Competition Judging
Resume
The résumé is submitted prior to competition (no later than Orientation Night), and provided to the judges. This is their first impression of you. A copy will be given to the judges exactly as submitted.
Judges will consider:
1. Overall Presentation: Appropriate layout that conveys key information relative to the Ambassador position.
Tips: Seek input on best format for students. For example listing Extra Curricular and Volunteer Activities prior to education may be suggested.
2. Neatness: No spelling or grammatical errors.
Tips: Proofread, Proofread, Proofread. Ask someone else to check it over too!
Interview (5 to 8 minutes)
The panel of 3 judges develop the set of questions. Each contestant will be asked the same questions.
Judges may ask questions in the general areas of:
1. You, Your Goals and Future Plans: An awareness of strengths and weaknesses, and sense of future direction.
Tips: Be yourself as the judges want to get to know you. A common question that you can prepare for: “Tell me about yourself”. This is your chance to highlight your strengths and why you want the position of Paris Fair Ambassador.
2. Resume Features: Education, Extra Curricular Activities, and Volunteer Commitments.
Tips: When asked about your resume, provide new information rather than re-stating what is written. Highlight what you consider most relevant to the Ambassador position, and give more details that enhance the judges understanding of you.
3. Knowledge of Agriculture: General awareness of the type of farming in the area, community/government leaders in agriculture.
Tips: You don’t need to be an expert about farming, but the Ambassador represents the Paris Agricultural Society. Determine how you are connected to agriculture and proudly share that connection (for example you live on a farm, you have a relative who farms, you like buying from farmers, or you participate in rural community activities). Understand what area farmers grow, search current issues that farmers are facing.
Interview (3-4 minutes)
A 3 – 4 minutes prepared speech. The speech is your chance to demonstrate the ability to prepare and deliver a meaningful message.
Judges will consider:
1. Topic: It should be relevant and appropriate for audience, and the purpose should be clear.
(for example is the speech meant to entertain, inform, or encourage action?)
Tip: Choose a topic of special interest to you!
2. Delivery: Enunciate well, speak slowly (pausing for effect), vary eye contact, and make use of gestures, and facial expressions.
Tips: Remember good posture and breathe deeply. Be aware of distracting “nervous” habits such as overuse of hands and “ums”. Speak into the microphone.
3. Overall Presentation: The speech should be well written and well rehearsed.
Tips: Prompt cards are encouraged, but avoid reading. Be natural, but avoid slang, technical or difficult words.
Impromptu Question (25-30 second answer)
The purpose of the impromptu component is to see how well you think on your feet. As Ambassador you will meet and greet the public and may be required to speak with little or no notice. All impromptu questions will follow a similar theme, but may or may not be related to the Paris Fair.
Judges will consider:
1. Your answer: Your response needs to answer the question (your response should be within 25-30 seconds).
Tips: Take a deep breath. Take time to develop an answer in your head, before beginning to speak. Go with your first thought. Begin your answer by restating the question.
2. Delivery: Speak slowly, make eye contact and smile.
Tips: Be yourself and show your personality. Be natural but remain poised.
3. Knowledge: Your ability to demonstrate knowledge and/or awareness of current events.
Tips: Provide examples to support your thoughts. Be confident in your answer, keeping in mind that a balanced opinion will be best received (i.e., avoid controversial statements).
YouTube Video (maximum 2 minutes)
This is your chance to demonstrate your ability to represent a community organization (primary role of an ambassador). The video should include 3 key segments:
1. Introduction of the organization: its role and the services it provides in the community.
2. Body: Highlight the most interesting features of the organization and what they do for our community. You may consider including an interview with their local president, footage of volunteers in action, or pictures of some of their work. Be creative and ensure it showcases your sponsor well.
3. Closing: Summarize and highlight the main message that audience should remember about the organization.
Overall Impression
The Ambassador represents an organization, so the overall impression is considered.
This includes:
● Personality
● Appropriate Attire
● Poise/Posture/Manners
● Communication Skills/Interpersonal Skills/Manners
● Self-confidence