Speech
What is Speech?
Speech is one of the three main pieces of forensics. There are all different kinds, but most of them explore the more creative side of speaking. They may be fun, but they're no less competitive or difficult than debate or extemporaneous speaking. If you like to act, love plays or books, have ideas you want to share, think you're funny, or love to have fun, this might be for you. Speech has events ranging from serious or informational to hilarious and impromptu.
What Are the Different Kinds of Speech?
Interpretation is when a competitor chooses a book, play, narrative, or other published work and brings it to life. It's essentially competitive acting. There are events for dramatic, humorous, and poetry pieces. After the competitor has selected their seven-to-ten minute act (generally aiming for a longer performance), they practice and rehearse using sound effects, pantomimes, and other devices until they have a polished piece that is judged on how well it immerses the audience in their performance. This is the most common speech event and has something for everyone who likes theater or performing.
Original Oratory is an event in which a competitor writes a ten minute persuasive essay to spread a particular idea or opinion. This includes everything from fascism to poverty to food to hope and love. If you have plenty of opinions or like to write, this event can give you plenty of creative freedom while maintaining the competitive aspect.
Duo -
Duo is a partner event in which two people reenact a published work. Using elaborate motions, sounds, and rehearsed pieces, duo events can be stunning to watch and incredible to be a part of.
Impromptu -
Perhaps the least rigid event in forensics, impromptu speech is an event in which either an individual or a team of two selects a topic at the tournament. They then have a set, short amount of time to develop and prepare a skit, monologue, or piece on the matter. Typically, this is considered a laid-back event and is extremely fun.