Join us for an inspiring afternoon as students from across Tajikistan raise their voices in the EWB and American Spaces Tajikistan Public Speaking Contest!

• Date: February 21, 2024
• Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Venue: American Spaces in Dushanbe, Khorog, Bokhtar, and Khujand

Theme: “I have a dream to live in a peaceful, free, and friendly world” (Inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr.)

Calling all university students! Share your vision for a better world in this exciting competition.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Registration: Open now! Click the link to register before February 16th.

• Language: English
• Speech length: Each contestant will present a 5-minute prepared speech. Time Management is a must!
• Topics: Choose a social issue you care about and connect it to the theme of peace, freedom, and friendship. Be inspiring, authentic, and relevant!
• Judging: Speeches will be scored based on content, delivery, and language.

Scoring Criteria for the Contest

Content (50 scores)

• Speech Development: The contestants should prepare thoroughly for the contest theme and organize the ideas in sequence so that the audience can understand what they are saying. The speech should have a purpose and an identifiable introduction, body, and conclusion related to the theme. A good speech attracts the audience’s attention and moves on with smoothness toward the conclusion. The speech should be supported by relevant examples, facts, and figures. They should give credit credits to the sources of their information.
• Effectiveness: The contestants must deliver their speech as effectively as possible. The contestants should consider how they can relate to the audience. The contestants must try to convince the audience of the soundness of their arguments.
• Speech value: The speech should be meaningful and authentic to the audience. The listeners should feel satisfied after listening to the speech. A good speech should win the hearts, minds, and attention of the audience and judges.

Delivery (30 scores)

• Physical appearance: The contestant(he/she) must exhibit confidence to deliver an effective speech. Body language should strengthen the speech, demonstrating different facial expressions, gestures, and body positioning.
• Voice: While delivering the speech, the voice should be flexible, and easy to move from one pitch to another. The voice should be clear so that the words can be easily understood.
• Manner of Delivery: This will indirectly reveal the true state of the speaker. The speaker should speak with confidence and must show interest in his/her audience.

Language (20 scores)

• Appropriateness refers to the choice of words that are related to the purpose of the speech. The language should give a clear picture of the thoughts being expressed. Correctness of the language refers to the proper grammar usage and correct pronunciation of the words.

Event agenda:

• 3:00 PM: Welcome and Opening Speech
• 3:05 PM: Master Class on Public Speaking Tips
• 3:30 PM: Contestant Introductions and Judge Panel Presentation
• 3:30 – 4:30 PM: Student Speeches
• 4:30 – 4:45 PM: Motivational TED Talk Break (optional)
• 4:45 – 5:00 PM: Award Ceremony for Top 3 Contestants

Don’t miss this chance to:

• Share your voice and ideas on a global platform.
• Develop your public speaking skills.
• Celebrate Black History Month through the power of words.
• Connect with other passionate students and community members.