Event Guide
With so many events, choosing a speech and debate event to participate in can seem daunting, but we're here to introduce you to every event.
Speech Events
Speech and debate are split up into two parts: speech and debate. Speech events are split up into three parts: Limited Preparation, Public Address, and Interpretation events.
Limited Prep
One of our sub-categories of speech is limited prep. What ties these events together is the limited amount of time performers have to design and deliver their performance, which can range from analysis of current events, evaluation of quotes and sources, and improvisational a scene with limited information. Love the news? Quick on your feet? Look no further!
Extemporaneous Speaking (EXT)
In Extemporaneous speaking, or speech, students are given three questions about either current events in the US and around the world. Students are then given 30 minutes to research, prepare, and write out a 7 minute speech. After 30 minutes is up, students then give their speech to a judge.
While 30 minutes may seem daunting, it isn't as bad as it sounds. After doing a couple of rounds, memorizing and delivering your speech is much easier, and you learn how to speak on the spot.
Example Questions:
While 30 minutes may seem daunting, it isn't as bad as it sounds. After doing a couple of rounds, memorizing and delivering your speech is much easier, and you learn how to speak on the spot.
Example Questions:
- Is Medicare for all a viable option?
- Should we panic about inflation?
- Will Olaf Scholtz be able to effectively govern Germany?
Impromptu Speaking (IMP)
From the National Speech and Debate Association:
Impromptu is a public speaking event where students have seven total minutes to select a topic, brainstorm their ideas, outline the speech, and finally, deliver the speech. The speech is given without notes and uses an introduction, body, and conclusion. The speech can be light-hearted or serious. The speech can be based upon prompts that range from nursery rhymes, current events, celebrities, organizations, and more.
Example Prompts:
- "They say home is where the heart is / But God, I love the English" - Taylor Swift
- "The role of citizen in a democracy does not end with your vote." - Barack Obama
- Apples vs Oranges
Public Address
These events are what most people think of as “giving a speech” – but there’s more to it than that! Novice and younger students can choose to deliver a speech that someone else wrote and delivered, while all students are welcome to write their own. Got something to say? This is the category for you.
Original Oratory (OO)
From the National Speech and Debate Association:
Students deliver a self-written, ten-minute speech on a topic of their choosing. Limited in their ability to quote words directly, Original Oratory competitors craft an argument using evidence, logic, and emotional appeals. Topics range widely, and may be informative or persuasive in nature. The speech is delivered from memory.
Example Original Oratory Speech
Declamation (DEC)
From the National Speech and Debate Association:
Declamation requires students to select a speech that was delivered in public and perform an excerpt of that speech to an audience. Speeches are up to 10 minutes in length. As a result, students typically shorten the text of the speech to meet time requirements. The event is not designed for students to mimic the original author of the speech. Instead, speakers are to develop an oration that delivers the message of the author in an original and engaging manner.
Sample Pieces:
Declamation requires students to select a speech that was delivered in public and perform an excerpt of that speech to an audience. Speeches are up to 10 minutes in length. As a result, students typically shorten the text of the speech to meet time requirements. The event is not designed for students to mimic the original author of the speech. Instead, speakers are to develop an oration that delivers the message of the author in an original and engaging manner.
Sample Pieces:
- “Commencement Address to University of Virginia” by Stephen Colbert
- “Commencement Address to Tulane University” by Ellen DeGeneres
- “I Have a Dream” by Martin Luther King Jr.
Informative Speaking (INF)
Q&A: What to Expect in Informative Speaking
VIDEO: Sample Informative SpeechFrom the National Speech and Debate Association:
An informative speech is an original speech designed to explain, define, describe, or illustrate a particular subject. The general purpose of the speech is for the audience to gain understanding and/or knowledge of a topic. Any other purpose such as to entertain or to convince shall be secondary. The use of audio/visual aids is optional.
Effective speeches provide new information or perspectives on a topic, including those that are widely known. The responsibility for choosing a worthwhile topic rests with the contestant. A fabricated topic may not be used. Any non-factual reference, including a personal reference, must be so identified.
