Each competitor enters 4 events: Debating, Impromptu Speaking, Interpretive Reading, and either Persuasive Speaking OR After-Dinner Speaking. In each category there will be two regular rounds after which the top 3 to 12 will advance to the finals, depending on the scores. Competitors may use the same Persuasive/After-Dinner speech and the same Reading in all rounds. Competitors may not use speeches or readings that they have presented at any interschool competition prior to January 1 of the year of the Championships. Props, including audiovisual material or costumes, may not be used in any event. There will be time penalties for speeches that do not fall within the time limits.