Oratory Speech
Length: Contestants shall speak no more than 10 minutes including the introduction and reading.
Introduction: Introduction should contain a hook, main point, and three topics.
Presentation: The material shall be memorized, although cue cards are allowed. No physical objects are allowed. The goal of this speech is to persuade the judge and the audience to believe what you are telling them. There should be evidence to assist in persuading the judges. The format is similar to a persuasive essay. An introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion will be required.
Delivery: There should be an absence of marked defects in the mechanics of speech - poise, use and quality of voice, enunciation, fluency, bodily expressiveness. These factors should contribute to the holding of the listeners' interest.
Length: Maximum ten minutes with a thirty second grace time.
For an example, please take a look NSDA 2018 Original Oratory - Haris Hosseini "The Man Problem"
Dual Interpretation
Length: Contestants shall speak no more than 10 minutes including the introduction and reading.
Introduction: Contestants shall appropriately introduce their readings. The introduction should be shared and memorized.
Presentation: The material shall be memorized. Physical objects, props or costumes are not allowed. Focus may be directed during the introduction (the performers may look at each other) but must be indirect (off stage) during the performance itself. Each of the performers may play one or more characters so long as performance responsibility in the cutting remains as balanced as possible. If the selection is prose or poetry and contains narration, either or both of the performers may present the narration.
Materials: Selections shall be cuttings from published, printed novels, short stories, plays or poetry. Recorded material from the internet that is not published or printed is prohibited. Original material published in a high school publication such as a newspaper, literary magazine or yearbook is prohibited. Selections may be chosen from any good literature without regard to publication data.
a) Adaptations may be used for the purpose of transition.
b) Materials may be humorous and/or serious. One one division shall exits in Dual Interpretation.
Take a look at these two interpreting Alice in Wonderland
Expository Speaking
Subject: The speaker is responsible for choosing an appropriate subject and may not use more than 100 quoted words including all short words such as "a", "an", "the", etc.
General Purpose: The basic purpose of the speech is to inform.
Nature: Argumentative, persuasive, or entertaining material may be used but only to illustrate, enliven, or clarify the information. If the emphasis is on any or all of these and information serves to develop them, the speech shall be considered to fall outside of the expository purpose. materials should be represented in a logical manner in order to maintain a high level of interest by the listener.
Delivery: There should be an absence of marked defects in the mechanics of speech - poise, use and quality of voice, enunciation, fluency, bodily expressiveness. These factors should contribute to the holding of the listeners' interest.
Length: Eight minutes maximum with 30 seconds of grace is allowed.
Visual Aids: These may not be in the central focus of the speech must be used only to supplement the exposition. Animated visual aids, which are to be interpreted as any projected images, are prohibited.
Here is the state winner for expository in 2008.
Impromptu
Topic Area: Choice that would include: One word, one philosophical phrase, one policy oriented topic.
Procedures of the Contest:
a) Each contestant shall draw a topic slip containing thee topics.
b) Contestants may read aloud the topic chosen or may incorporate the topic statement into the speech.
c) Contestants shall have 30 seconds to prepare before speaking. This 30 seconds shall not be counted as part of the five minutes with a 30 second period of grace provided as speaking time.
d) Notes, materials, or previously prepared speech outlines shall not be allowed as the contestant speaks.
e) Contestants are not allowed to hear the other speakers before them. After a contestant has spoken, however, he/she may remain in the room to hear the speakers that follow.
**** Preparation will depend greatly on where the tournament is taking place.
IHSA 2007-2008 championship winner for impromptu.
Memorized or Humorous Serious (Also known as Dramatic or Humorous Interpretation)
Length: Contestants shall speak no more than 10 minutes with no grace period.
Introduction: Each speaker shall appropriately introduce the material. The title and author of the selection must be given.
Presentation: The materials are to be memorized. Physical objects, props or costumes are not allowed. Use of focal points and/or direct eye contact with the audience should be determined by the requirements of the literature being interpreted.
