LIST OF EVENTS
Here is the list of events, including video samples, some of which are from the National Speech and Debate Association. Keep in mind, these are also clips of National competitors, we do not expect middle schoolers to compete at this level.
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NOTE: These videos are used as examples only, and most are from high school competitors, many of whom competed in National finals. Local middle school competitors will not be this intimidating. Also, any of the references to time in any video is specific to High School Times. While the max time is the same in most events, the minimum time varies and some events, such as Public Forum Debate, have reduced time frames overall.
DEBATE
Introduction to Public Forum
Public Forum H.S. Demo
Public Forum Debate (POFO) is a two-on-two event where teams argue against each other on a specified resolution. Students present cases (pro or con, depending on coin flip), engage in rebuttal and refutation, and also participate in a “crossfire” (similar to cross-examination) with the opportunity to question the opposing team. Must be able to work well with their partner.
The Only Middle School Debate Event
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Lincoln-Douglas Debate (LD) is a competitive speaking activity that involves two debaters arguing for and against a resolution. LD focuses on the conflicting values of social and philosophical issues, for example, by examining questions of morality, justice, democracy, etc. Typically, LD debates concern themselves with deciding whether or not certain actions, or states of affairs, are good or bad, right or wrong, moral or immoral.
High School Tournaments Only
Policy Debate (PD) A two-on-two debate that focuses on a policy question for the duration of the academic year, this format tests a student’s research, analytical, and delivery skills. Policy Debate involves the proposal of a plan by the affirmative team to enact a policy, while the negative team offers reasons to reject that proposal. Throughout the debate, students have the opportunity to cross-examine one another. A judge or panel of judges determines the winner based on the arguments presented. Must be able to work well with their partner.
High School Tournaments Only
SPEECH EVENTS - PERFORMANCE EVENTS
Humorous Interp
Humorous Interpretation (HI) - 5-10 minutes - is an individual event where the student memorizes and then delivers a humorous selection. The work selected is cut from a single source from a choice of published novels, short stories, plays, poems, or screenplays.
Dramatic Interp
Dramatic Interpretation (DI) - 5-10 minutes - is an individual event where the student memorizes and then delivers a dramatic selection. The work selected is cut from a single source from a choice of published novels, short stories, plays, poems, or screenplays.
Duo Interp
Duo Interpretation (Duo) - 5-10 minutes - is a two-person event where students memorize and deliver a dramatic or humorous selection using a piece chosen from a single source. The source for Duo may include published printed novels, short stories, plays, poems, and motion picture screenplays.
Duo Interp - Dramatic
Duo Interp - Humorous
Program Oral Interp
Program Oral Interpretation (POI) - 5-10 minutes - Using selections from Prose, Poetry, and Drama, students create a performance around a central theme. This event is designed to test a student’s ability to inter-splice multiple types of literature into a single, cohesive performance. A manuscript is required and may be used as a prop within the performance.
Storytelling
Storytelling (STO) Students select a published story that meets a specific theme and perform the story for no more than five minutes. It is to be a single published, printed story, anecdote, tale, myth, or legend that is retold. Any theme or topic area may be used, but the retelling must be true to the original tale.
Declamation at 2:02
Declamation (DEC) Formerly known as Oratorical Interp - 5-10 minutes - is an individual event that requires students to find a published speech that was actually delivered in a public forum. It encourages the student to understand the relationship of the oration to the times that inspired it.
Original Prose & Poetry
Original Prose and Poetry (OPP) - 5-10 minutes - is an event in which students present original prose, poetry, or a combination of prose and poetry. It provides an opportunity for “creative” writers to present their work to an audience. The material may be humorous, dramatic, or a combination.
SPEECH EVENTS - INFORMATIVE SPEAKING EVENTS
Original Oratory
Original Advocacy
Original Oratory (OO) - 5-10 minutes - Students deliver a self-written speech on a topic of their choosing. Competitors craft an argument using evidence, logic, and emotional appeals. Topics range widely, and can be informative or persuasive in nature.
Original Advocacy (OA) - 5-10 minutes - Students deliver a self-written speech on a topic of their choosing. Competitors craft an argument using evidence, logic, and emotional appeals. Topics range widely, and can be informative or persuasive in nature. A call to government action must be included in the speech.
Expository / Informative Speaking
Impromptu
Expository (EXPOS) Also known as Informative Speaking - 5-10 minutes - Crafting an original speech, students should describe, clarify, illustrate, or define an object, idea, concept, or process. The speech includes research and is aimed at informing the audience; the goal is to educate, not advocate. Visual aides are permitted but not required.
Impromptu Speaking (IMP) is a public speaking event where students select a topic from a list of three pre-chosen topics, and are then given up to two minutes to brainstorm their idea, outline the speech, and finally, have up to five minutes to deliver the speech. The speech is given without notes and uses an introduction, body, and conclusion.