Speech and Debate Events
Speech EventsThe Speech events focus on the skills of speechmaking, oratory, interpretation, and acting. At competitions, these events are often referred to as "Individual Events." For more detailed information on each event, click on the event name.
Original Oratory Students construct and deliver a ten-minute speech on an original topic of their choosing. Students are evaluated on the thoughtfulness, coherence, and quality of their writing and the fluency of their delivery. Oratorical Interpretation Students present a ten-minute speech written by another author. Speakers train to interpret and recreate the thoughts, emotions, and effects of the original writer. Dramatic Interpretation Students present a ten-minute dramatic cutting from a play, novel, monologue, or other prose. Students interpret and present all characters in a scene without props, costumes, or sets. Humorous Interpretation Students present a ten-minute humorous cutting from a play, novel, monologue, or other prose. Students interpret and present all characters in a scene without props, costumes, or sets. Duo Interpretation Teams of two people present a ten-minute dramatic or humorous cutting from a play, novel, monologue, or other prose. Students interpret and present all characters in a scene without props or sets. Prose/Poetry Reading Students compose and present prose and poetry selections on a common theme. Speakers interpret and perform selections to arouse intellectual and emotional responsiveness in an audience. Expository Speaking Speakers compose, memorize, and deliver a five-minute informative speech on the topic of their choice. The goal is to describe, clarify, illustrate, or define an object, idea, concept, or process. Additional information is available regarding Individual Events in the Judging Criteria Document. |
Debate EventsThe Debate events focus on the skills of research and argumentation. At competitions, these events are simply referred to as "Debate Events," with the exception of Extemporaneous Speaking events, which are "Individual Events." For more detailed information on each event, click on the event name.
Lincoln-Douglas Debate "One-on-one" argumentation where the debaters attempt through effective analysis, evidence, reasoning, refutation, and delivery, to convince the judge of the acceptability of their side of a proposition of value. Public Forum Debate Teams of two people prepare to debate both sides of the resolution. Students train in cross-examination debating proficiency, which includes research of the resolution, organization of materials, logical thinking and analysis, soundness of argument, use of evidence, adaptation to opponent’s case, force of rebuttal, and effectiveness of delivery. Extemporaneous Speaking Speakers are given a choice of questions pertaining to current events. They then have 30 minutes to construct a seven minute speech which includes research and thoughtful analysis. Students are also evaluated in the fluency of their presentation and delivery. Student Congress Students simulate an actual Congress in which they must research, write, and present effective legislation, engage in parliamentary procedure, and exhibit intelligent delivery and argumentation. |