Soirée Défi & Talents

Level I – Personal Introduction ("Who Am I?")

• Students will speak for 1 minute introducing themselves.

• Possible topics: family, hobbies, interests, daily routine, etc.

• No notes allowed.

• Judging criteria: fluency, preparation, completeness of ideas, pronunciation, and vocabulary.

Level II – Object Presentation ("Show and Tell")

• Students will bring an object and describe its significance.

• Time limit: 60–90 seconds.

• No notes allowed.

• Judging criteria: fluency, preparation, thorough explanation, pronunciation, and vocabulary usage.

Level III – Skit

• Students will perform an original, simple skit.

• Maximum length: 5 minutes.

• Reading from a script is not permitted.

• Judging criteria: fluency, memorization, projection, pronunciation, blocking/stage presence, dramatic interpretation, originality, and thematic development.

Level IV – Prepared Speech

• Students will deliver a memorized speech on one of the approved topics.

• Time limit: 2–3 minutes (points deducted for going over or under).

• Judging criteria: fluency, pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and delivery.

2026 Topics:

1. Lost in Translation – Share a humorous or meaningful misunderstanding you experienced while learning or speaking the target language.

2. Holidays and Traditions – Explain a holiday from the target language culture, its meaning, who celebrates it, and how it is observed.

3. Popular Culture Spotlight – Present a significant musician, actor, film, song, or artist from the target language culture and explain their cultural importance.

Level V / Native Speaker – Impromptu Speech

• Topic assigned on site.

• 2 minutes to prepare (no notes allowed).

• Speech length: 2–3 minutes.

• Judging criteria: fluency, pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and delivery.

Cultural Performance (All Levels)

(Song, Dance, Dramatic or Cultural Presentation)

• Must reflect the culture of a country where the target language is spoken.

• Maximum length: 10 minutes.

• Must be memorized.

• No microphones or speakers permitted.

• Judging criteria: cultural authenticity, fluency (if applicable), pronunciation, stage presence, dramatic expression, memorization, and overall presentation quality.

• Dance or instrumental performances must include a brief spoken introduction in the target language explaining cultural significance.