An  original  poem  or  prose,  written  by  the  contestant,  performed  as  a  monologue  or  exchange  involving

extemporization.

REQUIREMENTS:

  1. Submit six (6) notarized copies of the original poem.
  2. The top  of   each  page  must   include  the  contestant’s  name,   page  number   and  unit   name  and

number.

  1. Poems should  be  typed,  using  12  point  Times  New  Roman,  Verdana,  Georgia,  or  Comic  Sans. Please  no  other  fancy  typefaces  or  graphics. Poems  should  retain  original  form  that  they  were created  in  and  do  not  have  to  be  double-spaced.  Individual  poems  may  be  free  verse  or  rhymed metrical poetry containing stanzas.   Poems should not exceed 3 pages.
  2. The contestants  must  perform  their  work  before  a  panel  of  judges. The  performance  must  not exceed  three  (3)  minutes.  (Contestants  not  adhering  to  the  maximum  time    requirement    are subject  to  point  deduction  and/or  disqualification.)

NOTE:   The  deadline  for  submission  of  national  registration  documents  is  May 15, 2020..   No

materials or copies will be accepted after that time or at the National Competition. Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

  • Emotional/Physical Presence   (20)-   Is   the   poet   emotionally   connected   to   the   topic   they   are

presenting? Is the poet demonstrating eye contact, body language and poise?

  • Original Thought  (20)  –  Has  the  poet  tackled  an  interesting  subject  or  created  something  new with  their  work,  or  are  they  simply  parroting  belief  systems  or  ideas  that  they  have  heard  from someone  else.
  • Voice and  Articulation  (20)  –    Does    the    poet    exhibit    appropriate    volume,    pace,    rhythm,

intonation  and  proper  pronunciation?

  • Structure or  Form,  and  Overall  Presentation  (20)  –  How is  the poem constructed?  Are there appropriate  line  and  stanza  breaks?  Does  the  poem  have  a  strong  title?  Does  the  poem  contain appropriate  grammar  and  punctuation?
  • Evidence of   Understanding/Accuracy   (20)   –   Does   the   poet   comprehend   the   material  they’re presenting   and   makes   the   audience   understand?   Does   the   poet   miss   written   words   or mispronounce  words  during  their  recitation?