Limited Preparation Events

Extemporaneous
For each round, contestants will select one of three topics related to current national, international, and economic news. The contestant will have 30 minutes to prepare a five-to-seven-minute speech on the topic selected. Notes are permissible but should be at a minimum. Maximum seven minutes.

Impromptu
Contestants will receive short excerpts dealing with items of general interest, political, economic, and social issues. The contestant will have a total of seven minutes to divide between preparation and speaking. Students should speak for at least four minutes. All contestants in the same section shall speak on the same topic. Maximum seven minutes.

Public Address Events

Informative
The contestant will deliver an original factual speech on a realistic subject to fulfill a general information need of the audience. Visual aids that supplement/reinforce the message are permitted. The speech must be delivered from memory. Maximum 10 minutes.

Persuasion
A speech to convince, to move to action, or to inspire on a significant issue. The speech must be delivered from memory. Maximum 10 minutes.

After Dinner
Each contestant will present an original speech whose purpose is to persuade through the use of humor. The speech should reflect the development of a humorous comedic effort, not a stand-up comedy routine. The speech must be delivered from memory. Maximum 10 minutes.

Rhetorical Criticism
Contestants will deliver an original critical analysis of any significant rhetorical artifact. The speaker should limit the quotation of, paraphrasing of, or summary of, the analyzed artifact to a minimum. Any legitimate critical methodology is permissible as long as it serves to open up the artifact for the audience. The speech must be delivered from memory. Maximum 10 minutes.

Interpretation Events

Prose
The contestant will present a program of prose literature. Original introductory comments and transitional remarks are permitted. Programs may consist of single or multiple selections. Plays are not permitted. Manuscripts are required. Maximum 10 minutes.

Poetry
The contestant will present a program of poetic literature. Original introductory comments and transitional remarks are permitted. Programs may consist of single or multiple selections. Manuscripts are required. Maximum 10 minutes.

Dramatic Duo
Two contestants perform a cutting from a play, humorous or serious, involving the portrayal of two or more characters. This is not an acting event; thus, costumes, props, etc. Are not permitted, and focal points should be off stage. Manuscripts are required. Maximum 10 minutes.

Dramatic Interpretation
The contestant will present a program of dramatic literature portraying one or more characters. Manuscripts are required. Maximum 10 minutes.

Program Oral Interpretation
The contestant will present a program of thematically linked selections chosen from at least two of the three recognized genres of interpretation (prose, poetry, drama). A substantial portion of the time must be devoted to each of the genres used in the program. Manuscripts are required. Maximum 10 minutes.