Speech Categories

Declamation:

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

Dramatic/Humorous Interpretation:

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

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