Format, Rubrics & Guidelines
Event Format
Compete in all 4 segments of EPC contests (Essay, Speech, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Information Campaign) and earn a GRAND Prize.
Grand Prize will be awarded to the best overall performing High School participant. Qualifying candidates must participate in all possible competitions (essay, speech, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Information Campaign).
Calling all graphic designers and videographers! Compete in our information campaign to use your skills to spread the word about a cause you care about.
Our information campaign includes all types of presentation tools, such as videos, AI-powered campaigns, posters, TikToks, and more.
Extemporaneous Speech Competition
WHAT: The Extemporaneous Speaking competition will judge your ability to speak on a topic in an organized and poised manner with only a few minutes of preparation.
WHO: For now the competition is open for only middle school and high school students.
HOW: You will be given the exact prompt aligning with the EPC theme during the competition, and will have 30 minutes to prepare a 5 to 7 minute presentation based on your personal knowledge and optionally with references. If you decide to join this exciting competition, your speech will be graded on the basis of content and ideas, presentation and delivery, and precision of language. Your goal should be to prepare and present, not to memorize and recollect.
Virtual Event Guidelines
Timing and breakout rooms
There will be at least 4 breakout rooms for the Zoom event. The number of breakout rooms may vary depending on the number of contestants in each level. In general, four breakout rooms include:
Elementary | Middle School | High School | Poster and Multimedia
The speech times will remain at 3 to 8 minutes as below:
- 3 min (Level 1)
- 4 min (Level 2)
- 5 min (Level 3)
- 6 min (Level 4)
- 7 min (Level 5)
- 8 min+ 2 min Q&A (Level 6)
Watch a sample video on how to prepare for the speech
A maximum of 2 minutes will be allowed in between speeches. TIMING SUMMARY: (a) speech: up to 3 or 8 minutes;
CAVEAT: The judge of each contest is the ultimate arbiter of time.
NOTE: At the end of each event, all breakout rooms will automatically close and everyone will be routed back to the main room.
Communication
- The Zoom chat window should not be used for non-EPC related matter.
- Just like an in-person presentation, no help is to be provided to a speaker while they are speaking.
- Under no circumstances should the speaker receive instruction from coaches, parents, or anyone else while the speech is in session.
Zoom/Virtual Etiquette
- All speakers will be required to have their webcam turned on when speaking.
- Everyone signed into the EPC 2021 Zoom meeting must follow the following name designations (cf. “Logistics”, below).
Logistics
- Device audio/video must be verified and cross-checked prior to the event day. For example, the coaches or parents can check devices or the speakers can check each other’s devices (cf. “Internet Interruption”, below).
- Everyone must stay in the Zoom meeting for the whole event. If someone leaves the meeting by mistake, they can rejoin by using the Zoom link and will be directed to where they want to go (cf. “Level 2 for example”, above).
- Name designation must be strictly observed (cf. “Zoom/Virtual Etiquette”, above).
Internet Interruption
- In the event that a speaker’s speech drops or becomes incomprehensible because e.g., the speaker’s device malfunctions or because of WiFi/internet connection issues, the speaker should immediately call into the EPC Zoom meeting room and will be directed back to their breakout room to complete their speech. Call-in information will be made available in advance. • Please note that others may not speak on behalf of the dropped speaker.
- The judges will determine their score based on what the speaker could communicate comprehensively.
- To avoid such issues to the greatest extent possible, each speaker should cross check their device audio/video prior to tournament day and minimize parallel internet usage within the home (cf. “Logistics”, above).
EPC 2024 Information Campaign Guidelines
EPC 2024 Topics Descriptions
Elementary School Category
Middle School Category (Levels 3 & 4)
Imagine you are a journalist writing about Islam in the Modern world.
Write a report about the experiences of Muslim Americans today. What are some challenges or opportunities that Muslims encounter?
How can the experiences of Muslims figures, from the past or today, help us as we navigate the challenges of today?
Middle School Category
Middle School Category (Levels 3 & 4)
Imagine you are a journalist writing about Islam in the Modern world. Write a report about the experiences of Muslim Americans today.
What are some challenges or opportunities that Muslims encounter? How can the experiences of Muslims figures, from the past or today, help us as we navigate the challenges of today?
High School Category
High School Category (Levels 5 & 6)
Muslims play a significant role in activism and leadership.
What is your perspective on the future of Muslims in the modern world? Identify a specific challenge that Muslims face.
Consider how global trends, technology, and cultural shifts may impact the Muslim community’s role and opportunities.
Rubrics
Subject to Change
Please contact [email protected] for current format
Calling all graphic designers and videographers! Compete in our information campaign to use your skills to spread the word about a cause you care about.
Our information campaign includes all types of presentation tools, such as videos, AI-powered campaigns, posters, TikToks, and more.
Essay Submission
Please review the guidelines once again to avoid getting disqualified. Once you are ready, click the link below to submit.
Rules
*Please be respectful to everyone, including fellow competitors. *If you need to enter or exit a room, please wait to do so in between presentations, as to be respectful to the presenter. *Judges are not permitted to open or close doors, so that they may focus on the competitor’s presentation without distraction. *Participants that are waiting for their turn must remain silent. *Do not distract judges, the presenter or audience. Parents are not permitted to raise questions about the judging during the event. Any dispute must be submitted to [email protected] in writing Jazakum Allahu Khairun for your cooperation!
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