Lincoln-Douglas  (click here to see a sample round)

     You debate by yourself against a single opponent. The topic, which tends to be philosophical in nature (though it 

     may also relate to current events), changes every two months.

Public Forum (click here to see a sample round)

     You debate with a partner against another two-person team.  The topic, which almost always relates to current 

     events, changes every month.

Congressional Debate (click here to see a sample round)

      You write and debate mock federal legislation in a chamber consisting of between 15-25 students.  

Big Questions (click here to see a sample round)

      You debate by yourself against a single opponent.  The resolution, which often explores the philosophical implications of  a   scientific topic, changes every season.  

Original Oratory (click here to see a sample speech)

      You write, memorize, and deliver a speech lasting no more than ten minutes and thirty seconds on a topic of 

    contemporary importance, blending information, entertainment, and persuasion, incorporating both personal 

    anecdotes and ideas and research from reputable sources.  The same speech or various revised versions of the 

    speech may be presented at every tournament within the same year of competition. 

Informative Speaking  (click here to see a sample speech)

       You write, memorize, and deliver a speech lasting no more than ten minutes and thirty seconds on a topic that is    

     informative in nature.  The general purpose of the speech is for the audience to gain understanding and/or

     knowledge of the topic. Any other purpose such as to entertain or to convince shall be secondary.  The same 

     speech or various revised versions of the speech may be presented at every tournament within the same year of 

     competition. 

Extemporaneous Speaking  (click here to see a sample speech)

      Presented with three questions related to domestic or foreign policy, you choose one, spend thirty minutes in 

      preparation, and then deliver an extemporaneous  speech  (with no notes or manuscript) of no more than seven minutes 

      and thirty seconds answering the question and incorporating evidence and citations from reputable sources.

Impromptu Speaking (click here to see a sample speech) 

     Presented with three topics, you choose one and then have seven total minutes to prepare and deliver an impromptu 

     speech (with no notes or manuscript) about the chosen topic.  

Declamation  (click here to see a sample interpretation)

     You must memorize and perform a selection from a famous speech. Your performance must last no longer than 

     ten minutes and thirty seconds.  This event is available at select tournaments and is usually reserved for 

     underclassmen contestants.  

Dramatic Interpretation  (click here to see a sample interpretation)

     You memorize and perform a published selection (from a play, short story, or novel) lasting no more than ten 

     minutes and thirty seconds.  The selection, which must be dramatic in nature, can be used in every tournament all 

     year.  

Humorous Interpretation  (click here to see a sample interpretation)

      You memorize and perform a published selection (from a play, short story, or novel) lasting no more than ten 

    minutes and thirty seconds.  The selection, which must be humorous in nature, can be used in every tournament all 

    year.  

 Duo Interpretation  (click here to see a sample interpretation)

     With a partner, you memorize and perform a published selection (from a play, short story, or novel) lasting no 

   longer than ten minutes and thirty seconds.  The selection, which may be dramatic and/or humorous in nature, can 

   be used in every tournament all year.  

Oral Interpretation of Poetry / Prose  (click here and here to see sample interpretations)

        This event, which features alternating rounds of poetry and prose, does not require memorization, as the use of a 

     script is required.  Indeed, the entire performance is based upon characterization in the voice and in facial    

     expressions only.  The selected pieces for each round must last in performance no more than ten minutes and 

     thirty seconds and may be used in every tournament all year. 

Program of Oral Interpretation (click here to see a sample interpretation)

        "POI is a program of oral interpretation of thematically-linked selections chosen from two or three genres: prose, 

     poetry, drama (plays). A primary focus of this event should be on the development of the theme or argument 

     through the use of narrative, story, language, and/or characterization. Competitors are encouraged to devote 

     approximately equal times to each of the genres used in the program. At least two pieces of literature that 

     represent at least two separate genres must be used. The use of a manuscript is required. Time Limit: 10 minutes 

     max with a 30 second grace period. Sources must meet all Association Interp rules for publication" (NSDA).