Event Descriptions

Welcome to Speech and Debate! In this page, you will find resources and descriptions about all the events that this team offers. If you are considering trying one of these, don't be afraid! Reach out to the coaches or officers for more details about the event. If you want to try a form of debate that Parker doesn't usually have (listed under "Other"), feel free to ask about it!

Pattern A

Impromptu - IMP

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Description: Participants deliver a speech with limited preparation time (typically 2 minutes) on a randomly assigned topic. Topics range from abstract to current events. 

Original Advocacy - OA

Officer: 

Description: Students deliver a self-written speech proposing a policy change or solution to a societal issue. The speech includes evidence and analysis supporting the proposed action. Time is limited to 10 minutes.

Dramatic Interpretation - DI**

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Description: Students perform a 10-minute excerpt from a published work of drama, such as a play or novel. The performance focuses on portraying characters and conveying the narrative. The script must remain unchanged.

Declamation - DEC**

Officer: Keira Doshi

Description: Participants memorize and recite a published speech written by another person. Speeches are typically historical or notable in nature and are limited to 10 minutes. Competitors must stay true to the original text.

Humorous Interpretation - HI**

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Description: Students perform a 10-minute excerpt from a humorous work, such as a play, novel, or short story. The performance may involve multiple characters and comedic dialogue. 

Pattern B

Original Oratory - OO**

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Description: Original Oratory (OO) is a persuasive speaking event where competitors deliver a 10-minute, self-written speech on a topic of their choice. These speeches often tackle pressing societal issues, personal challenges, or abstract philosophical ideas. Competitors use research, evidence, and rhetorical strategies to craft a compelling argument. 

Informative - INFO**

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Description:In Informative Speaking, students author and deliver a ten- minute speech on a topic of their choosing. Competitors create the speech to educate the audience on a particular topic. All topics must be informative in nature; the goal is to educate, not to advocate. Visual aids are permitted, but not required.

Duo Interpretation - DUO**

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Description: Duo Interpretation (DUO) is a partner performance event where two students act out a 10-minute excerpt from a published play, novel, or screenplay. The performance must showcase teamwork, as the partners bring characters to life through voice, movement, and interaction. In most competitve Duo Interpretation debate circuits, there is the “no-touching” rule, which states you are not allowed to touch your duo during the performance.

National Extemporaneous - NX or USX**

Officer: Shounak Chaudhuri 

Description: National Extemporaneous (NX or USX) is a one-person debate format where participants deliver a 7-minute speech about a current domestic issue in the United States. Competitors have 30 minutes to prepare their speech after receiving their topic, which is typically phrased as a question requiring a specific stance. 

International Extemporaneous - IX**

Officer: Shounak Chaudhuri 

Description: International Extemporaneous (IX) follows the same structure as NX but focuses on global issues and international affairs. Participants explore topics related to foreign policy, international conflicts, or global economics, crafting a 7-minute speech within 30 minutes of preparation time. Requires understanding of global politics and trends.

Other Speech Events (non-Parker)

Program Oral Interpretation - POI**

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Description: Program Oral Interpretation (POI) is a performance event where students combine literature from multiple genres, such as prose, poetry, and drama, into a single 10-minute program. The pieces must revolve around a central theme, and scripts are allowed.

Original Prose and Poetry - OPP**

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Description: Original Prose and Poetry (OPP) is an event where students write and perform their own creative literary work. Performances may include prose, poetry, or a combination of both and must not exceed 10 minutes. Memorization is required.

Individual

Lincoln-Douglas Debate - LD**

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Description: LD is a one-on-one debate. You prepare a particular resolution for around two months by delving into the literature and understanding both sides of the coin. Since you are going to be debating on both sides, conflicting research can get complex and intriguing real fast and real quick. These topics are oftentimes social and philosophical issues, that examine questions of morality, justice, democracy, etc., and “whether or not certain actions, or states of affairs, are good or bad, right or wrong, moral or immoral.” LD is a form of debate that helps you develop an awareness of specificity in argumentation, robust research skills, and an interest in issues that might not seem interesting at first.

Sample Resolution (Nov/Dec 2023): "Resolved: The United States ought to prohibit the extraction of fossil fuels from federal public lands and waters."

Partner

Parliamentary Debate - Parli

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Description: Parliamentary Debate (Parli) is a partner debate format inspired by the structure of parliamentary discussions. Teams debate a new resolution each round, with only 15-20 minutes to prepare arguments. Topics are varied, covering current events, philosophy, or abstract ideas. The event is very fast-paced.

Other Debate Events 

Public Forum Debate - PF**

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Description: Think LD and Parli put together. Every two months, there will be a change in resolution, and you and your partner have to create both sides of the case --- both Aff and Neg --- and be able to effectively debate both sides. This style of debate is very evidence-oriented and needs a partner.

Sample Resolution (Sept/Oct 2023): "Resolved: The United States Federal Government should substantially increase its military presence in the Arctic."

Congress Debate**

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Description: Congress Debate is a simulation of the U.S. legislative process where students act as senators or representatives to debate and vote on bills or resolutions. Participants prepare speeches supporting or opposing the proposed legislation and engage in parliamentary procedure.

Policy Debate**

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Description: Policy Debate is a two-on-two format where teams debate a specific resolution advocating for a change in government policy. Each round focuses on presenting a case for or against the resolution, using evidence, logic, and strategy. Debates cover issues like climate policy, healthcare, or education, with rounds often lasting over an hour.