Audio/visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. During the presentation, no electronic equipment is permitted. The use of live animals or any additional people as visual aids is not allowed during the speech. Items of dress put on and removed during the course of the presentation are considered costumes and may not be part of the contestant’s presentation. Visual aids may not violate law (weapons, drugs, etc.) The host school is not responsible for providing any facilities, equipment, or assistance in a contestant’s use of visual aids. Expedient set up and take down of aids is expected. If a visual aid displays published pictorial material, the source must be included in the work-cited page but does not need to be cited orally.
VIDEO: Sample Informative SpeechFrom the National Speech and Debate Association:
An informative speech is an original speech designed to explain, define, describe, or illustrate a particular subject. The general purpose of the speech is for the audience to gain understanding and/or knowledge of a topic. Any other purpose such as to entertain or to convince shall be secondary. The use of audio/visual aids is optional.
Effective speeches provide new information or perspectives on a topic, including those that are widely known. The responsibility for choosing a worthwhile topic rests with the contestant. A fabricated topic may not be used. Any non-factual reference, including a personal reference, must be so identified.
Audio/visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. During the presentation, no electronic equipment is permitted. The use of live animals or any additional people as visual aids is not allowed during the speech. Items of dress put on and removed during the course of the presentation are considered costumes and may not be part of the contestant’s presentation. Visual aids may not violate law (weapons, drugs, etc.) The host school is not responsible for providing any facilities, equipment, or assistance in a contestant’s use of visual aids. Expedient set up and take down of aids is expected. If a visual aid displays published pictorial material, the source must be included in the work-cited page but does not need to be cited orally.
Interpretation
Interpretation, or interp, involves taking a pre-existing work of literary merit and interpreting it – essentially, reading or acting it out. Working with only your own body or a small binder, you will make fascinating characters, stories, and jokes come to life with your choices and talents. If you’ve got the acting bug, or love poetry or telling stories, this is an excellent category for you.
Program Oral Interpretation (POI)
From the National Speech and Debate Association:
POI is a program of oral interpretation of thematically-linked selections chosen from two or three genres: prose, poetry, drama (plays). A primary focus of this event should be on the development of the theme or argument through the use of narrative, story, language, and/or characterization. Competitors are encouraged to devote approximately equal times to each of the genres used in the program. At least two pieces of literature that represent at least two separate genres must be used. The use of a manuscript is required.
From Gustavus Adolphus College:
Program oral interpretation is one of the most interesting and creative of the “interp” events. POI allows students to demonstrate their intellect and creativity by selecting and arranging items from different genres (and usually different authors) into a cohesive theme. Program oral interpretation is useful for students who are interested in drama or radio theater.
Interested in learning more about POI? Click here to check out Jefferson City High School, MO team’s excellent website to find some ideas and resources for pieces.
POI is a program of oral interpretation of thematically-linked selections chosen from two or three genres: prose, poetry, drama (plays). A primary focus of this event should be on the development of the theme or argument through the use of narrative, story, language, and/or characterization. Competitors are encouraged to devote approximately equal times to each of the genres used in the program. At least two pieces of literature that represent at least two separate genres must be used. The use of a manuscript is required.
From Gustavus Adolphus College:
Program oral interpretation is one of the most interesting and creative of the “interp” events. POI allows students to demonstrate their intellect and creativity by selecting and arranging items from different genres (and usually different authors) into a cohesive theme. Program oral interpretation is useful for students who are interested in drama or radio theater.
Interested in learning more about POI? Click here to check out Jefferson City High School, MO team’s excellent website to find some ideas and resources for pieces.
Duo Interpretation (DUO)
In Duo Interpretation, or Duo, two students cut down, memorize, and perform a 10 minute piece in front of a judge. Students are not allowed to use any props or visual aids. The piece can be comedic or serious, but it has to convey a story.
VIDEO: Example of Duo Interpretation Performance
VIDEO: Example of Duo Interpretation Performance
Humorous Interpretation (HI)
In Humorous Interpretation, one student cuts down, memorizes, and performs a 10 minute piece. The piece must be comedic, and the student isn't able to use any props or visual aids.
VIDEO: Example of Humorous Interpretation
VIDEO: Example of Humorous Interpretation
Dramatic Interpretation (DI)
Dramatic Interpretation is similar to Humorous Interpretation. Students in Dramatic Interpretation must cut down, memorize, and perform a 10 minute piece without prop or visual aids, but the piece must be serious in nature.