AI Debates Public Speaking Competition Rubric

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1. Public Speaking Competition (Individual Entry)
In this individual event, students deliver a 7-minute, well-researched speech on a designated AI-related topic based on their age group. Each speech should be a single-take, unedited video recording. Participants may use AI tools for research, writing, and content creation, including visuals. The top 20% of participants advance to the elimination rounds, where they may submit a new video or reuse their original video.

Public Speaking Topics by Age Group 

• Ages 10-11: Should students be allowed to use generative AI in school?
• Ages 12-13: Should students be allowed to use generative AI in school?
• Ages 14-15: Will AI developments reduce global poverty?
• Ages 16-18: Will AI enhance human flourishing?

Ages 19-22: Will AI enhance human flourishing, or should frontier AI models be open source?

• Speech Duration: 7 minutes
• Format: Single-take, unedited video recording
• Total Points: 100
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Exceptional (25-30): Demonstrates extensive research with diverse, credible sources. Effectively integrates AI-specific data and examples. Shows deep understanding of sources and synthesis of information.

Proficient (19-24): Shows solid research with reliable sources. Includes relevant AI examples. Sources are well-integrated but may lack some depth.

Developing (13-18): Basic research with some relevant sources. Limited AI-specific examples. Sources not well integrated into presentation.

Beginning (0-12): Minimal research evident. Few or no AI-specific examples. Poor use of sources or missing citations.

Exceptional (25-30): Exhibits deep comprehension of AI topic. Presents nuanced arguments with clear reasoning. Shows sophisticated grasp of implications and connections.

Proficient (19-24): Shows good understanding of core concepts. Arguments are mostly well-developed with support. Some insights into broader implications.

Developing (13-18): Basic grasp of topic. Arguments lack depth or development. Limited understanding of implications.

Beginning (0-12): Limited understanding. Superficial treatment of topic. Arguments unclear or illogical.

Exceptional (25-30): Offers sophisticated analysis with original insights. Considers multiple perspectives thoroughly. Develops unique viewpoints supported by evidence.

Proficient (19-24): Presents clear analysis with some original thoughts. Acknowledges different viewpoints. Shows some unique perspectives.

Developing (13-18): Basic analysis with few original insights. Limited consideration of different perspectives. Little unique thinking.

Beginning (0-12): Minimal analysis. One-sided view. No consideration of alternative perspectives. Lacks original thought.

Exceptional (17-20): Clear, logical flow with compelling introduction and conclusion. Effective transitions throughout. Ideas build naturally and support central thesis.

Proficient (13-16): Well-organized with clear sections. Most transitions work well. Some minor structural issues but maintains coherence.

Developing (9-12): Basic organization present. Transitions need work. Structure not always clear. Ideas sometimes disconnected.

Beginning (0-8): Disorganized. Unclear structure. Poor transitions. Ideas don't connect well. Hard to follow.

Exceptional (17-20): Excellent use of 7-minute time frame. Well-paced throughout. Balanced time for each section. Smooth transitions.

Proficient (13-16): Good time management. Slightly rushed or slow in places. Mostly balanced sections. Minor timing issues.

Developing (9-12): Some timing issues. Notably under/over time. Uneven section timing. Pace problems affect clarity.

Beginning (0-8): Poor time management. Significantly under/over time. Very unbalanced sections. Serious pacing issues.

Exceptional (25-30): Excellent voice modulation and pace. Crystal clear pronunciation. Highly engaging delivery. Natural and confident. Effective use of emphasis and pauses.

Proficient (19-24): Good voice control and clarity. Mostly engaging. Some variation in tone. Generally confident delivery. Minor pronunciation issues.

Developing (13-18): Some issues with clarity or pace. Moderately engaging. Limited variation in delivery. Some nervousness shows.

Beginning (0-12): Significant issues with delivery. Monotone or unclear speech. Not engaging. Very nervous or unprepared.

Exceptional (25-30): Confident posture. Natural, effective gestures. Strong, consistent eye contact. Professional presence. Enhances message delivery.

Proficient (19-24): Generally good posture and gestures. Consistent eye contact. Occasional awkward moments. Usually supports message.

Developing (13-18): Inconsistent posture or gestures. Limited eye contact. Appears uncomfortable at times. Sometimes distracts from message.

Beginning (0-12): Poor posture. Distracting movements. Minimal eye contact. Appears very uncomfortable. Significantly detracts from message.

Exceptional (25-30): Professional appearance. Visuals enhance speech effectively. Excellent stage presence. Materials are polished and support message.

Proficient (19-24): Neat appearance. Visuals support speech well. Good stage presence. Materials are adequate and mostly support message.

Developing (13-18): Casual appearance. Visuals need improvement. Inconsistent presence. Materials may distract from message.

Beginning (0-12): Unprofessional appearance. Visuals detract from speech. Poor presence. Materials are inappropriate or poorly prepared.

Exceptional (17-20): Excellent video/audio quality. Professional setting. Perfect lighting and framing. Clear sound throughout. No technical issues.

Proficient (13-16): Good video/audio quality. Appropriate setting. Minor technical issues. Generally clear sound. Lighting mostly appropriate.

Developing (9-12): Acceptable quality. Some technical issues. Setting could be improved. Some sound or lighting problems.

Beginning (0-8): Poor quality. Major technical issues. Inappropriate setting. Significant sound or lighting problems.