Puppets

Puppeteers should remember that their primary objective is to minister, not just to entertain. However, occasional jokes in good taste will help keep the audience interested in the message.

Guidelines:

• All puppet shows will use a provided puppet stage.
• Each act must have two puppeteers. Teams may be either both male or both female or be brother and sister only. No other mixed teams are allowed.
• Homemade and/or professionally made puppets may be used.
• Recorded background music or sound effects may be used, but contestants must perform all verbal communication live. Sound effects and music must meet all PILOTS standards.
• Scripts must be tastefully presented avoiding the following: slang, insinuation of questionable language, references to television, and worldly practices such as movies, dancing, or mixed swimming.
• Scripts must be memorized. The puppet team may not have a copy of the script with them during the performance. Labeled script copies for the judges (see Platform Requirements above) should also include the suggested age group of the audience (i.e. children, teens, etc.).
• A five-minute time limit is permitted for setting up.
• The maximum performance time is eight minutes.
• For judging criteria, see PF9 (shown on each event's page).

Tips:

• To make the puppet appear more realistic, students should manipulate the puppet’s mouth by moving their thumb, not their fingers. When a human opens their mouth to talk, they drop their bottom jaw. They do not raise their whole head.
• Similarly, real people rarely stand completely still. Neither should puppets. Students should keep them alive and moving without overdoing it.
• Finally, students should look for creative, realistic ways to get the puppet on stage.

Students appearing in any platform event should observe these important guidelines. Carelessness in these guidelines could detract from an otherwise excellent presentation.

• In most categories, males will compete against males and females against females.
• A student may not use the same entry that they have used at a previous PILOTS.
• Material should be carefully chosen or written in such a manner that evil characters are not glorified and that the listener would not be forced to dwell on negative or harmful thoughts or ideas.

Introduction of an Entry Before the Judges

• Contestants in platform presentations are to distinctly give their first and last name, church/school name, and title of presentation (i.e.: "My name is John Doe, and I am from the ABC Christian School. The title of my Famous Speech is...").
• For entries involving more than one person, a spokesperson should be selected.
• The introduction will not count as part of the presentation time.

Appearance Guidelines

Appearance guidelines listed at the front of the manual must be followed. Specifics relating to the Platform Competition are below:

• Boys - A suit or slacks and sport coat, buttoned shirt (tucked in), and tie are required for competition (no blue jeans or tennis shoes unless part of a costume).
• Girls - Required attire includes a nice church outfit of proper length (not form-fitting), dress shoes, and nylons (no sandals or knee socks unless part of costume).

Platform Requirements

• Three typed copies of the outline, script, speech, sermon, play, or story including the piece’s title must be brought to PILOTS by the student. All three copies are to be placed in one clear report cover folder; each copy is to be stapled (if multiple pages) and clearly labeled with the contestant's name(s), church/school name, and the category entry type (as well as any additionally requested information within the category) clearly visible on the front of each copy of the performance piece. Copies should be made prior to arrival at PILOTS. The office will not be able to provide copying of materials.
• All selections/scripts must be memorized with the exceptions of Preaching, Oratory, and Illustrated Storytelling. Contestants in those events may use cards.
• A student will not be permitted to perform if the material for the event is not presented to the judges prior to the performance.
• There must be a labeled script, etc., for each platform performance. This script must be neatly typed and easily read. The script should not be handwritten in any way. If the script is incomplete, unclear, or sloppy, the judges will deduct up to ten points.

Tips for Platform Performances

Note: We recommend having each student read this sheet over before preparing for their Platform event.

Being convincing is the key to public speaking. Whatever the presentation, your task is to convince the listener that these are your words, your thoughts, and your feelings. If you are portraying a specific character, you should make the audience believe you really are that person.

Many factors contribute to a convincing performance: costuming and/or props (if allowed), gestures, posture, voice inflection, and emotion. Match each carefully to your script and character. Try to find a balance when using emotions. Too little emotion will appear bland and colorless. Too much emotion will appear harsh, phony, and overbearing. Be careful that your emotion does not detract from clear, crisp, easily-understood diction.

The key: preparation and practice!

Appearance

• All dummies, puppets, and characters in plays should conform to PILOTS dress standards and hair codes.
• Exceptions: George Washington in powdered wig or Apostle Paul in robe, etc.

Poise

• Eye contact - The contestant should establish rapport with the audience by good eye contact. They should avoid looking down often at their notes or Bible, at the ceiling, or out of the window. Their eyes should move up and down, back and forth, over the entire audience, slowly and naturally.
• Posture and gestures - In order to have good posture, contestants should not slouch. While it is important for the contestant to have good posture, it is equally important that they do not lock their knees. Gestures should be free and flow naturally from enthusiasm. Natural movements are more effective than forced gestures.
• Delivery - The speaker should project their voice using the diaphragm. Recreate the mood, experience, emotion, and feelings of the author. Employ voice variations and tempo.

Preparation

• Preparation and study are prerequisites for all speaking, reading, and musical performances.
• Research, organization, outlining, and familiarity are elements of preparation. Practice in front of a mirror and use every opportunity to perform before others.