Competition Events
Debate
Lincoln DouglasTwo person debate (one on one) with an emphasis on ethics and philosophy.
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Public ForumTwo on two debate about real-world topical issues that requires evidence and persuasion.
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PolicyTwo on two debate concerning specific plans to solve larger, global-scale issues. One topic for the whole year, extremely evidence heavy.
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Parliamentary
Two on two debate with no prior preparation. All information must either be in a bucket of files or in an offline document on a laptop.
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Congress
Debate in which an individual addresses an entire room of competitors. Cooperative, focuses on persuasion and proposing the most interesting ideas |
Speech
Extemporaneous Speaking (NX and IX)
For those who are interested in news and current events, Extemporaneous Speaking, or, "extemp", is the event for you. The event is a 7 minute speech given in response to a given analytical question; all questions are regarding current events that hold regional or global importance. You are not given your question until 30 minutes before the speech begins, making this a unique limited preparation event. This question can be either on domestic (National Extemp) or foreign (International Extemp) issues. Original Oratory (OO)
This is an original speech about remotely any persuasive, motivating, or inspirational topic the speaker chooses. There is a considerable amount of variation of topics in this certain group of speeches. Often times, original oratories have a lot of humor and personality integrated into them. OOs are judged based on content, organization, language, effectively getting your message across, and delivery. (Most of the aspects in any rubric for a school essay). Dramatic Interpretation (DI)
In DI, competitors perform a dramatic piece of published literature, playing multiple characters or the life of one character. Making an honest and emotional connection with the audience enhances the piece. Audience members will usually feel emotionally drained after watching a good DI round and may shed a few tears. Humorous Interpretation (HI)
In HI, competitors perform a funny piece of published literature. It is distinguished from other interp events by its“popping”, where the competitor quickly switches to another character. Comedic timing and different character voices enhance the piece. Audience members will usually laugh a lot after watching a good HI round. Oratorical Interpretation (OI)
In OI, competitors perform a speech that someone has already given, interpreting it in their own way. Historical knowledge of the orator, speech, and political context enhances the piece. |
Impromptu Speaking (IMP)
As a fun and exciting event that challenges your ability to think quick on your feet, Impromptu Speaking is a great place to experiment with limited preparation events. You will be given 2 minutes to prepare a 5 speech on the given topic, which could pertain to anything. Many find Impromptu to be a great starting event. Original Advocacy (OA)
Original advocacy is a close relative of original oratory, for it is also an original speech. However, there are many distinctions between the two. OA is a persuasive speech which clearly identifies a problem and offers and clear legislative solution. This speech is judged on content, organization, language, effectiveness of writing and delivery. Original Prose and Poetry (OPP)
Original Prose and Poetry is a memorized, original work of the student. The main goal for OPP is to demonstrate a sense of literary creativity to the audience. Most times OPPs are in the first person, and feature the kinds of emotions they hope to provoke from their audiences. These presentations are judged on mainly effectiveness of writing, creativity, language, and delivery. Duo Interpretation (DUO)
Duo is the only Interp event performed by two people. It can be dramatic or humorous, or both. The pair are not allowed to touch each other or make direct eye contact (and in more serious competitions, competitors are not allowed to touch the ground with anything but their feet). Chemistry between the partners, impressive choreography, and well-rehearsed synchronization enhance the piece. Audience members usually look forward to watching the final rounds of this event the most. Thematic Interpretation (TI)
TI is a newer event to speech. In TI, competitors perform three different but connected scripts. It is the only event where a script is allowed, in a small black binder. However, most people use this script to their advantage and use it as more of a prop. Facial expression, eye contact and memorization but pretending to read (even though it is not required) are generally helpful in this event. |