Materials: Selections shall be cuttings from published, printed novels, short stories, plays or poetry. Recorded material (video tape, DVD, audio tape, CD or phonograph recording) or material from the internet that is not published or printed is prohibited. Original material published in a high school publication such as a newspaper, literary magazine or yearbook is prohibited. Monologues are allowed. Selections may be chosen from any good literature without regard to publication data.
Wow! This girl has amazing voices! Go take a look for some ideas!
Extemporaneous
Length: Contestants shall speak no more than 7 minutes.
Procedure: In this event, students are given thirty (30) minutes of preparation time to deliver a seven (7) minute speech that answers a question about a topic of public interest, almost always pertaining to current events. Unlike other speech events, only the judge and one contestant at a time will be present in the room. The first speaker will arrive when his/her 30 minutes of preparation time have elapsed, and then each subsequent speaker will come into the room at approximately seven (7) minute intervals. In elimination rounds at some tournaments, cross examination is added to each speech. This procedure will be explained if it is used at a tournament where you are judging.
A contestant draws three questions, selects one, then has 30 minutes to prepare a speech in response. The contestant utilizes files of published materials (books, magazines, newspapers, online sources) s/he has compiled as a resource for answering the question. At the completion of the 30 minute preparation period, the student speaks on the topic for up to 7 minutes. The NFL divides extemp. into two separate events: United States (dealing with domestic issues), and International (issues beyond US borders).
To view what this looks like please take a look at Brooke Wade who won nationals in 2011
Story Telling
Length: Contestants should not speak more than 7 minutes
Procedure: The selection should be something suitable for six to eight year olds. Movement is unlimited. Selection must be prefaced wit hthe title and the author of the selection. Voices should be used for the different characters. Story telling should not be confused with children's story book. For story telling the speaker should have the selection memorized. They are also able to move around the room. The book should not be out during the speech.
This is an example found during the 2011 championships
INDIVIDUAL EVENT RULE
EDITORIAL COMMENTARY: A SCRIPTED SPEECH WHICH IS INTENDED TO BE AN ANALYSIS OF A NEWS EVENT RATHER THAT A RUNNING
SYNOPSIS OF NEWS. SPEAKERS WILL READ THE MANUSCRIPT FROM A SEATED POSITION. SPEECHES SHOULD BE ON A CURRENT NEWS
ISSUE, RATHER THAN JUST A GENERALIZED OPINION. THE SCRIPT SHOULD BE TIMED TO END BETWEEN 1:45 AND 2:00. ANY SPEAKER
ENDING BEFORE 1:45 OR AFTER 2:00 SHALL BE RANKED AT LEAST ONE PLACEMENT LOWER AT JUDGE DISCRETION.
EXPOSITORY: A SPEECH THAT IS DESIGNED TO BE INFORMATIVE IN NATURE. VISUAL AIDS AND NOTE CARDS ARE PERMITTED, BUT ARE
NOT REQUIRED. TIME: EIGHT MINUTES (8) MAXIMUM, WITH THIRTY SECONDS (30) GRACE.
DRAMATIC INTERP:ONE OR MORE CUTTINGS FROM A PUBLISHED PLAY, PROSE, POETRY, TV, OR RADIO SCRIPT, WHICH IS SERIOUS IN
NATURE. TIME: TEN MINUTES MAXIMUM WITH NO GRACE PERIOD.
DUAL INTERP: A CUTTING FROM A PUBLISHED PLAY, PROSE, POETRY, TV OR RADIO SCRIPT, WHICH MAY BE EITHER HUMOROUS OR
SERIOUS IN NATURE. THE SELECTION MUST BE MEMORIZED BUT GIVEN WITHOUT PROPS OR COSTUMES. TIME: TEN MINUTES (10)
MAXIMUM WITH NO GRACE PERIOD.
