What are the different SPEECH EVENTS?
We divide speech events into two areas: intrepretations and speeches. Interpretations are typically a play that the student has cut down to the time limit and acts out all characters. Speeches are written and memorized by the student and are more oratorical in nature. Whatever event the student does they will continue with that same piece or speech all year. A student may perform in more than one category.
INTERPRETATIONS: All of these pieces must come from published work.
Dramatic Interpretation
This is an individual acting category in which the selections are dramatic in nature. Selections shall be cuttings from published-printed novels, short stories, plays, poetry, or any other printed-published materials. Presentations must be memorized, without props or costumes. Actors will utilize stationary blocking to enhance the interpretation. The time limit is 10 minutes, which includes an introduction.
Humorous Interpretation
This is an individual acting category in which the selections are humorous in nature. All other rules are the same as Dramatic Interpretation.
Duet Acting
This is a two-person acting category, the selection may be either humorous or dramatic in nature. The actors are given two chairs and a table, there is no costuming. All other rules are the same as Dramatic Interpretation. The time limit is 10 minutes. (Some tournaments have Duo Interp. You would use the same piece and partner. However, you would not be able to use two chairs and a table, and you would not look at your partner. The time limit is 12 minutes.)
Poetry/Prose
This is an individual interpretation event in which the contestant reads poetry pieces, which may or may not include some prose selections. The pieces used should center around a common concept or idea, or all come from the same author. Selections must be published; you cannot perform your own written poetry. While the introduction is memorized, the selections are read from a small binder. The time limit for poetry/prose is 6-8 minutes.
SPEECHES: These are to be written by you.
Extemporaneous Speaking
A contestant draws three questions on a foreign or domestic topic, selects one, and then has 30 minutes to prepare an answer to the question. The contestant utilizes a set of files that he or she has built as a resource for answering the question. Only published materials may be used as resources (books, magazines, newspaper, and on-line resources). At the completion of the 30-minute preparation time, the student will speak on the topic for 5-7 minutes.
Original Oratory
This is an individual public speaking category in which the contestant authors and delivers an oration, which is persuasive in nature. The speech must be original, truthful, and use no more than 150 words of direct quotation. The time limit for the oration is 10 minutes. Keep a copy of the speech and woks cited with you at all tournaments. You may not use any note cards or visual aids.
Informative
Informative is a speech with a purpose to inform. The speech is 8 minutes long; should use visual aids but is not required to. You may use one 4X6 note card.
Entertainment
Entertainment speeches are just like informative, except their purpose is also to entertain through humor and language. You also have visual aids; the time limit is 8 minutes. You may use one 4X6 note card.