Rules

 Prepared speeches

1. Each speaker gets 5 minutes to deliver a prepared speech with a 15-second grace period, after which time penalties will occur.
2. Each prepared speech should last a minimum of 4 minutes. Shorter speeches will be disqualified.
3. Topics should be in good taste and entertaining.
4. Speakers will draw lots to determine the speaking order.
5. Each speaker should email a short bio at least one week prior to the event. This will be published on the website and used on the night as an introduction.

Impromptu speeches

1. Each speaker gets 3 minutes to deliver an impromptu speech with a 10-second grace period, after which time penalties will occur.
2. Each impromptu speech should last a minimum of 2 minutes. Shorter speeches will be disqualified.
3. Each speaker will pick a topic from the hat on which to speak. These topics will have been supplied by the audience.
4. Each speaker has the right to one refusal and may draw again.

Scoring

1. Five judges will be picked at random from the audience.
2. Judges will be instructed to take the audience reaction into account when scoring.
3. Judges can score from 0 to 10.
4. The highest and the lowest scores will be discounted so each speaker can score a maximum of 30 points per speech.
5. Time penalties will be deducted from this final score. 1pt for every 5 seconds over the grace period.
6. The maximum score for the evening per speaker is 60 points.

General

1. The winner from each night will go forward to compete in the final.
2. In the event that a finalist is not available in March, the runner-up from the same competition will be offered a place in the final. If they are unable to attend, third-place winner will be offered a place.
3. Speakers should be at the venue no later than 7pm on the night to do a sound test.
4. Doors close at 7.45pm, by which time judges will have been chosen and the competition will start.