ORATORY: AN ORIGINAL SPEECH DESIGNED TO PERSUADE—THAT IS, TO CHANGE OR REINFORCE AN EXISTING BELIEF, TO EULOGIZE,
TO CAUSE AGREEMENT WITH SPEAKER’S POSITION, OR TO MOTIVATE TO ACTION. TIME: TEN MINUTES (10) MAXIMUM, WITH NO
GRACE PERIOD
EXTEMPORANEOUS: THIRTY MINUTES BEFORE SPEAKING TIME, EACH SPEAKER WILL SELECT A TOPIC FROM A CHOICE OF FOUR.
QUESTIONS WILL BE BASED ON CURRENT EVENTS OF THE LAST THREE MONTHS. SPEAKER WILL BE EXPECTED TO ORGANIZE AND
ANALYZE MATERIAL RELEVANT TO THE SUBJECT AREA AND ANSWER THE CHOSEN QUESTION. ONE NOTE CARD FOR NOVICES ONLY IS
PERMITTED. TIME: SEVEN MINUTES (7) MAXIMUM, WITH THIRTY SECONDS (30) GRACE. JUDGES MUST GIVE TIME SIGNALS.
IMPROMPTU: STUDENT WILL ENTER THE ROOM AND BE GIVEN A CHOICE OF THREE TOPICS. THE STUDENT WILL CHOOSE A TOPIC AND
HAVE SIX MINUTES TO PREPARE AND SPEAK ON THE CHOSEN TOPIC. TIME MAY BE USED IN ANY MANNER THE SPEAKER CHOOSES
(EXAMPLE-2 MINUTES PREP AND 4 SPEAKING OR 4 MINUTES PREP AND 2 MINUTES SPEAKING). TIME: SIX MINUTES (6)
MAXIMUM, WITH THIRTY SECONDS (30) GRACE. JUDGES MUST GIVE TIME SIGNALS.
HUMOROUS INTERP: ONE OR MORE CUTTINGS FROM A PUBLISHED PLAY, PROSE, POETRY, TV, OR RADIO SCRIPT, WHICH IS
HUMOROUS IN NATURE. THE PRESENTATION IS MEMORIZED. TIME: TEN MINUTES WITH NO GRACE.
INTERPRETIVE READING: AT LEAST ONE CUTTING OF PROSE AND ONE CUTTING OF POETRY LINKED THEMATICALLY. A BALANCE
BETWEEN THE TWO IS TO BE REWARDED! WE WILL FOLLOW WSFA RULES. TIME: EIGHT MINUTES MAXIMUM WITH THIRTY SECONDS
GRACE.
SPONTANEOUS ARGUMENTATION (ALSO KNOWN AS SPAR): A BRIEF, TEN-MINUTE DEBATE PERFORMED WITHOUT ADVANCED PREPARATION ON A SUBJECT OF INTEREST. AT THIS TOURNAMENT, THE FORMAT WILL BE AS FOLLOWS: THE AFFIRMATIVE WILL BE GIVEN TWO TOPICS. AT THE END OF A ONE MINUTE PREPARATION PERIOD, THE AFFIRMATIVE WILL BEGIN TO DEBATE ON ONE OF THE TWO TOPICS. THE AFFIRMATIVE IS ALLOTTED A TWO MINUTE CONSTRUCTIVE SPEECH FOLLOWED BY A ONE MINUTE CROSS-EXAMINATION. THE NEGATIVE WILL THEN HAVE ONE MINUTE TO PREPARE A TWO MINUTE CONSTRUCTIVE SPEECH WHICH WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A ONE MINUTE CROSS EXAMINATION. BOTH SPEAKERS WILL THEN BE ALLOWED ONE MINUTE FOR REBUTTAL WITHOUT PREPARATION TIME.
STORYTELLING
STORYTELLING IS 6 MINUTES, LIKE IMPROMPTU - GIVEN TOPICS (USUALLY 2 OR 3), THEY CHOOSE AND PREP AND TELL THEIR STORY! THERE IS NO MINIMUM TIME FOR THIS.
