Shorthand: DI.

Description (courtesy of the National Speech and Debate Association): Dramatic Interpretation is a 10-minute event (with a 30-second grace period) that challenges students to bring a published piece of serious literature to life using only their voice, facial expressions, and physicality without the use of props, costumes, or sets. While the name suggests high drama, DI is not about melodrama or excessive emotion. Instead, it calls for authentic portrayals of emotionally compelling narratives that connect deeply with the audience.

This event is ideal for students who are drawn to powerful storytelling and who are eager to explore complex characters and thought-provoking themes. DI often appeals to performers who are introspective, empathetic, and passionate about social issues, literature, or personal transformation.

Shorthand: DUO.

Description (courtesy of the National Speech and Debate Association): Duo Interpretation (DUO) is a 10-minute event (with a 30-second grace period) that showcases two performers bringing a published script to life. The performance can be dramatic, comedic, or a blend of both. What sets Duo apart is its off-stage focus requirement: partners must perform without making direct eye contact or physical contact with each other, challenging them to build chemistry and connection entirely through performance.

While many are drawn to Duo for the chance to perform with a friend, strong partnership goes beyond friendship. Successful Duo teams are balanced, sharing a complementary performance style, work ethic, and level of commitment. On-stage chemistry matters most, and personal rapport doesn’t always translate into effective performance synergy. Duo also opens the door to pieces that one performer alone might struggle to bring to life, such as scripts with rich dialogue, dual protagonists, or intricate character dynamics that require two distinct voices. Effective Duo scripts often feature strong contrasts in tone or character, tightly written exchanges, and clear relationships that evolve throughout the performance.

Shorthand: HI.

Description (courtesy of the National Speech and Debate Association): Humorous Interpretation is a 10-minute event (with a 30-second grace period) that challenges students to entertain and connect with audiences through comedic storytelling. Using published material, performers often portray multiple characters, shifting voices, and physicality to bring dynamic scenes to life, all without props, costumes, or sets. 

This event is perfect for students with strong comedic timing, physical expressiveness, and a love for character work. A strong HI balances laugh-out-loud moments with heart and relatability, anchoring the humor in characters and situations that feel real, even in the most outrageous scenes.

Shorthand: POE.

Description (courtesy of the National Speech and Debate Association): Poetry is a ten-minute event (with a 30-second grace period) that focuses on the power of language, expression, and emotional connection. Through the performance of published poems, students convey complex ideas, personal experiences, and deep emotions, often in creative and thought-provoking ways. 

In Poetry Interpretation, performances should utilize published works written by others, not the student. All performances must be from a manuscript (which may be in a folder), and students are expected to bring the text to life using vocal nuance, purposeful pacing, and emotional resonance without the aid of props or costumes. This event is ideal for students with a strong sense of voice, a love for literature, and the ability to shape meaning through intentional delivery.

Shorthand: POI.

Description (courtesy of the National Speech and Debate Association): Program Oral Interpretation is a ten-minute event (with a 30-second grace period) that challenges students to weave together multiple genres of literature: prose, poetry, and drama, into a cohesive, theme-driven performance. Each program must include at least two of the three genres, though many students choose to incorporate all three, with the goal of crafting a compelling argument or central message supported by the selected texts. Performers begin with an original introduction written by the student, which frames the theme and identifies the titles and authors of the pieces used. 

This event is ideal for students who enjoy crafting arguments and exploring a variety of voices, demonstrating the ability to embody multiple perspectives with controlled and intentional delivery. Successful performers show strong thematic and argumentative clarity, a breadth and depth of emotion, and a solid familiarity with poetic and prosaic conventions. Students should choose material appropriate for their age, maturity level, and school or team standards, building a balanced program that is both meaningful and engaging.

Shorthand: PRO.

Description (courtesy of the National Speech and Debate Association): Prose is a ten-minute event (with a 30-second grace period) that offers students the opportunity to perform published literature written in everyday language and structure. Prose reflects the natural patterns of speech and is often drawn from novels, short stories, essays, or other narrative-driven works. Prose is known for its flexibility, as it may incorporate a range of elements found in other interpretation events. 

Prose often includes a strong narrative arc with clear rises and falls. It can feature character development and dialogue reminiscent of Dramatic Interpretation or contain embedded humor similar to Humorous Interpretation. Because of its broad interpretive scope, students should select material that is appropriate for their age, maturity level, and school or team standards, ensuring their performance is both meaningful and suitable for competition. 

