Resources
DECLAMATION
Open to students in the ninth and tenth grades only. Students must use a speech or a portion of a speech previously given by another person. The speech must be memorized with a maximum length of ten minutes.
DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE
Students present selections from published plays, screenplays, fictional or non-fictional work that are either serious or humorous in nature. The selection must be memorized with a maximum length of ten minutes.
DUO INTERPRETATION OF LITERATURE
A presentation by two participants of a single selection of literature. Each performer may present one or more characters. Each character should be sufficiently developed and should interact meaningfully with the other characters. The sections must be memorized. Movement should be limited and suggested rather than exaggerated. The maximum length is ten minutes.
EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING
Each student draws three topics on current issues; chooses one and has thirty minutes to prepare a speech of a maximum length of seven minutes. Any periodical or other published material is permitted in the preparation room. Students may not refer to any written notes during the speech.
ORAL INTERPRETATION OF LITERATURE
Students present selections in two categories -- prose and poetry. Each selection must be a maximum of ten minutes in length. The student must hold a manuscript and appear to be reading. The students alternate between rounds of prose and rounds of poetry.
ORIGINAL ORATORY
Students prepare original orations, usually persuasive or informative, on a current topic. Any topic is permissible and any form of oration is permitted. The presentation must be memorized, with a maximum length of ten minutes.
LINCOLN DOUGLAS DEBATE
Individual students debate issues of value and philosophy.
PUBLIC FORUM DEBATE
A team event that focuses on a clash of ideas that anyone in the community can understand. Good debater display logic and analysis and communicate effectively.
POLICY DEBATE
Two person teams debate issues of policy.
STUDENT CONGRESS
Permits students to participate in parliamentary debate. Legislation is prepared by the students in advanced and students debate the merits of legislation presented.