BAPTIST GENERAL STATE CONGRESS OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Dr. Michael Runnels, President

BAPTIST GENERAL STATE CONVENTION OF ILLINOIS, INC.

Dr. William H. Foster, Convention President

GUIDELINES FOR THE 2018 ORATORICAL CONTEST

Purpose

To provide training and communication skills with public speaking experience, within the context of the scriptural theme. Afford each contestant, an opportunity to earn a college scholarship. This is accomplished through completion of all required guidelines, supported by intellectual thinking, and having a positive expression of an original written and oral presentation of the chosen theme.

The official theme:

“Envisioning the Future Exceptionally as We Lead Disciples for Christ”

Proverbs 29:18; Matthew 10:1; Romans 12:4; 1 Corinthians 12:7; Ephesians 4:11

  1. The contestant must be a member of a church of Baptist General State Convention.
  2. The contestant must be a delegate of a church registered for the 2018 Annual Congress Session.
  3. Contestants must be currently enrolled in his or her senior year of high school and will be graduating prior to August 2018, with the expressed intent of continuing their education in a college or university, also known as a higher education institution.
  4. The speech must be original and prepared by the contestant.
  5. The speech must be typewritten and saved in a word document format, (12 font- Times New Roman font), double-spaced, a minimum of 600 words and a maximum of 800 words, using Standard English. The speech must be logical, correct in form and content, relevant to the theme, and address the established theme. The speech must clearly document all references or copyrighted material cited in the oration. All supporting documentation must be neatly printed, complete and accurate.
  1. The Contestants are not allowed to state their names or any other identifying information during the oratorical presentation.
  2. The Contestant’s oratorical presentation must avoid speaking in sermonic tones, using testimonials, and excessive gesturing.
  1. The Contestant is not allowed to use special props, costumes, clothing or prompts.
  1. The contestant’s written oration and supporting documentation (contestant cover sheet, and the student’s most recent report card and an electronic photo of the contestant must be received by the State Director of the Oratorical Contest by Friday, April 13, 2018 via one electronic version (email), and six paper copies of the oration to be brought the evening of the contest.
  1. The Contestant’s presentation attire is Males: Slacks, Suit Coats and Shirts with Ties and Females: Business Dresses or Suits with Hosiery.
  1. The Contestants are to stand, approach the podium, state the theme and begin their memorized rendition of the written oration, within the frame of the podium (without moving across the stage).

The Contestants are not allowed to use introductions or reference protocols.

  1. The Contestant that places 1st at the national level must be available to attend the Children/Youth Rally (Friday, June 22, 2018) and recite the winning oration.
  1. The contest will be held Monday evening during our Spring Board Meeting at 7:00 P.M. The Contestant should arrive at 6:00 P.M.(The National contest will be held Wednesday, June 20, 2018 in Oklahoma City, Ok at 1:00 pm. The contestant has to arrive at 12:00 noon.)

State Oratorical Contest Coordinator:

Queen E. Crawford

12442 So. Wentworth Ave., Chicago, IL 60628

773/928-8996- Home; 773/294-0892- Cell