument on why you feel college athletes should receive a salary in addition to their
scholarships or if you believe that college athletes are justly compensated with the current system.
4