Competitive Events

Dramatic Interpretation, contrary to its name, is not all about drama. While dramatic elements are key aspects of the event, melodramatic, or overly-sad selections are not ideal choices for performance. DI lacks props, costuming, sets, and other luxuries seen in various forms of performance art. There is a set time limit of ten minutes, with a thirty second grace period. Students who choose to compete in Dramatic Interpretation should focus on suspending the disbelief of the audience by portraying a realistic, emotional journey of a character(s). The performance should connect to the audience. Students who do Dramatic Interpretation may perform selections on topics of serious social subject matter such as coping with terminal illness; significant historical situations, events, and figures; as well as racial and gender discrimination, suppression, and oppression. Students should select pieces that are appropriate for them. Considerations for selecting a DI topic should include the student’s age, maturity, and school standards.

Leagues that support this event: National Speech & Debate Association, Florida Forensic League,  National Catholic League, St. Augustine Catholic League.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZATmC6Cz04Y 

Humorous Interpretation, as its name indicates, is humorous. Competitors often use multi-character selections to tell relatable stories using humor as a device to connect with the audience. Think about your favorite comedian’s latest stand up routine, or something funny that recently happened. Ask yourself why it’s funny. Then ask yourself if that joke would be funny to, say, your mom, or great-great Uncle Joe. Humor is a complex human quirk. Each individual’s sense of humor is unique. However, other aspects of humor are more universal in nature. So, when choosing an HI, it is imperative to consider not only the humorous elements of the selection, but also to keep in mind how the story itself will appeal to the audience. Not everyone will laugh at the same joke, but if a character’s plight is relatable, the audience will identify with him or her.

Leagues that support this event: National Speech & Debate Association, Florida Forensic League, National Catholic League, St. Augustine Catholic League.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQLuQFl_qFI&t=112s

Duo. The event everyone wants to do with a best friend. In truth, while the appeal of Duo might be performing with a friend, this approach may not be best. Duo is about balance. Partners need to compliment one another stylistically, have a similar skill set and work ethic. Chemistry is an important element of Duo, but chemistry outside of a practice/performance setting does not always translate to chemistry when practicing or performing at a tournament. Be sure to share your goals with your coach as they help you through the process of getting started in Duo. Duo is an event that can be dramatic, comedic, or a combination of the two. With a ten minute time cap, and a requirement of an off-stage focus, Duo is one of the most unique forms of performance. The main objective is to maintain a sense of balance between performers that focuses on the relationship(s) between the characters they create.

Leagues that support this event: National Speech & Debate Association, Florida Forensic League, National Catholic League, St. Augustine Catholic League.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zSmMc4MVgfE

Program Oral Interpretation relies on the performer’s ability to portray a wide range of characters and literature all held together under a common theme. Each program must contain at least two of the three genres and students are encouraged to include all three. There is a set time limit of ten minutes, with a thirty second grace period. Students who choose to compete in POI should focus on making an interesting argument that is supported in different ways by each piece of literature they select.

Leagues that support this event: National Speech & Debate Association, Florida Forensic League, National Catholic League, St. Augustine Catholic League.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SF5c-svpyVw&t=105s

Declamation is a public speaking event where students deliver a portion or portions of a speech previously delivered. The speech the student delivers can be any publicly delivered speech. Commencement addresses, historical speeches, political speeches, and celebrity speeches are common examples that students may use to select their declamation. Speeches are up to 10 minutes in length. As a result, students typically shorten the text of the speech to meet time requirements. The goal of a declamation is to convey a message with clarity, emotion, and persuasiveness. The event is not designed for students to mimic the original author of the speech. Instead, speakers are to develop an oration that delivers the message of the author in an original and engaging manner. Only for middle school students and 9th graders.

Leagues that support this event: National Speech & Debate Association, Florida Forensic League, National Catholic League, St. Augustine Catholic League, Florida Civics & Debate Initiative 

Impromptu is a public speaking event where students have seven minutes to select a topic, brainstorm their ideas, outline and deliver a speech. 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.

An adapted version of Impromptu, Prepared Prompt Speaking, has been used at online tournaments. In Prepared Prompt, students will be given a list of topics prior to the tournament, select one prompt from the official list, prepare a speech, and submit it through the recording process.

Impromptu is a public speaking event that tests a student’s ability to analyze a prompt, process their thoughts, organize the points of the speech, and deliver them in a clear, coherent manner. Students’ logic is extremely important. They must be able to take an abstract idea, such as a fortune from a fortune cookie, and put together a speech that has a thesis and supporting information.

