IE Categories

A memorized presentation of a scene or monologue that can be either serious in tone, humorous in tone, 8 minutes in length. Memorized. 

IHSSA Rules

An entertaining original speech composed for and directed toward a specific audience or listening group centered around a theme. The speaker must identify a particular audience; the speech may be informative, impressive, inspiring, or entertaining; notes or manuscript may be used. 

IHSSA Rules

An original informative speech that may be enhanced by the use of audio and/or visual aids. Speech written by contestant on any subject appropriate for platform presentation; notes not to exceed 50 words may be used.  6 minutes. 

IHSSA Rules

The art of creating and presenting a story using a given situation and two given characters. Contestants draw 2 situations and 3 characters and will return 1 situation and 1 character; with 3 minutes preparation time, participants will perform an improv using the chosen situation and characters. 5 minutes. 

IHSSA Rules

The oral interpretation of a selection of poetry chosen by the speaker. Script is used. The selection may not exceed 6 minutes. 

IHSSA Rules

The oral interpretation of a selection of prose chosen by the speaker. Script is used. The selection may not exceed 6 minutes.

IHSSA Rules

 A presentation that must include a poem (or poems) and prose which develop a common theme or message. Script is used.  8 minutes.

IHSSA Rules

An original speech written by the speaker that must be inspirational or persuasive, as opposed to solely informative. Oration written by the contestant on any subject appropriate for oratorical presentation. Notes or a manuscript may be used. The presentation must not exceed 8 minutes. 

IHSSA Rules

The presentation of another author's material. This is a speaking category and not an acting category. The presentation of another person’s material that argues, persuades, moves, or attempts to convey understanding of human experiences; the speech must have a purpose beyond pure entertainment.  Notes not to exceed 50 words may be used. The presentation may not exceed 8 minutes in length.

IHSSA Rules

The art of presenting a new program after selecting and organizing news copy within a limited amount of time. 30 minutes prior to performing, participants will edit, organize, and shape a given wire copy consisting of various areas and then deliver with a commercial and flash news announcement. Selections must be between 4-5 minutes in length. Script prepared in limited time.

IHSSA Rules

An informative speech in which the presenter shares their viewpoint of a specific piece of literature. This can include: movie, drama work, concert, movie made for television, CD (music selection) and/or any other form of media. The presentation must not exceed 8 minutes. Notes or a manuscript may be used. 

IHSSA Rules

 A theatrical performance where the performer utilizes music in the form of song and acting. Memorized. The performer uses one song. Memorized. 

IHSSA Rules

A speech articulating a specific position with minimal time to prepare.  Prepare and deliver a speech on a contemporary issue with three minutes of preparation time; notecards may be used. 5 minutes.

IHSSA Rules

The art of sharing a narrative with a listener. The selection can either be original or published. Memorized. The presentation must not exceed 5 minutes. 

IHSSA Rules

The art of creating and editing a short video that conveys a clear message or narrative. The presentation can be fictional or factual and must be an original work. The presentation must not exceed 5 minutes. 

IHSSA Rules