Events Offered

Overview of Events Offered

Below are brief descriptions of the events we offer here at Lassiter. If you would like more information about the events, you can find them at the National Speech and Debate Association Website.

Debate Events

Lincoln Douglas Debate: This type of debate is a balance of philosophical and logical argumentation. The topic changes every two months, the current topic can be found here: http://www.speechanddebate.org/topics. Students debate one-against-one. This debate is very formal and professional.

Public Forum Debate: Two two-person teams face off in an evidence-based debate about topics that are usually political in nature. After the first topic which lasts for two months the topic changes every month. The current topic can be found here: http://www.speechanddebate.org/topics. A Public Forum Debate lasts about 40 minutes and contains four minute opening speeches, several two minute Cross Examinations, Rebuttal speeches that are written on the fly, Summary and the critical Final Focus speech. To excel at Public Forum you must be a great teammate who can communicate clearly and persuasively.

Speech Events

Original Oratory: Students write a creative 10-minute, logical, evidence-supported speech to memorize and present for a small audience. The speech can deal with a societal problem or issue and an exploration of possible solutions, or it can be a call to action for a particular cause. It can also call attention to the life of a person in history. Speeches can be serious or humorous. Lassiter has a strong tradition of Original Oratory with a state championship in 2015 and qualified national competitors in four of the last six years. http://www.speechanddebate.org/oratory

Extemporaneous Speaking: Competitors draw three prompts and from a hat and then have 30 minutes to research and prepare a 6-minute speech about a current events question. Students are allowed to access the Internet to write their speech which is ideally given from memory. Successful competitors will cite five to ten sources within their speech. In Georgia rounds usually alternate between domestic and international topics:

International http://www.speechanddebate.org/internationalextemp

Domestic http://www.speechanddebate.org/usextemp

Impromptu Speaking: Students have 7 minutes total, to prepare a brief speech and deliver it. Topics are random and varied. Speeches can draw from real information or personal opinions and experiences. http://www.speechanddebate.org/impromptu

Interpretation: Students memorize and act a 10-minute excerpt or cutting of a play, book, or other work of literature. Selections can be dramatic or humorous, students can act alone or with a partner. No props or costumes are allowed.

There are three types of interpretation:

DI Dramatic Interpretation

Using a play, short story, or other published work, students perform a selection of one or more portions of a piece up to ten minutes in length. With a spotlight on character development and depth, this event focuses on the student’s ability to convey emotion through the use of a dramatic text. Competitors may portray one or multiple characters. No props or costumes may be used. Performances can also include an introduction written by the student to contextualize the performance, and state the title and the author.

(from speechanddebate.org)

HI Humorous interpretation

Using a play, short story, or other published work, students perform a selection of one or more portions of a piece 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 multiple characters. No props or costumes may be used. Performances can also include an introduction written by the student to contextualize the performance and state the title and the author.

(from speechanddebate.org)

DUO Partners preform either a humorous or dramatic selection. http://www.speechanddebate.org/duointerp

Program of Oral Interpretation POI: This ten minute presentation is a blend of prose and poetry united around a theme. Check out this resource to learn more about this exciting type of presentation: http://www.speechanddebate.org/programoralinterpretation

Informative Speaking 10 minute informative speech given from memory. Visual aides are allowed. Think of a TED talk.