Leagues that support this event: National Speech & Debate Association, Florida Forensic League, Florida Civics & Debate Initiative

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J3qsFVBNvSQ

Participants are given a resolution related to current events, politics, economics, civics or government. Participants are given 30 minutes to prepare their case after receiving the topic. During this preparation time, they can research, gather information and organize their thoughts. Participants should support their arguments with relevant evidence, statistics, examples and quotations from credible sources. They should provide citations for their evidence to demonstrate credibility and allow for fact-checking; however, due to limited preparation, evidence is not the primary focus.

Leagues that support this event: National Speech & Debate Association, Florida Forensic League, National Catholic League, St. Augustine Catholic League, Florida Civics & Debate Initiative 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs6sFfnWOwc

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. 

Leagues that support this event: National Speech & Debate Association, Florida Forensic League, National Catholic League, St. Augustine Catholic League, Florida Civics & Debate Initiative 

Informative Speaking is a 10-minute presentation written and performed by the student. Informative requires students to balance that content with delivery and style. Students in Informative must be articulate, engaging, and smooth with their delivery at both a vocal and physical level. The purpose of the event is to inform and educate the audience on a topic of significance. Students may or may not employ the use of visual aids in the performance. 

Leagues that support this event: National Speech & Debate Association, Florida Forensic League, Florida Civics & Debate Initiative 

Its a two-on-two debate that focuses on a policy question for the duration of the academic year, this format tests a student’s research, analytical, and delivery skills. Policy debate involves the proposal of a plan by the affirmative team to enact a policy, while the negative team offers reasons to reject that proposal. Throughout the debate, students have the opportunity to cross-examine one another. A judge or panel of judges determines the winner based on the arguments presented. 

Leagues that support this event: National Speech & Debate Association, Florida Forensic League, National Catholic League, St. Augustine Catholic League

In this one-on-one format, students debate a topic provided by the National Speech & Debate Association. Topics range from individual freedom versus the collective good to economic development versus environmental protection. Students may consult evidence gathered prior to the debate but may not use the Internet in round. An entire debate is roughly 45 minutes and consists of constructive speeches, rebuttals, and cross-examination. 

Leagues that support this event: National Speech & Debate Association, Florida Forensic League, National Catholic League, St. Augustine Catholic League, Florida Civics & Debate Initiative 

Public Forum involves opposing teams of two, debating a topic concerning a current event. Proceeding a coin toss, the winners choose which side to debate (PRO or CON) or which speaker position they prefer (1st or 2nd), and the other team receives the remaining option. Students present cases, engage in rebuttal and refutation, and also participate in a “crossfire” (similar to a cross examination) with the opportunity to question the opposing team. Often times community members are recruited to judge this event. 

Leagues that support this event: National Speech & Debate Association, Florida Forensic League, National Catholic League, St. Augustine Catholic League, Florida Civics & Debate Initiative 

Participants are given a resolution related to current events, politics, economics, civics or government. Participants are given 30 minutes to prepare their case after receiving the topic. During this preparation time, they can research, gather information and organize their thoughts. Participants should support their arguments with relevant evidence, statistics, examples and quotations from credible sources. They should provide citations for their evidence to demonstrate credibility and allow for fact-checking; however, due to limited preparation, evidence is not the primary focus.

Leagues that support this event: National Speech & Debate Association, Florida Forensic League, Florida Civics & Debate Initiative 

is a unique, one-on-one style debate event designed to blend civic knowledge with persuasive rhetorical delivery. Inspired by President Reagan’s legacy of principled leadership, civil discourse, and effective communication, this event emphasizes historical and contemporary relevance, patriotism, and values based argumentation. 

Leagues that support this event: Florida Civics & Debate Initiative 

A simulation of the U.S. legislative process, students generate a series of bills and resolutions for debate in Congressional Debate. Debaters alternate delivering speeches for and against the topic in a group setting. An elected student serves as a presiding officer to ensure debate flows smoothly. Students are assessed on their research, argumentation, and delivery skills, as well as their knowledge and use of parliamentary procedure. 

Leagues that support this event: National Speech & Debate Association, Florida Forensic League, National Catholic League, St. Augustine Catholic League, Florida Civics & Debate Initiative 

Students compete individually in a civics-themed quiz bowl-style competition. Participants demonstrate their knowledge of American government, the Constitution, civic duties, key historical events, and contemporary issues in world affairs through rapid-response trivia rounds. This event promotes critical civic knowledge, quick thinking, and individual academic competition.