Speechbox

What is speechbox?

Welcome to the speechbox competition page.

speechbox is a new type of online dictionary - a 'visual dictionary' which adds video to normal dictionary entries. So when you search for a word within speechbox you'll discover both a written and a video definition - a personal video interpretation of what that word means to someone else.

speechbox launches in the summer and we're offering you the opportunity to get involved now and to win prizes.

We're a community dictionary and we want to find our what words mean to you; the words that you associate yourself with, words that you're passionate about, or words from a subject or specialism that you care about. When we launch, the highest rated personal video definitions will win prizes!

Discombobulate

By Kirsten O'Brien

transitive verb, to throw into confusion.

Amanunesis by Danny Robins

The competition

We're redefining the dictionary and we need your help.

speechbox launches this summer and we are looking for talented individuals and groups to 'author' their favourite words.

You might be an entertainer, singer, poet, presenter, comedian, band etc. You might be passionate about language, or you might care about a subject or just love an audience. 

…We want to hear from you!

How to enter:

1. Choose a word in the English language.
2. Think about what that word means to you personally.
3. Film and upload your own personal video definition of that word.
4. When we launch, the most popular personal definition - as voted for by the speechbox community - will win £500.

Please note: all video entries sent into us will be added to our visual dictionary. Your word will be searchable - and you'll be one of our founder members!

Amanuensis

By Danny Robins

noun, a person employed to take dictation or copy manuscripts.

Discombobulate by Kisten O'Brien Fermata by Doc Brown

Production tips

You are free to select and author any word in the English language as your competition entry.

Select a word that means something to you; perhaps your favourite word, a word that represents a subject you care about or a word that interests you… the choice is yours.

Ask yourself WHY this word is special to you and then tell EVERYONE why in your video. You could win £500!

Please remember, one word definition per video. You can enter as many video entries as you want, increasing your chances of winning.

Try to structure you video entry:

1. Start: read aloud the dictionary definition of your chosen word
2. Middle: your personal interpretation - tell everyone what your word means to you, in your own style!
3. End: when you finish your personal definition, end on (repeat) the word you're defining for maximum impact

Be creative - use any technique to help your words stand out. We are looking for all types of entries from comedy, spoken word, rap, gospel, musical, acted sketches - it's up to you. It's your definition after all.

Video entries can be any length in duration although we find that personal definitions work best when they are under 60 seconds.

We accept any and all types of file format when uploading.

Try to ensure that your video entries are well filmed - we want to be able to see and hear your personal definitions.

Don't worry about adding graphics to your submission. They work best without them.  

Fermata

By Doc Brown

noun, music another word for pause.

Amanuensis by Danny Robins Tantamount by Jon Holmes

The rules

1. You are free to enter as many words to us as you like.
2. Please remember, one word definition per video.
3. Both individuals and groups of people can enter (i.e. bands etc.)
4. You will need to create a user account with us to upload your video. Please use the form on the left of the page to create your account.
5. We will do our best to review every video sent into us, and aim to publish every suitable video we receive.
6. Unfortunately we can not provide feedback on entries.
7. All videos sent into us will appended to the correct speechbox dictionary entry for launch. We will notify you of launch.
8. Please do not use copy-righted material in your submission.
9. Competition deadline June 18th 2008.
10. Judging: video entries will be judged once the speechbox website is 'live' for the duration of 4 weeks after launch (launch date: TBC). Video entries will be put to public speechbox community vote (details available upon launch).
11. Eligibility: we do not set an age restriction to competition entries, but uploading or submitting content to speechbox you agree that you are not a minor or else have your parent's or guardian's permission to do so.
12. By sending us your personal video definition, you acknowledge that your video will be made publicly searchable to users of speechbox (upon launch) and that it may be used for promotional purposes including mobile and print.

Tantamount

By Jon Holmes

adjective, as good (as); equivalent in effect.

Fermata by Doc Brown Rockmantic by Nick Ede

Upload your video

Uploading your competition entry is as easy as:

1. Log in or create a new account using the forms on the left.
2. Check your inbox for an activation email and follow the link in it.
3. Enter your chosen word in the text box below and then browse for your video. Click the upload button to submit your entry.

Your chosen word:

Your video file:
N.B. Maximum file size: 50MB.

We'll send you an email confirming that we have received your video entry - thank you! We will add you video entry to our dictionary for launch. The speechbox community can then vote on your entry.

Good luck - we look forward to receiving your words!

The speechbox team.

Rockmantic

By Nick Ede

adjective, (neologism) a fusion of rock and romance.

Tantamount by Jon Holmes