Miss Teen Achievement
Newfoundland and Labrador

Explanation of Judging Criteria

Interview/Personality - Contestants introduce themselves and field questions posed by a panel of judges.  The interview consists of a list of pre-selected questions.  All contestants answer the same questions.

Listen carefully to each question.  Respond to the judge who asked you, but maintain eye contact with the entire judging panel.  Handle difficult or awkward questions with confience and skill.  Don't be afraid to let your sense of humor and personality shine through.  Relax and have a conversation with the judges.

Public Speaking - The qualities and attributes of all titleholders is the ability to demonstrate a sense of composure, confidence and intelligence when speaking in public.  In the application package contestants are asked: "If you are selected for this title, what platform or issue will you speak on throughout the year?"  The public speaking portion of the competition is an opportunity for you to present your platform to the audience.  Speeches should be no longer than 60 seconds and  the use of notes is not permitted.  (Speeches are timed and points are deducted should you go over the allowed time.)

Contestants will be assessed on their originality, flair and ideas presented.  Their capacity to demonstrate empathy and a realistic understanding of their chosen topic also forms part of the judging criteria.

A penalty of 5% of the total marks received shall be imposed to a speech that is in excess of the time limit before the total scores are compiled (5 seconds grace allowed).  This penalty will be imposed by the timekeeper and applied by the auditor.