My Experience As A Judge @ McDonald's Storytelling Contest 2017

My Experience As A Judge @ McDonald's Storytelling Contest 2017 


If you have not read my previous writeup on this year's McDonald's Storytelling Contest 2017, go read it here now. Just when I thought my weekends were going to be dull, there I was again at another live audition of McDonald’s Storytelling Contest 2017. This time it was the one held at McDonald’s Titiwangsa. Mind blown, I did not know children as young as 6 years old could articulate themselves so well in the English language. Too cute!

From the Judges' table - Live Audition McDonald's Storytelling Contest 2017
From the Judges' table - Live Audition McDonald's Storytelling Contest 2017



The Stakes are High!


With prizes worth up to RM100,000 and a grand prize of 4pax family trip to Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea, the stakes are pretty high. Each of the participants had only 5 minutes to tell their story. What took me by surprise this round was the amount of effort their parents took in getting their costumes and props done up. 


All smiles!
All smiles!



It was an honour to be invited as a judge, alongside celebrity Datuk Aznil, and fellow lifestyle blogger, Rane Chin. I’ve had some experience in judging the contest, hence I was less nervous about the whole affair. 


Don't forget Ronald McDonald!
Don't forget Ronald McDonald!


By virtue of them being here, we know the kids are already of certain calibre, good at being up front and speaking in front of a crowd. So fluent, so colourful, it was a joy watching them! There are a few live auditions nationwide, where a total of 157 shortlisted candidates will be accessed. From there on, only 15 will reach the grand finals. 

This kid is cute! Contestant #1
This kid is cute! Contestant #1 
This cutie is only 6-7 years of age!
From what I heard, this cutie is only 6 years of age! 

Compared to my previous McDonald's Storytelling Contest which I attended and judged, this one was truly different. In fact, it was different up to the extent that some props could not be brought into the judging stage area until it was their turn, due to the size of it! I love how each of the children had such loving dotting parents making sure the final preparations were done. 

Check out their costumes!
Check out their costumes!
Bright, and very active running around the stage, Contestant #2
Bright, and very active running around the stage, Contestant #2
She's both a fox and a crow, contestant #5
She's both a fox and a crow, contestant #5

That morning, it was a good day, where time passed way too fast. Each of the participants were judged on various criteria, from how they present the story, to the fluidity of storyline, words, speech and many more aspects of how we got ‘wow’ed. 

The Monkey and the Crocodile - Contestant #7
The Monkey and the Crocodile - Contestant #7
Bawang Putih & Bawang Merah - Contestant #8, complete with own props
Bawang Putih & Bawang Merah - Contestant #8, complete with own props
Now here's a really good cute little girl, lots of expression and actions, contestant #4
Now here's a really good cute little girl, lots of expression and actions, contestant #4

This round, nearly all were presented in the English language, perfect pronunciation and intonation. I find it hard to believe a child as young as 6 years old can present a story and capture our attention so well! 

I bet the kids had so much fun as well, judging from their expressions
I bet the kids had so much fun as well, judging from their expressions

For more information on the story telling contest, do check out the McDonald’s Storytelling Contest website at: https://www.mcdonalds.com.my/storytellingcontest . The Grand Finale will be held soon with details on time and venue to be announced later. 

Comments

  1. I am sure it was a great experience for you. And I bet the parents were equally nervous about the competition too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rawlins,
      it was good. Yes, the parents were really concerned over their children :)

      Delete
  2. This is such a great experience to be a judge in a Mc Donald storytelling contest like this. It seems that they really enjoy and give all their best in this contest. Congratulations to all of the participants of storytelling contest.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shub,
      congrats to them as well, they gave their very best!

      Delete
  3. I judged a kids' storytelling contest once too, inter-primary school.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Suituapui, was it a good experience?
      It was great for me!

      Delete
  4. comelnya bebudak tu..congrats ya. dapat jadi juri !

    ReplyDelete
  5. yes bro! they are all super talented!

    YourFinanceDoctor

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Henry,
      you are the best la! I saw you judged the ones in Penang.

      Delete
  6. The children looks so talented. I bet it is a good experience for you to be a judge too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jane,
      they performed really well.. i was really surprised at their talents!

      Delete
  7. Wow you should give all with high scores! They all prep a lot with matching costumes :)
    I like this contest. And wow for the prize!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Blair,
      Frankly, I did! Everyone's a winner in my eyes.

      Delete
  8. Wow mcd adakan contest untuk kanak-kanak . Mesti yang ramai join kan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cik Cappuccino,

      yep, tahun lepas pun ada :)

      Delete
  9. Wahhh sekarang dah jadi Juri pulak..tahniah ya.
    Tahniah juga buat anak2 yg berani kedepan untuk bertanding dlm mcdonalds storytelling contest tersebut

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hanny,
      thanks :)..
      congrats to all the children participating.. by virtue of being there, means they are already of certain calibre.

      Delete
  10. Wow I can't remember what I did when I was 6, kids these days are growing up so fast!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jia Shin,
      I was happily playing with my He-Man toys at 6 years old. hahahaha

      Delete
  11. Wow congratulation Isaac become a judge memang satu tugas yang beratkan tapi I know you can do it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Maha, you're the best of the best!

      Delete
  12. From how you stressed about the supportive parents, I can only imagine them eyeing the trip to Tokyo! In any case, kudos to the children, they are really brave. Great training and preparation for the future.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Emily,
      I think you are right! hahaha.. they would want their child to win, so everybody can go for that dream holiday

      Delete
  13. Bestnya dapat jadi juri...l memang suka dengar dan lihat kanak-kanak yang cerdik bercerita, mereka pada sis adalah kanak-kanak pintar bukan senang hendak mengingati satu-satu cerita dan beraksi di depan orang ramai.Kita yg dewasa pun tidak boleh melakukannya.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Seri Wangi,
      Suka Suka! haha :).. memang best budak budak ni

      Delete
  14. wow... Isaac the judge... no play play.. but it is fun checking out and listening to the kids kannnn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Miera,
      don't play play weh.. :P ..

      Delete

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