All performances must be from a manuscript (which may be in a folder) and students are expected to bring the text to life through vocal nuance, thoughtful pacing, and character portrayal. A strong Prose performance centers on clear narrative structure, emotional connection, and controlled, expressive delivery that helps the audience experience the story.

Shorthand: BC.

Description (courtesy of Wikipedia): A radio speech is a prepared event which includes news stories and a commercial. Speakers receive a packet with a prepared newscast and must edit and compile these stories into a five-minute newscast that is unique and engaging. Preparation time varies by state from fifteen to thirty minutes. Transitions are expected to be smooth, and the newscast should be as close as possible to five minutes. Scoring is based on reading clarity, adherence to the time limit, and the appeal of the stories chosen. 

Shorthand: DEC.

Description (courtesy of the National Speech and Debate Association): Declamation is a 10-minute public speaking event (with a 30-second grace period) in which students perform a previously delivered, publicly available speech. The selection may come from any public address. Commencement speeches, political addresses, historical moments, or celebrity speeches are all common sources. Since most original speeches are longer than 10 minutes, students typically excerpt and edit the speech to meet the time limit but must preserve the original message. 

The goal of Declamation is to communicate the ideas of the original speaker with clarity, emotion, and purpose without imitating their style or delivery. Students are expected to interpret the speech in their own voice, presenting it in a way that is both engaging and authentic. While the content belongs to someone else, the performance should feel fresh and persuasive to the audience. 

Declamation is well-suited for students who are confident, expressive, and process-oriented. Ideal competitors demonstrate strength in powerful language, connecting with audiences, and conveying meaningful messages through strong vocal and nonverbal delivery. A successful Declamation student is persuasive, creative, and capable of memorizing and performing with precision and passion. Students should choose a speech that resonates with them personally—not because of the original speaker’s fame or delivery, but because they understand the message and feel confident they can deliver it effectively.

Shorthand: EXT.

Description (courtesy of the National Speech and Debate Association and Wikipedia): Extemporaneous speaking is a seven-minute speech event (with a 30-second grace period) that focuses on current events. Students have 30 minutes to prepare a speech in response to one of three selected questions related to the question, which will either focus on domestic or international issues, depending on the round. During prep, students may consult research they’ve brought with them or use the internet. Each speech is delivered from memory without notes. The main purpose of the speech to make an argument answering the question given at the beginning of the round and convince the judge that this interpretation is the most correct. 

Shorthand: IMP.

Description (courtesy of the National Speech and Debate Association): Impromptu Speaking is a public speaking event in which students are given seven minutes (with a 30-second grace period) to select a topic, brainstorm ideas, organize a speech, and deliver it without the use of notes. The speech must include an introduction, body, and conclusion, and can range in tone from lighthearted to serious. Prompts provided to speakers may come from a wide variety of sources, including nursery rhymes, current events, historical figures, pop culture references, and abstract ideas. The challenge lies in responding thoughtfully and persuasively with limited preparation time. 

Impromptu appeals to students who enjoy thinking quickly and thrive under time pressure. Ideal competitors are quick-witted, creative, and comfortable with uncertainty. Many students are drawn to the variety of prompts and the opportunity to inject personal perspective, humor, or insight into a speech that is built in real time. Those with a strong general knowledge base across news, literature, pop culture, and history often find they can draw from a wide range of examples to support their points.

Shorthand: INFO.

Description (courtesy of the National Speech and Debate Association): Informative Speaking is a 10-minute original speech event (with a 30-second grace period) in which students aim to educate the audience about a topic of significance. The speech is written and delivered by the student and may include optional visual aids. While the primary purpose is to inform rather than persuade, appropriate use of humor and personality can enhance audience engagement and support effective communication.The speech must be delivered from memory. 

Informative is a great fit for students who are curious, enthusiastic, and strong communicators. Competitors should choose a topic they find personally meaningful and are excited to explore and revise throughout the season. Strong Informative speakers are driven, personable, and passionate about sharing ideas with others.

Shorthand: OO.

Description (courtesy of the National Speech and Debate Association): Original Oratory is a 10-minute speech event (with a 30-second grace period) in which students deliver a self-written speech designed to persuade an audience on a topic of significance. While the speech may incorporate humor and emotional appeals, it must be grounded in evidence, logic, and clear structure. The speech is delivered from memory and competitors are limited in their use of direct quotations.

Oratory is ideal for students who want to share their voice and passion about something meaningful. Topics vary widely; popular topics tend to be value-based, such as encouraging personal growth, or policy-oriented, asking the audience to consider solutions to societal problems. The best orations challenge the audience to think differently or take action.