Length: Contestants shall speak no more than 10 minutes including the introduction and reading.
Introduction: Introduction should contain a hook, main point, and three topics.
Presentation: The material shall be memorized, although cue cards are allowed. No physical objects are allowed. The goal of this speech is to persuade the judge and the audience to believe what you are telling them. There should be evidence to assist in persuading the judges. The format is similar to a persuasive essay. An introduction, three body paragraphs, and a conclusion will be required.
Delivery: There should be an absence of marked defects in the mechanics of speech - poise, use and quality of voice, enunciation, fluency, bodily expressiveness. These factors should contribute to the holding of the listeners' interest.
Length: Maximum ten minutes with a thirty second grace time.
For an example, please take a look NSDA 2018 Original Oratory - Haris Hosseini "The Man Problem"
Dual Interpretation
Length: Contestants shall speak no more than 10 minutes including the introduction and reading.
Introduction: Contestants shall appropriately introduce their readings. The introduction should be shared and memorized.
Presentation: The material shall be memorized. Physical objects, props or costumes are not allowed. Focus may be directed during the introduction (the performers may look at each other) but must be indirect (off stage) during the performance itself. Each of the performers may play one or more characters so long as performance responsibility in the cutting remains as balanced as possible. If the selection is prose or poetry and contains narration, either or both of the performers may present the narration.
Materials: Selections shall be cuttings from published, printed novels, short stories, plays or poetry. Recorded material from the internet that is not published or printed is prohibited. Original material published in a high school publication such as a newspaper, literary magazine or yearbook is prohibited. Selections may be chosen from any good literature without regard to publication data.
a) Adaptations may be used for the purpose of transition.
b) Materials may be humorous and/or serious. One one division shall exits in Dual Interpretation.
Take a look at these two interpreting Alice in Wonderland
Expository Speaking
Subject: The speaker is responsible for choosing an appropriate subject and may not use more than 100 quoted words including all short words such as "a", "an", "the", etc.
General Purpose: The basic purpose of the speech is to inform.
Nature: Argumentative, persuasive, or entertaining material may be used but only to illustrate, enliven, or clarify the information. If the emphasis is on any or all of these and information serves to develop them, the speech shall be considered to fall outside of the expository purpose. materials should be represented in a logical manner in order to maintain a high level of interest by the listener.
Delivery: There should be an absence of marked defects in the mechanics of speech - poise, use and quality of voice, enunciation, fluency, bodily expressiveness. These factors should contribute to the holding of the listeners' interest.
Length: Eight minutes maximum with 30 seconds of grace is allowed.
Visual Aids: These may not be in the central focus of the speech must be used only to supplement the exposition. Animated visual aids, which are to be interpreted as any projected images, are prohibited.
Here is the state winner for expository in 2008.
Impromptu
Topic Area: Choice that would include: One word, one philosophical phrase, one policy oriented topic.
Procedures of the Contest:
a) Each contestant shall draw a topic slip containing thee topics.
b) Contestants may read aloud the topic chosen or may incorporate the topic statement into the speech.
c) Contestants shall have 30 seconds to prepare before speaking. This 30 seconds shall not be counted as part of the five minutes with a 30 second period of grace provided as speaking time.
d) Notes, materials, or previously prepared speech outlines shall not be allowed as the contestant speaks.
e) Contestants are not allowed to hear the other speakers before them. After a contestant has spoken, however, he/she may remain in the room to hear the speakers that follow.
**** Preparation will depend greatly on where the tournament is taking place.
IHSA 2007-2008 championship winner for impromptu.
Memorized or Humorous Serious (Also known as Dramatic or Humorous Interpretation)
Length: Contestants shall speak no more than 10 minutes with no grace period.
Introduction: Each speaker shall appropriately introduce the material. The title and author of the selection must be given.
Presentation: The materials are to be memorized. Physical objects, props or costumes are not allowed. Use of focal points and/or direct eye contact with the audience should be determined by the requirements of the literature being interpreted.
