The Events
The competitive events are broken down by category. Each area requires special preparation and talents.
Persuasive speaking: An original speech by the student designed to inspire, reinforce or change the beliefs, attitudes, values, or actions of the audience. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Multiple sources should be used and cited in the development of the speech. Minimal notes are permitted. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes.
Informative speaking: An original, factual speech by the student on a realistic subject to fulfill the general aim to inform the audience. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Multiple sources should be used and cited in the development of the speech. Minimal notes are permitted. Maximum time is 10 minutes including introduction.
Communication analysis: An original speech by the student designed to offer an explanation and/or evaluation of a communication event such as a speech, speaker, movement, poem, poster, film, campaign, etc., through the use of rhetorical principles. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Manuscripts are permitted. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes.
After Dinner Speaking: An original humorous speech by the student, designed to exhibit sound speech composition, thematic coherence, direct communicative public speaking skills, and good taste. The speech should not resemble a night club, an impersonation, or comic dialogue. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Minimal notes are permitted. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes.
Extemporaneous speaking: Contestants will be given three topics in the general area of current events, choose one, and have 30 minutes to prepare a speech that is the original work of the student. Maximum time limit for the speech is 7 minutes. Limited notes are permitted. Students will speak in listed order. Posting of topics will be staggered.
Impromptu speaking: An impromptu speech, serious in nature, with topic selections varied by round, section by section. Topics will be of a proverb nature. Speakers will have a total of 7 minutes for both preparation and speaking. Timing commences with the acceptance o f the topic sheets. Limited notes are permitted. Each speaker in a given section will choose to speak from one of the same two topics offered.
Poetry: A selection or selections of poetry of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source. Play cuttings prohibited. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.
Prose: A selection of prose material of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source. Play cuttings are prohibited. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time is 10 minutes including introduction.
Dramatic Interpretation: A cutting which represents one or more characters from a play or plays of literary merit. This material may be drawn from stage, screen or radio. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.
Duo Interpretation: A cutting from a play, humorous or serious, involving the portrayal of two or more characters presented by two individuals. This material may be drawn from stage, or screen, or radio. This is not an acting event; thus, no costumes, props, lighting, et., are to be used. Presentation is from the manuscript and the focus should be off-stage and not to each other. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.
Programmed Oral Interpretation: A program of thematically-linked selections of literary merit, chosen from two of the three recognized genres of competitive interpretation (prose/poetry/drama). A substantial portion of the total time must be devoted to each of the two genres used in the program. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including original intro and/or transitions.
A cutting from a play of literary worth that may be combined with prose or poetry to intertwine a theme. This is performed with Minimal costuming and should be suggestive. Presentation is from the manuscript and the focus should be off-stage and not to each other. Maximum time limit is 25 minutes including introduction