Event Descriptions
Competitors are expected to master one or two events by the end of the season. Speech events usually incorporate a 30 second grace period.
(*) indicates NFL event (at least one of your events MUST BE NFL)
SPEECH
(*)Dramatic Interpretation (DI):
10 minutes, memorized, must be published (cannot be written by the competitor). This is a single person event in which the competitor performs a serious work for the audience. Monologues may be used. Try to stay away from overdone pieces, such as those about rape and the holocaust, unless they are unique. You want to be original.
(*)Duo Interpretation (DUO):
10 minutes, memorized, must be published (cannot be written by the competitors). This is a two person event. Materials may be humorous, dramatic, or a mixture of both. The competitors may not touch or look at each other, and in the past, limited movement only was allowed. But currently, the norm is changing and running around, jumping around the room, kneeling, etc. has come into vogue in many places.
(*)Humorous Interpretation (HI):
10 minutes, memorized, must be published (cannot be written by the competitor). This is a single person event in which the competitor performs a humorous work for the audience. Monologues may be used.
(*) Program Oral Interpretation (POI):
10 minutes, read from a script with introduction and transitions. 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. Sources must meet all NSDA Interp rules. The intact manuscript may be used by the contestant as a prop so long as it remains in the contestant’s control at all times. No costumes or props other than the manuscript are permitted. Adaptations may be used only for the purpose of transition.
Note: Published normally means that it is IN A BOOK, magazine or pamphlet – The NFL now recognizes certain online sites as LEGIMATE for use in completion (see NFL tournament rules). For bigger tournaments (like State and Nationals) they will ask for the publisher, date published, etc. and an original copy! Make sure your piece has those (if it is an event that requires it).
(*) Informative Speaking
Ten minutes with a 30 second “grace period.” An informative speech is an original speech designed to explain, define, or illustrate a particular subject. The general purpose of the speech is for the audience to gain understanding and/tor 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. Speeches must be memorized, composed by the contestants and not used by them during a previous season. 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.) Expedient set up and take down of aids is expected.
(*)Original Oratory (OO):
10 minutes, memorized, written by the competitor. A speech designed to persuade. No visual aids are allowed. Past topics include Music, Male dancers, Veganism, Removing Christopher Columbus from History Books, etc. An original approach to the topic is likely to be more competitive
Declamation (DEC):
10 minutes, memorized, written and once given by someone OTHER than the competitor. A speech designed to persuade, inform, or entertain. No visual aids are allowed. Competitors can choose classic orations (King's "I Have A Dream" speech) or more contemporary works. A qualifying event for CFL Grand Nationals. OPEN TO FRESHMEN AND SOPHOMORES ONLY.
(*)Extemporaneous (US and Foreign):
7 minutes, impromptu, 30 minutes prep time. Limited notes are sometimes allowed for novice competitors, however, if you are competing in senior or open ‘division’, notes are not allowed. Topics are based on current events from the past 3 months. The competitor will have three topic options on which to present a speech. US Extemp will cover topics dealing with the US; Foreign will cover topics concerning anything outside the US. Newspapers, magazines, and other reliable news sources may be used during preparation, but contestants may not confer with any other people. Competitors will compile a file of information to refer to during their 30 minute prep period. Our team has a common ‘prep’ file…the ‘tub’ or ‘box’, which all extempers are expected to be familiar with as well as contribute to.
Radio Speaking:
Timing can vary from tournament to tournament. Most often, contestant reads from a script, written by the competitor. The script is different for each of four rounds. Prompts for each round are given in advance by the tournament. The contestant will read the speech with their back to the judge – they can’t see your facial expressions, so projecting your voice and having impressive vocal inflection is very important. You may time yourself.
Impromptu:
Timing and rules can vary from tournament to tournament. 3-5 minutes, unprepared. The competitor is given two minutes to choose his topic and prepare a speech. These speeches should begin with a clear road map – tell the audience what you are going to talk about. Then, talk about it – usually you want to have 3 main “points”. Then finish your speech by reviewing what you have gone over (say what you’re going to say, say it, then say what you said).
Impromptu Duet Acting:
This event is usually 3-5 minutes, but often varies from tournament to tournament. Students choose an ‘improv’ scenario to perform, taken from three possible drawn from a pile. They usually have no or very limited time to prepare and are usually not allowed to consult. (not available at many tournaments)
DEBATE
(*) Public Forum Debate:
Two teams of two people argue a current events resolution posted each month by the NFL. Teams must prepare to go both pro and con on the resolution, research and present evidence, and focus on convincing the average person to their point of view. Includes rebuttals and three crossfire questioning periods.
(*) Lincoln Douglas Value Debate:
One person, topics change every 2 months, as announced by the NFL. Competitors prepare at least two cases (one for the resolution, one against) and are informed at the start of debate which side they will be arguing, so teams must be familiar with both cases. You may refer to – and sometimes read – your prepared case.
(*) Student Congress:
Student Congress is a form of high school debate and a National Forensic League event. In Student Congress, high school students imitate the United States Congress by debating bills and resolutions, which they write themselves. Students get together and discuss relevant bills and resolutions that are presented by the people in the Congress. Competitors themselves choose to debate on the affirmative or the negative. They typically last all day (broken into sessions and houses).