Please note that if you would like additional infromation, do not be afraid to ask a coach or captain
In Impromptu speaking, the competitors are not in the room with the judge until it is their time to perform. Upon entering the room with the judge, the speaker is given a slip of paper with three topics. These are often, one word, one philosophical phrase, and one policy oriented topic. The speaker has 30 seconds to select one of the choices and prepare themselves. No notes, materials or previously prepared speech outlines are allowed. After the 30 second prep period, the speaker begins their impromptu presentation. The speech should be clearly organized and the speaker should lay out the ideas they will cover at the start of their presentation. They should also state the prompt they selected. The presentation should last 5 minutes with a 30 second grace.
Rules on page 26 of OSAA handbook.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ckj3lNMcfsU
In Extemporaneous Speaking the performer will be given 3 potential topics for their speech before each round. The speaker will be be able to select one of the topics to give their speech on. Then the speaker is given 30 minutes to prepare to give their speech. All of the potential topics will be on current events. Speakers are allowed pre-saved materials, including electronic files, but they may not conduct any additional research during the 30 minutes for preparation time. Contestants may not access the internet during this time. Materials are published books, articles, and government reports. No pre-written speeches are allowed, and the speaker is allowed no materials while presenting their speech. Contestants may highlight materials in one color only. All other manipulation of the texts is prohibited. Speeches should be 7 minutes with a 30 second grace, and flow logically. Going over time will result in disqualification.
Rules on page 24 of OSAA handbook
In Poetry, the speaker will select no fewer than three poems of eight lines or more that relate to each other and connect to a central theme. Themes are usually broad to incorporate multiple aspects of the theme. Themes previously selected have been womanhood, discrimination, love, motherhood, and depression. The speaker must cite each poem that they use, including any original poems, and write their own introduction and transitions to make their pieces flow as one consecutive piece.
The performance will consist of a brief teaser introducing the piece, (like a preview), then the contestant will step out of character and introduce the meaning of the piece and the original work. Afterward, the performer will step back into character and complete the piece. The performer must read their piece from a manuscript. The presentation should not appear memorized, and although facial, vocal, and verbal gestures are encouraged, the speaker must stay primarily in one place. The total presentation should be 8 minutes long with a 30 second grace, and violating the time limit may result in a lower rank.
Rules on page 29 of OSAA handbook
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xl3lhaESWfY
The idea of Prose it to present a story as if it was your own. The themes of these narratives vary, and they can be humorous, serious, or both. All speeches must be from a formally published work, (no recordings, school publications, or self publications). The speaker will be reading off of a manuscript for the duration of the speech accept of the introduction. Performers may pull from throughout the published work and must cite the published piece in their introduction.
The performance will consist of a brief teaser introducing the piece, (like a preview), then the contestant will step out of character and introduce the meaning of the piece and the original work. Afterward, the performer will step back into character and complete the piece. The presentation should not appear memorized, and although facial, vocal, and verbal gestures are encouraged, the speaker must stay primarily in one place. The total presentation should be 8 minutes long with a 30 second grace, and violating the time limit may result in a lower rank.
Rules on page 30 of OSAA handbook
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQZtw6BgGGU&t=101s
Humorous Interpretation is a theatrical speech intended to make the audience laugh. No costumes or props are allowed. All speeches must be from a formally published work, (no recordings, school publications, or self publications), and must be completely memorized. Performers may pull from throughout the published work and must cite the published piece in their introduction.
There is no limit to the amount of dialog used, and performers may play as many characters as needed as long as they are clearly distinguished.
The performance will consist of a brief teaser introducing the piece, (like a preview), then the contestant will step out of character and introduce the meaning of the piece and the original work, this is the introduction. Afterward, the performer will step back into character and complete the piece. Contestants will perform for 10 minutes with a 30 second grace, and violating the time limit may result in a lower rank. Laughter delays will not count against the speaker.
Rules on page 27 of OSAA handbook
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tQ_nRFuYASM&list=RDtQ_nRFuYASM&t=299
Dramatic Interpretation is a theatrical speech that is intended to be powerful or moving. No costumes or props are allowed. All speeches must be from a formally published work, (no recordings, school publications, or self publications), and must be completely memorized. Performers may pull from throughout the published work and must cite the published piece in their introduction.
There is no limit to the amount of dialog used, and performer may play as many characters as needed as long as they are clearly distinguished.
The performance will consist of a brief teaser introducing the piece, (like a preview), then the contestant will step out of character and introduce the meaning of the piece and the original work, this is the introduction. Afterward, the performer will step back into character and complete the piece. Contestants will perform for 10 minutes with a 30 second grace, and violating the time limit may result in a lower rank.
