Speech Events

Humorous Interpretation (HI)

is the presentation by a single person a humorous piece which contains 50% or more dialogue between two or more characters. Material must come from printed published sources and must meet high standards for good literature. Scenes from longer works (plays, verse plays, teleplays, screenplays, and other works) may be presented. No props may be used; 8 minutes in length. Watch the IHSA 2014 Champion (starts at 1:38).

Dramatic Interpretation (DI)

is the presentation by a single person a dramatic piece which contains 50% or more dialogue between two or more characters. Material must come from printed published sources and must meet high standards for good literature. Scenes from longer works (plays, verse plays, teleplays, screenplays, and other works) may be presented. No props may be used; 8 minutes in length. Watch the IHSA 2014 Champion (starts at 1:36).

Humorous Duet Acting (HDA)

is the performance of a humorous selection by two people, no longer than 8 minutes in length. Two chairs and a table are the only props that may be used. Material must come from printed published sources and must meet high standards for good literature. Scenes from longer works (plays, verse plays, teleplays, screenplays, and other works) may be presented; 8 minutes in length. Watch the IHSA 2014 Champion (starts at 2:00).

Dramatic Duet Acting (DDA)

is the performance of a dramatic selection by two people, no longer than 8 minutes in length. Two chairs and a table are the only props that may be used. Material must come from printed published sources and must meet high standards for good literature. Scenes from longer works (plays, verse plays, teleplays, screenplays, and other works) may be presented; 8 minutes in length. Watch the IHSA 2014 Champion (starts at 2:27).

Extemporaneous Speaking (Extemp)

is the event where the competitors are given 45 minutes to prepare an original speech which demonstrates the individual's knowledge of current events concerning an assigned topic. Participants use their own compiled research to create their speech; 6 minutes in length. Watch the IHSA 2014 Champion (starts at 2:27).

Impromptu Speaking (IMP)

similar to Extemp, the competitor is given a short amount of time to prepare and deliver an original speech. In Impromptu, however the time is limited to only 8 minutes- 2 minutes to prepare and 6 minutes to deliver, with no research required. Watch the IHSA 2014 Champion (starts at 1:37).

Informative Speaking (INFO)

is the delivery of an original speech researched and written by the competitor. The topic of the speech should be current and have purpose. Participants should develop an individual sense of literary style and express their own interests. Watch the IHSA 2014 Champion (starts at 1:45).

Oratorical Declamation (DEC)

is the presentation of a memorized piece of persuasive or inspirational material that has literary merit (such as editorials, essays, speeches, etc…) originally prepared by another person. Material must come from printed published sources and must meet high standards for good literature; 8 minutes in length. Watch the IHSA 2014 Champion (starts at 1:52).

Original Oratory (OO)

similar to DEC, OO is the presentation of a memorized speech that is in this case, written by the contestant and designed to persuade. No more than 150 words of the speech may be direct quotation from other sources; 8 minutes in length. Watch the IHSA 2014 Champion (starts at 1:55).

Original Comedy (OC)

is the presentation by the contestant of memorized original material designed to entertain. No props or costumes may be used. The presentation may be a monologue, contain dialogue, or incorporate body movement. No more than 150 words of the speech may be direct quotation from other sources; 8 minutes in length. Watch the IHSA 2014 Champion (starts at 1:40).