Tome Book Award Book Talk

Competition Instructions

Objective: Make an in-person presentation to judges about a current Tome Book Award book for your grade level at TomeCon.

Learning Targets:

• Reading Comprehension

• Improved ability to summarize key points from the book
• Enhanced vocabulary through exposure to new words and phrases
• Developed critical thinking by analyzing characters and themes
• Gained insights into different literary genres and styles

• Public Speaking

• Increased confidence in presenting ideas in front of an audience
• Learned to structure a speech effectively with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion
• Gained experience in using visual aids to support spoken content
• Enhanced engagement skills through eye contact and audience interaction

• Visual Communication

• Developed skills in creating informative and appealing visual aids
• Gained understanding of how visuals complement verbal presentations
• Improved ability to convey complex information in a simplified format

Final Product Guidelines:

• Student will prepare a 2-4 minute speech for elementary/3-5 minute for middle or high speech about a current Tome Book Award book for their grade level, that they have read in full.
• They will present their Book Talk to judges in person at TomeCon.

• Student must attend TomeCon to participate in this competition (Student Ticket ($) required to attend).

• Student will present speech at TomeCon (2-4 minutes for elementary/3-5 minutes for middle and high) in length.

• Judges will end the presentation at the 5 minute mark to keep competition running on time at TomeCon.

• Print/physical visual aides are permitted, including (but not limited to) a copy of the book, poster, or printed 1-page handout (bring at least 5 copies). NO digital visual aides permitted (i.e powerpoint or video).
• Bring a physical copy of the speech to turn in to judges after the presentation.

• Book Talk Speech must include:

• Book title
• Author of book
• Description of book (no spoilers!)

• Include hook, content, and cliffhanger

• Personal review of book
• Best audience for the book (i.e. guys, girls, anyone, etc.)
• If you like this book, you might also like….and why (at least 2 other recommendations)
• Other books, media or information related to this book (i.e. other books in series, movie, etc.)
• Any other personal additions to make it your own
• Do not plan to include a question and answer time, as we will be on a tight schedule.

• Other elements of Book Talk speech to consider:

• Should be presented in formal language (i.e. no LOL’s, rizz, skibbity, etc.)
• Should have perfect grammar
• Performance quality of presentation should be high quality and professional.
• Delivery is natural, confident, and enhances the message; posture, eye contact, smooth gestures, facial expressions, volume, and pace indicate confidence and a willingness to communicate.
• Speaking style is expressive, clear, audible, and well paced.
• Should hold the attention of judges, seldom looking at notes.
• Vocal tone, facial expressions, clothing, and other nonverbal expressions are consistent with the message.
• Limited filler words ("um," "like," "you know") utilized.
• Optional -- Presentation aids are well suited to an oral presentation and add considerably to overall audience engagement.

Tome Book Award Book Talk

Scoring Rubric

Student should self-assess their work using the following scoring rubric before submission.

Failure to meet all rubric requirements will result in loss of points.

Total Points Awarded: ____________/ 142 pts

Please note: The point values listed in each category represent the maximum possible points that can be earned. However, fewer points may be awarded based on the quality or completeness of the work. Meeting the basic requirements of a criteria does not guarantee full points; higher scores are awarded for more fully addressing the criteria and demonstrating higher quality of work.