COMPETITIVE SPEECH EVENTS

LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DEBATE:

One-on One debate ala Abraham Lincoln and Steven Douglas. The resolution is about values. Topic changes every two months.   September-October topic is: - . Resolved: In the U.S. judicial system, truth seeking ought to take precedence over privileged communication.

C-X DEBATE
Two man team debate who debate a resolution of policy. The resolution is the same all year long. 2003-2004 Debate topic is: " Resolved: That the United States federal government should establish an ocean policy substantially increasing protection of marine natural resources."

PUBLIC DEBATE:  A form of extemporaneous debate.  Two man teams debate each other on topics posted 15 minutes before the debate begins.  The only resource allowed is a dictionary.  Topics are chosen from what an average person ought to know by keeping up on daily reading of the newspaper and watching network nightly news.

TED TURNER DEBATE  A two man team debate which follows a format similar to CNN's "Crossfire"  The debate topic changes each month.  September topic is: RESOLVED: Use of a cell phone should be prohibited while operating a motor vehicle.

STUDENT CONGRESS
Each school competing sends up to 30 students to a mock congress. Each member must write a bill or resolution of national importance and be prepared to give a speech defending it. Debate is held on each bill or resolution with alternating speeches in affirmation and negation until a vote on the bill or resolution is taken. Judges award points from 1-6 on each speech given and at the end of the session, outstanding speakers and chairpersons are voted on and awarded trophies and gavels.

ORIGINAL ORATORY:
Students deliver a memorized speech of persuasion not to exceed ten minutes. It must not contain more than 150 quoted words.

EXPOSITORY:
Students deliver a memorized speech to inform not to exceed 8 minutes. It must not contain more than 100 quoted words. Visual aids are encouraged and expected, although not mandatory.

AFTER DINNER SPEAKING:
Students deliver a memorized speech to entertain not to exceed 6 minutes. The speech, although humorous, should have an underlying serious theme. This same event at college events is called a "speech to entertain."

RADIO COMMENTARY:
Students deliver a speech from a manuscript that must be between 4 min.45 sec. and 5 min. and 15 sec. long. Anything more or less is disqualified for the round. Topic must be of some current national issue and should offer commentary on the issue and possibly a solution.

DUAL INTERPRETATION:
Two students deliver a memorized scene from a play not to exceed 10 minutes, including the introduction. The scene may be serious or humorous. Movement is limited, eye-contact not allowed and no costumes or make-up allowed.

SERIOUS INTERPRETATION:
Students deliver a memorized excerpt that is serious in nature from prose or drama not to exceed 10 minutes, including the introduction.

HUMOROUS INTERPRETATION:
Students deliver a memorized excerpt that is humorous in nature from prose or drama not to exceed 10 minutes, including the introduction.

POETRY:
Students read from a manuscript at least three different poetry selections that are connected by a common theme. The introduction and all transitions must be memorized. Total time not to exceed 8 minutes.

PROSE:
Students read from a manuscript a selection that is not drama or poetry. Dialogue may not exceed 50% of the selection. The selection may be either serious or humorous. Introduction must be memorized. Total time not to exceed 8 minutes.

EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING:
Students are given three topics involving national or international news of the past three months, usually from TIME, NEWSWEEK or US NEWS AND WORLD REPORT. They must choose one of the three and then are given 30 minutes to prepare a 7 minute speech analyzing the topic.

IMPROMPTU SPEAKING:
Students are given three topics, usually a word, a quotation, and a current events topic. The student chooses one and begins speaking. Time limit is 5 minutes.