League Policies
For each speech round, a wall posting will be outside the room so that names and speaking order can be easily verified. The door should be open with at least three judges seated at a table, and the competitor may walk to the “center stage” area to indicate that he or she is ready. Once ready, competitors should introduce themselves before they begin the timer for their speech, but they must not initiate conversation or deliver any rehearsed message, as this “pre-show” would constitute a violation of the rules (see event rules). We understand that some judges are chatty and enthusiastic. Competitors should always be polite and friendly in their responses to a judge; they may also politely remind the judge that competitors are instructed to not carry on conversations with judges in a round. Competitors can choose to hold their timepiece or set it on the judges’ table, but they may not infringe on the judges’ table or personal space during the speech.
After the speech, competitors should briefly thank the judges for their time and promptly leave the room, so that the room can be ready for the next speaker.