Competitors present a speech that was previously written and delivered by someone else. Speeches must be memorized and prefaced with an original introduction not to exceed 60 seconds. Judged on:
 | Gestures used to enhance meaning |
| Ability to appropriately change pitch, pace, and tone |
| Fluency, articulation, and vocal quality |
| Appropriate facial expression and eye contact |
| Clear communication of the mood/idea of the piece |
Each competitor selects a published piece of literature, such as a play or novel, and presents an excerpt of it to a judge. The piece may be up to 10 minutes long and must be memorized. No props or costumes may be used. The introduction should name the work and the author and give the audience all necessary background info, as well as establish the mood of the work (not to exceed 60 seconds). Judged on:
| Poise |
| Awareness of development of the piece and its build to a climax |
| Appropriate gestures, body language, and movement |
| Emotional involvement with the selection |
| Distinction between characters in a multi-character selection |
Duo Interpretation:
Based on the presentation of dramatic or humorous pieces of literature, this event is performed by two people instead of one. The partners may not make eye or physical contact during the event, and usually stand back-to-back. Once again, there is a ten=-minute limit. The speakers must each hold a manuscript and read from it. Speakers must compose an introduction. Judged on:
| Appropriate characterization |
| Reasonable balance of eye contact with the script and audience or focal points |
| Gestures and bodily movement that are kept to a minimum. When used, they should be employed for emphasis, but should be limited and suggested rather than exaggerated. |
| Effective fluency, articulation, and vocal quality appropriate to character played |
| Ability to appropriately change pitch, pace, and tone |
| Awareness of development of the piece and its build to a climax |
Original Oratory:
Each competitor in this event gives an original, memorized speech that may be up to 10 minutes in length. It is suggested, but not mandatory, that the topic be a subject of contemporary significance. The purpose of the oration may be to inspire, to persuade, to eulogize or to inform. Judged on:
| Establishment of a central theme |
| Logical organization of ideas with specific supportive data |
| Effective use of language in word choice and phrasing |
| Poise and enthusiasm |
| Fluency, articulation and vocal quality |
| Appropriate gestures, facial expression and eye contact |
Oral Interpretation:
This event involves the presentation of two separate pieces of published literature. In alternating rounds, each competitior delivers either a piece of prose or a piece of poetry to a judge, each of which can be up to 10 minutes in length. The selection must be read. An original introduction should name the work, author, background info, and establish mood (not to exceed 60 seconds). Judged on:
| Reasonable balance of eye contact with the script and audience |
| Persona and character voices may be used, but are not necessary |
| Clear communication of mood |
| Use of imagery and sound devices such as pause and change of pace |
| Eye contact during intro and transitions |
| Natural and appropriate facial expression |
Extemporaneous Speaking:
Before the round begins, each speaker must choose one of three topics in the form of a question, about current political, social, or economic issues. After 30 minutes of prep time, the competitor gives a speech on that topic which can be up to seven minutes long. JV may use an index card with maximum of 50 written words. Judged on:
| Adherence to the question |
| Demonstration of knowledge of topic |
| Logical expression of ideas |
| Reasonable amount of supportive data |
| Fluency, articulation and enunciation |
| Demonstration of vocal variety |
Lincoln Douglas Debate:
This is a one-on-one values debate based on the opposing philosophies contained in a debate topics, also called a resolution. Topics are announced in advance and students develop both an affirmative and negative constructive. In a round, one debater will uphold the affirmative side of the resolution, while the other will try to prove that it should be negated. Judged on:
| Effectiveness in either proving or disproving the topic's statement of value | |
| Appropriate support of position | |
| Use of logical argumentation | |
|
 Use of evidence where
necessary |
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