So what I event should I compete in?
Dislike being screamed at? Struggle not to sound like a robot? Don't worry. Speech and debate has so many events that you are sure to find one for you. Here are the events:
(Click on the events for its description)
Informative Speech Events:
Expository (EXP) or Informative Speaking (INF)
Students deliver a self-written, ten-minute speech on a topic of their choosing. The speaker should provide unique insights and explore interesting implications. At its core, Expository is an informative speech. Students doing Expository may cover topics ranging from an organization, to a product, a process, or concept. Effective speeches provide new information or perspectives on a topic, including those that are widely known. Props are allowed.
Original Oratory (OO)
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.
Original Advocacy (OA)
Similar to Oratory in style and time length, the essay must take a side on a policy issue and "convince" the judge to take their side.
Interpretive Speech Events:
Dramatic Interpretation (DI)
In D.I., an 10 minute edited selection from a published play, musical, novel or short story is performed from memory. Emphasis is on drama over comedy. Voice acting is stressed as props and costumes are forbidden.
Humorous Interpretation (HI)
H.I. is identical in all ways to D.I. except that comedic selections are the norm.
Declamation (DEC)
Oratorical interpretation encourages the competitor to become Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill or any other notable speaker. A 10 minute selection from a famous speech is memorized and either delivered as faithfully in style as the original, or personalized/modernized in style.
Original Prose and Poetry (OPP)
The piece must be written originally by the student performing. The selection of nearly 10 minutes can be a poem, play, story or musical WRITTEN ENTIRELY by the student.
Programmed Oral Interp (POI)
In POI, 3-4 different literary selections, such as a poem, a short story or even a song, are tied together using a common theme with introductions and instructions written by the student. For example, a student might take true love as their theme and have a Shakespearian sonnet, an Aesop's fable and a pop song all featuring that theme, with the students explanations in between.
Duo Interpretation (DUO)
Duo is very similar to D.I. and H.I. but differs in that TWO different competitors divide up the characters, without looking at the other or touching each other.
Spontaneous Speech Events:
Impromptu (IMP)
Impromptu is a public speaking event where students have seven minutes to select a topic, brainstorm their ideas, outline, and deliver a speech. The speech is given without notes and uses an introduction, body, and conclusion. The speech can be lighthearted or serious. It can be based upon prompts that range from nursery rhymes, current events, celebrities, organizations, and more.
Extemporaneous Speaking (EXTEMP)
In Extemporaneous Speaking, students are presented with a choice of three questions related to International OR domestic current events and, in 30 minutes, prepare a seven-minute speech answering the selected question. Students may consult articles and evidence they gather prior to the contest, but may not use the internet during preparation. Topics range from country-specific issues to regional concerns to foreign policy. The speech is delivered from memory.
Debate Events:
Congressional Debate (CON)
Congressional Debate is modeled after real Congressional Assembly, which simulates the legislative process. Debaters attempt to pass or reject bills that have been proposed by giving speeches for and against the bills. Speeches are typically 3 minutes long and are cross-examined by fellow debaters after.
Lincoln-Douglas Debate (LD)
Lincoln-Douglas debate is an individual event that focuses on the conflicting values of social and philosophical issues. LD debates concern themselves with deciding whether or not certain actions are good or bad, right or wrong, moral or immoral. Topics are two months long.
Public Forum Debate (PF)
Public Forum debate is a partnered event that focuses on current issues. The debate center around advocating or rejecting a position or "resolution" in a way that is to be understood and convincing to non-debaters as well.