Speaking Categories
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Drama
Presenters select a dramatic reading to act out. Many speakers who choose drama will memorize their piece in order to free up their hands and bodies for some limited movement to complement the presentation.
-A Drama piece must be five to eight minutes long.-
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Prose
Presenters select a narrative from a favorite book. This MAY NOT be memorized, but should be presented in a dramatic manner. All action is implied by facial expressions and oral inflection.
-A Prose piece must be five to eight minutes long.-
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Poetry
Presenters select a lengthy poem, a selection of poems on a single topic, or a selection of poems by the same author. The selection is to be read, NOT memorized.
-Poetry reading(s) must be four to seven minutes long.-
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Declamation
Presenters in this category select a speech that has been presented publicly. Pieces include inaugural addresses, Oscar acceptance speeches, graduation messages, etc... Only one speech may be presented, but it may be edited to shorten as needed. This speech is NOT to be memorized.
-A Declamation speech must be five to eight minutes long.-
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Multiple Reading
This category allows small groups to present a selection delivered in the style of a radio drama. Many pieces from novels, video scripts, etc.... are appropriate to use here. Two to five members make up one team.
-Multiple Reading pieces must be five to eight minutes long.-
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*Introductions are required for certain categories. The criteria for the introduction can be found on the rubric for that category.*
*A 30 second grace period is given to each of the maximum times above.*