Events

Using a play, short story, or other published work, students perform a selection of one or more portions of a piece that is up to ten minutes in length. With a spotlight on character development and depth, this event focuses on the student's ability to show emotion through dramatic text. Competitors may portray one or more characters, and no props or costumes may be used. Performances must include an introduction written by the student that will give context to the performance, state the title and the author.

Two competitors perform together to deliver a ten-minute performance of a published play or story. Competitors convey emotion and environment through a variety of performance techniques focusing on the relationships and interactions between the characters. During the performance, the competitors are not allowed to make eye contact or physical contact (ask Wingfield if you are confused on this). No props or costumes are used. Performances must also include an introduction written by the students to give context to the piece and must also state the title and the author.

Students will craft an original speech that should describe, clarify, illustrate, or define an object, idea, concept, or process of your choice. The speech includes research and is aimed at informing the audience; the goal is to educate your audience, not to advocate your topics. No visual aids are permitted. The time limit is five minutes. This speech is delivered from memory.

Using a play, short story, or other published work, students perform a selection of one or more portions of a piece that is up to ten minutes in length. Humorous Interpretation is designed to test a student’s comedic skills through script analysis, delivery, timing, and character development. Competitors may portray one or more characters. No props or costumes may be used. Performances must also include an introduction written by the student to give context to the piece and state the title and the author.

Impromptu is a public speaking event where students have seven minutes to brainstorm their ideas and create a speech with an outline based on the topic given to them. Competitors will be given three topics, and they must choose one to give their speech on. The speech is given without notes and uses an introduction, body, and conclusion. The speech can be light-hearted or serious. It can be based upon prompts that range from nursery rhymes, current events, celebrities, organizations, and more.

Students will create and deliver a ten-minute speech on a topic of their choosing. All topics must be informative in nature; the goal is to educate your audience, not to advocate your topic. Visual aids are permitted but not required. This speech is delivered from memory.

Students are presented with a choice of three questions related to international current events and, in 30 minutes, prepare a seven-minute speech answering the selected question. Students may consult articles and evidence they gather prior to the contest but may not use the internet during preparation. Topics range from country-specific issues to regional concerns to foreign policy. This speech is delivered from memory.

Students deliver a self-written, ten-minute speech on a topic of their choosing. Limited in their ability to quote words directly, competitors craft an argument using evidence, logic, and emotional appeals. Topics range widely, and can be informative or persuasive in nature. The speech is delivered from memory.

Using a selection or selections of literature, students provide an oral interpretation of poetry. Poetry is characterized by writing that conveys ideas, experiences, and emotions through language and expression. Students may choose traditional poetry, often characterized by rhyme or rhythm, or nontraditional poetry, which often has a rhythmic flow but is not necessarily structured by formal meter (meter is a beat, pattern, or structure, such as iambic pentameter). Students may also choose several poems that fit a theme or are from the same author. Students may not use prose, nor drama (plays) in this category. This event is seven minutes, including an introduction that gives context and includes the author(s) of your piece(s).

Using selections from Prose, Poetry and Drama students create a ten minute performance around a central theme. Program Oral Interpretation is designed to test a student’s ability to intersplice multiple types of literature into a single, cohesive performance. A manuscript is required and may be used as a prop within the performance if the performer maintains control of the manuscript at all times. Performances can also include an introduction written by the student to contextualize the performance and state the title and the author of each selection.

Using a short story, parts of a novel, or other published work of prose, students provide an oral interpretation of a selection of materials. Typically a single piece of literature, prose can be drawn from works of fiction or non-fiction. Prose corresponds to common speech patterns and may combine elements of narration and dialogue. Students may not use poetry or drama (plays) in this category. During this event, students may not move their feet, but they are allowed to use hand motions. This event is seven minutes, including an introduction that gives context and the author.

Students are presented with a choice of three questions related to current events in the United States and, in 30 minutes, prepare a seven-minute speech answering the selected question. Students may consult articles and evidence they gather prior to the contest, but may not use the internet during preparation. Topics range from political matters to economic concerns to U.S. foreign policy. The speech is delivered from memory.