Materials: Selections shall be cuttings from published, printed novels, short stories, plays or poetry. Recorded material (video tape, DVD, audio tape, CD or phonograph recording) or material from the internet that is not published or printed is prohibited. Original material published in a high school publication such as a newspaper, literary magazine or yearbook is prohibited. Monologues are allowed. Selections may be chosen from any good literature without regard to publication data.
Wow! This girl has amazing voices! Go take a look for some ideas!
Extemporaneous
Length: Contestants shall speak no more than 7 minutes.
Procedure: In this event, students are given thirty (30) minutes of preparation time to deliver a seven (7) minute speech that answers a question about a topic of public interest, almost always pertaining to current events. Unlike other speech events, only the judge and one contestant at a time will be present in the room. The first speaker will arrive when his/her 30 minutes of preparation time have elapsed, and then each subsequent speaker will come into the room at approximately seven (7) minute intervals. In elimination rounds at some tournaments, cross examination is added to each speech. This procedure will be explained if it is used at a tournament where you are judging.
A contestant draws three questions, selects one, then has 30 minutes to prepare a speech in response. The contestant utilizes files of published materials (books, magazines, newspapers, online sources) s/he has compiled as a resource for answering the question. At the completion of the 30 minute preparation period, the student speaks on the topic for up to 7 minutes. The NFL divides extemp. into two separate events: United States (dealing with domestic issues), and International (issues beyond US borders).
To view what this looks like please take a look at Brooke Wade who won nationals in 2011
Story Telling
Length: Contestants should not speak more than 7 minutes
Procedure: The selection should be something suitable for six to eight year olds. Movement is unlimited. Selection must be prefaced wit hthe title and the author of the selection. Voices should be used for the different characters. Story telling should not be confused with children's story book. For story telling the speaker should have the selection memorized. They are also able to move around the room. The book should not be out during the speech.
This is an example found during the 2011 championships
INDIVIDUAL EVENT RULE
EDITORIAL COMMENTARY: A SCRIPTED SPEECH WHICH IS INTENDED TO BE AN ANALYSIS OF A NEWS EVENT RATHER THAT A RUNNING
SYNOPSIS OF NEWS. SPEAKERS WILL READ THE MANUSCRIPT FROM A SEATED POSITION. SPEECHES SHOULD BE ON A CURRENT NEWS
ISSUE, RATHER THAN JUST A GENERALIZED OPINION. THE SCRIPT SHOULD BE TIMED TO END BETWEEN 1:45 AND 2:00. ANY SPEAKER
ENDING BEFORE 1:45 OR AFTER 2:00 SHALL BE RANKED AT LEAST ONE PLACEMENT LOWER AT JUDGE DISCRETION.
EXPOSITORY: A SPEECH THAT IS DESIGNED TO BE INFORMATIVE IN NATURE. VISUAL AIDS AND NOTE CARDS ARE PERMITTED, BUT ARE
NOT REQUIRED. TIME: EIGHT MINUTES (8) MAXIMUM, WITH THIRTY SECONDS (30) GRACE.
DRAMATIC INTERP:ONE OR MORE CUTTINGS FROM A PUBLISHED PLAY, PROSE, POETRY, TV, OR RADIO SCRIPT, WHICH IS SERIOUS IN
NATURE. TIME: TEN MINUTES MAXIMUM WITH NO GRACE PERIOD.
DUAL INTERP: A CUTTING FROM A PUBLISHED PLAY, PROSE, POETRY, TV OR RADIO SCRIPT, WHICH MAY BE EITHER HUMOROUS OR
SERIOUS IN NATURE. THE SELECTION MUST BE MEMORIZED BUT GIVEN WITHOUT PROPS OR COSTUMES. TIME: TEN MINUTES (10)
MAXIMUM WITH NO GRACE PERIOD.