Rules on page 28 of OSAA handbook
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KK41EKohCW4
Dual Interpretation is a theatrical speech that can be on virtually any subject. It is the only speech event done with a partner. No costumes or props are allowed.
All speeches must be from a formally published work, (no recordings, school publications, or self publications), and must be completely memorized. Performers may pull from throughout the published work and must cite the published piece in their introduction. Performers are not allowed to look directly at one another or touch one another. There is no limit to the amount of dialogue used, and performers may play as many characters as needed as long as they are clearly distinguished.
The performance will consist of a brief teaser introducing the piece, (like a preview), then both performers will step out of character and introduce the meaning of the piece, and the original work, this is the introduction. Afterward, both performers will step back into character and complete their performance. Performances are 10 minutes long with a 30 second grace, and violating the time limit may result in a lower rank. Laughter delays will not count against the speaker.
Rules on page 22 of OSAA handbook
First link is a humorous piece, second and third are more serious.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBWqdu7WufE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIZYrhFPh6Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3U3p9L7SNU
Literary Interpretation for English Language Learners is an event similar to Prose, but dedicated to students receiving ELL (English Language Learning) services, including Advanced ELL. The idea of LIELL it to present an entertaining story. The themes of these narratives vary, and they can be humorous, serious, or both. All speeches must be from a formally published work, (no recordings, school publications, or self publications). The speaker will be reading off of a manuscript for the duration of the speech except for the introduction. Performers may pull from throughout the published work and must cite the published piece in their introduction.
The performance should consist of a very brief teaser introducing the piece, (like a preview), then the contestant will step out of character and introduce the meaning of the piece and the original work. Afterward, the performer will step back into character and complete the piece. The presentation should not appear memorized, and, although facial, vocal, and verbal gestures are encouraged, the speaker must stay primarily in one place. The total presentation should be 5 minutes long with a 30 second grace, and violating the time limit may result in a lower rank.
Keep in mind that Judges for LIELL know that the contestants are still mastering precise pronunciation, so accents will not count against the contestants.
Rules on page 26 of OSAA handbook
LEILL is not an event offered through the National Speech and Debate Association, so tournaments may not feature this event even though it is include in the OSAA (Oregon School Activities Association).
In Radio, the speaker delivers an original news commentary dealing with current events. The script should be an analysis of the news rather than a synopsis, and the presentation is read from the printed page not memorized. The speaker may not use more than 75 quotes words, but must have a bibliography of at least two sources. The presentation is delivered out of sight of the judges (often the judge turns their back to the speaker). The delivery is not acted out or highly dramatized. The delivery is timed and must end between 4:45 and 5:15 minutes. This is one of the few speech categories where ending before or after the designated window disqualifies the speaker.
Rules on page 31 of OSAA handbook
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sw5EVqyp2TQ
The Purpose of ADS is to entertain the audience with a completely original speech. No copies, reproductions, translations, borrowing, ect. The speech should have a undertone of seriousness but still be enjoyable to watch. Humor is almost always used. Speeches depend on being impersonal so that their topics can be related to wide audiences, but the speech still needs to be “acted out”. No costumes or props are allowed
All speeches are memorized. Speeches are 6 minutes long with a 30 second grace, and violating the time limit may result in a lower rank. Laughter delays will not count against the speaker.
Rules on page 21 of OSAA handbook
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKTauh2x2lE
The purpose of Informative Speaking is to teach or persuade. Information should be presented in a logical order and be engaging for the audience. The speech must be original with no more than 100 quoted words. Informative speaking is the only event that uses props. Visuals are used to illustrate or clarify the presented information. If these visuals are animated, or the focus of the presentation and not just supporting the information being verbally given, the speech will not qualify as Informative. Voice quality, fluency, and bodily expressiveness are all key elements of this event. The presentation must be 8 minutes long with a 30 second grace and must be memorized, and violating the time limit may result in a lower rank.
Rules on page 23 of OSAA handbook
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlyiwydpR7o
Oratory is a original speech given on virtually any subject matter. Oratory discusses a social, moral, or political problem, or another significant topic. The speaker may employ dramatic or graphic language or ideas, but only with the intent to get their desired ideas across. Oratory is not a theatrical performance.The format of the speech is often set up like an essay. No more the 150 words can be quoted, but quotations must be used to verify evidence and support the speaker's argument. The speech must be memorized and substantial departures from the manuscript will not count toward a speaker's time. No notes are permitted while competing. The speech must be 10 minutes with a 30 second grace, and violating the time limit may result in a lower rank.
Rules on page 29 of OSAA handbook