Definitions for Ceremonial Team Evaluations
MEMORIZATION is the confident presentation of the
ceremony text verbatim in a strong clear voice and without
unnatural hesitations (either from "memory loss" or missing a
cue). Participants use articulate enunciation and correct
pronunciation of each word; proper grouping of words into
phrases; and performance of all movements and procedures
which are explicitly described in the notes accompanying
the ceremony text.
An intellectually bright youth can attain near perfection
in the dimension with a few hours work. His presentation will
be crisp, usually quite rapid, often mechanical and colorless.
The words and actions are correct, but the overall effect is
dry and unconvincing.
INTERPRETATION includes all the original forms of
expression which normally reveal insight and understanding
and which augment the basic text and procedures: appropriate
costumes for each speaker; natural gestures and movements
which illuminate the spoken word; variety of facial expressions,
tones of voice, loudness, and rates of speech which give
emphasis to the key ideas and logical pacing of events; use of
well-placed dramatic pauses; and good eye contact.
Ordinary conversation is usually animated and rich
with "body language": gestures and facial expressions are
spontaneous, uninhibited, uncalculated; words and phrases are
spoken with unpredictable and attention-keeping variety;
even in silence, eyes and hand speak eloquently. At this level
the ceremonialist brings to his memorized text the naturalness
and spontaneity of friendly, earnest dialogue. A candidate would
not know that the speakers were working from memory.
TRANSCENDENCE is the nearly complete loss of
self-consciousness arising from the speaker's heartfelt love
for the candidates and a keen awareness of the urgency and
sublimity of the message he bears.
Transcendence is more than "getting into character."
Transcendence is a result of deep personal experiences arising
from one's own dedication to and practice of the ideals of
Scouting and the Order of the Arrow. If Nutiket speaks of
the need for "fasting, sacrifice, and self-denial," for
example, it is not because he is assigned to deliver these
lines, but rather because he has discovered the life preserving
value of these disciplines. If Meteu recalls mountaintop insights
or Kichkinet warns of struggles and tribulations, you would
say, "He knows: he's been there." Expressions such
as "Awesome," "Inspiring," "Convincing," "Moving," "Impressive,"
"Spine-tingling," and "They're for real," are typical reactions
to a ceremony conducted by youth who have reached the
level of transcendence.
Transcendence: Surpassing others; preeminent or supreme.
Lying beyond ordinary perception.
Inductions & Ceremonial Events Committee
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Invitation Letter From the CVC
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Ceremony Evaluation Details
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Ceremony Evaluation Guidelines
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Ceremony Evaluation Criteria
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Ceremony Evaluation Definitions
Revised 3/27/00.
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