ORATORY: AN ORIGINAL SPEECH DESIGNED TO PERSUADE—THAT IS, TO CHANGE OR REINFORCE AN EXISTING BELIEF, TO EULOGIZE,
TO CAUSE AGREEMENT WITH SPEAKER’S POSITION, OR TO MOTIVATE TO ACTION. TIME: TEN MINUTES (10) MAXIMUM, WITH NO
GRACE PERIOD
EXTEMPORANEOUS: THIRTY MINUTES BEFORE SPEAKING TIME, EACH SPEAKER WILL SELECT A TOPIC FROM A CHOICE OF FOUR.
QUESTIONS WILL BE BASED ON CURRENT EVENTS OF THE LAST THREE MONTHS. SPEAKER WILL BE EXPECTED TO ORGANIZE AND
ANALYZE MATERIAL RELEVANT TO THE SUBJECT AREA AND ANSWER THE CHOSEN QUESTION. ONE NOTE CARD FOR NOVICES ONLY IS
PERMITTED. TIME: SEVEN MINUTES (7) MAXIMUM, WITH THIRTY SECONDS (30) GRACE. JUDGES MUST GIVE TIME SIGNALS.
IMPROMPTU: STUDENT WILL ENTER THE ROOM AND BE GIVEN A CHOICE OF THREE TOPICS. THE STUDENT WILL CHOOSE A TOPIC AND
HAVE SIX MINUTES TO PREPARE AND SPEAK ON THE CHOSEN TOPIC. TIME MAY BE USED IN ANY MANNER THE SPEAKER CHOOSES
(EXAMPLE-2 MINUTES PREP AND 4 SPEAKING OR 4 MINUTES PREP AND 2 MINUTES SPEAKING). TIME: SIX MINUTES (6)
MAXIMUM, WITH THIRTY SECONDS (30) GRACE. JUDGES MUST GIVE TIME SIGNALS.
HUMOROUS INTERP: ONE OR MORE CUTTINGS FROM A PUBLISHED PLAY, PROSE, POETRY, TV, OR RADIO SCRIPT, WHICH IS
HUMOROUS IN NATURE. THE PRESENTATION IS MEMORIZED. TIME: TEN MINUTES WITH NO GRACE.
INTERPRETIVE READING: AT LEAST ONE CUTTING OF PROSE AND ONE CUTTING OF POETRY LINKED THEMATICALLY. A BALANCE
BETWEEN THE TWO IS TO BE REWARDED! WE WILL FOLLOW WSFA RULES. TIME: EIGHT MINUTES MAXIMUM WITH THIRTY SECONDS
GRACE.
SPONTANEOUS ARGUMENTATION (ALSO KNOWN AS SPAR): A BRIEF, TEN-MINUTE DEBATE PERFORMED WITHOUT ADVANCED PREPARATION ON A SUBJECT OF INTEREST. AT THIS TOURNAMENT, THE FORMAT WILL BE AS FOLLOWS: THE AFFIRMATIVE WILL BE GIVEN TWO TOPICS. AT THE END OF A ONE MINUTE PREPARATION PERIOD, THE AFFIRMATIVE WILL BEGIN TO DEBATE ON ONE OF THE TWO TOPICS. THE AFFIRMATIVE IS ALLOTTED A TWO MINUTE CONSTRUCTIVE SPEECH FOLLOWED BY A ONE MINUTE CROSS-EXAMINATION. THE NEGATIVE WILL THEN HAVE ONE MINUTE TO PREPARE A TWO MINUTE CONSTRUCTIVE SPEECH WHICH WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A ONE MINUTE CROSS EXAMINATION. BOTH SPEAKERS WILL THEN BE ALLOWED ONE MINUTE FOR REBUTTAL WITHOUT PREPARATION TIME.
STORYTELLING
STORYTELLING IS 6 MINUTES, LIKE IMPROMPTU - GIVEN TOPICS (USUALLY 2 OR 3), THEY CHOOSE AND PREP AND TELL THEIR STORY! THERE IS NO MINIMUM TIME FOR THIS.