Power of Words
Category 1: Verbal & Linguistic Intelligence. Pick one format, one task, and show what language can do when you own the mic (or the page).
Purpose
To demonstrate your ability to use language effectively through clarity of expression, story structure, word choice, and emotional impact.
Who Can Participate?
- Junior (ages 8–12): Focus on confidence in expression, clear communication, and simple story structure.
- Senior (ages 13–17): Focus on depth, argument/theme, structure, and impact.
Participation Type
Individual or 2–3 person mini team. For team entries, state clearly who wrote the text and who performed.
Competition Format: Choose One
- A) Video performance. A phone camera is enough. Face does not have to be visible (voice + visuals/objects are fine).
- B) Audio recording (podcast/voice). Minimal background noise. Single-take, uninterrupted.
- C) Text + audio (hybrid). Submit text as PDF/Doc and add a voice reading/performance (increases performance score).
Task Options: Choose 1 Task
All tasks in the same category are equally valid; they measure different abilities. For each task, follow the steps in order from planning to recording.
J1: Short Storytelling
Final recording: 60-120 seconds
- Choose your topic (free choice, or pick from the Prompt Pool).
- Plan the arc: a clear beginning, middle, and end, plus at least one emotion (joy, fear, excitement, etc.).
- Draft or outline what you will say so your story stays on time.
- Record your storytelling (one continuous take within the time limit).
J2: Write and Read a Fairy Tale
Written text: 150-300 words · Reading aloud: 1-2 minutes
- Design the tale: one character, one problem, one solution.
- Write the fairy tale within the word range.
- Practise reading aloud until it flows (aim for 1-2 minutes).
- Record your reading (single take).
J3: Explain a Concept in Your Own Words
Final recording: 60-90 seconds · Example concepts: Friendship, Justice, Courage, Responsibility, Sharing
- Pick one concept you can explain clearly.
- Add one real-life example ("for example, the other day...").
- Script your explanation in your own words (short and clear).
- Record your explanation (60-90 seconds).
S1: TED-Style Mini Talk
Final recording: 2-3 minutes
- Choose an idea or theme for a short talk.
- Build your structure: hook (attention-grabbing opening), main message, one example or mini story, closing (call to action or strong final line).
- Prepare notes or a script (optional PDF script is recommended).
- Record your mini talk (2-3 minutes).
S2: Monologue on a Social Topic
Final recording: 2-3 minutes · Example topics: Bullying, Social media, Empathy, Environmental awareness
- Select a social topic you care about.
- Shape your argument: one problem statement, one emotion, one solution proposal.
- Write and rehearse your monologue for clarity and impact.
- Record the monologue (2-3 minutes).
S3: Dramatize Your Own Text
Final recording: 2-4 minutes
- Write the text you will perform (your own words).
- Plan the performance: voice tone, pacing, character shifts. You need at least two distinct voices/roles, or a clear change in narration style.
- Rehearse until shifts in delivery are clear.
- Record your dramatised performance (2-4 minutes).
Prompt Pool
You may choose any topic freely or use prompts provided by the organisers (J1/J2/J3 and S1/S2/S3 prompt sets). Examples for J1: “I woke up one morning… and my wall had written a message to me: ‘Look down!’”; “On my way to school, I found a shiny stone. It had only one word: ‘RUN!’”; “One day my phone started talking and said, ‘Today I’m going to control you.’” More on request. J2 and J3 have structured prompts (e.g. fairy-tale titles, concept definitions). Senior prompts include TED-style hooks and 3-point outlines (e.g. “Can a single habit change your destiny?”, “Why is the right to make mistakes part of learning?”).
Scoring (100 Points)
- Clarity of Expression (0–25)
- Word Choice & Language Use (0–25)
- Structure / Story or Argument Build (0–25)
- Emotional Impact & Delivery (0–25)
Tie-breakers (in order): Emotional Impact ? Structure ? Word Choice.
What to Submit (Checklist)
- 1 file: Video (MP4) or Audio (MP3) or Text+Audio
- Title + 1–2 sentence description
- Task code: J1, J2, J3 or S1, S2, S3
- Optional but recommended: Text script as PDF (especially for S1–S3)
See Technical Rules for language, time limits, and originality. Then contact us to participate.