Informative Speaking
Overview:
Students in this event prepare for competition by analyzing a topic of their choosing that is socially relevant. They spend weeks or months developing their content which includes properly cited evidence or examples. Additionally, they design and create visual aids that support their advocacy. Their goal is to inform the audience about a topic of importance. As a judge you will rank them from first to last.
Foundational Resources:
Questions to Consider
As you rank students from first to last, consider all elements of their speech. Using the questions to the left can assist you in writing helpful ballot comments and accurately ranking a very competitive room of speakers.
How to Judge Informative Speaking
Information from the National Speech & Debate Association
Example Performance
National Speech & Debate Association
2017 Final Round
Example Performance
National Speech & Debate Association
2018 Final Round
Time Signals
Many speakers will ask for you to give them a time signal countdown as their 10 minutes elapses. Many ask for "5 down" or "3 down" and "a fist at grace." The best technique is to set your phone timer to count down from 10. Time begins when they speak the first word. You hold up fingers for the time remaining. (as pictured in the video) and make a fist at zero. At 0 minutes remaining the speaker has 30 seconds to finish. It is wise to consult with the tournament or check your ballot about rules regarding time.
Helpful Tools:
Online Timer
Grab this helpful tool to keep track of time.
Materials from NSDA that explain the basics of the informative speaking event.