The competitor reads/performs a program from a manuscript, which can include a combination of any of the three genres (prose, poetry, drama) around a central theme. The competitor should use his or her voice, gestures, face, etc. to convey the proper emotion of the pieces and engage the audience.

Extemporaneous Debate consists of two students who will argue a specified topic with limited preparation time. Students are given a minimum of thirty minutes to prepare for each debate and are notified if they are for or against the provided resolution. This quick-moving debate takes roughly 20 minutes to complete.
[The tournament host will be responsible for creating topics to debate.]

The competitor delivers a speech that was written by someone else and previously delivered. The speech may be a former Original Oratory or a published commencement speech, tribute speech, eulogy, etc. The competitor should use his or her voice, gestures, face, etc. to convey the proper message of the speech.

Congressional Debate simulates chambers of congress. Each representative/senator prepares multiple three-minute speeches in support or in opposition to the pieces of student-produced legislation provided before the tournament. Speeches are prepared ahead of time and may be read when presented. Congressional Debate follows parliamentary procedure (Robert’s Rules of Order) in the chamber.

Extemporaneous speaking challenges both a student’s speaking skills and argumentative skills. Each competition round requires the speaker to present a speech on a completely different topic. The topics covered are based on global current events.
With only 30 minutes to prepare, students give a seven-minute speech entirely without notes. Extempers master the art of researching, processing, and then communicating challenging topics.

PF Debate is a team event that advocates or rejects a position posed by the resolution. Students are given 3 minutes of prep time for the round. The debate structure:

First Speaker Team A = 4 Min.
First Speaker Team B = 4 Min.

Crossfire (first speakers) = 3 Min.

Second Speaker Team A = 4 Min.
Second Speaker Team B = 4 Min.

Crossfire (second speakers) = 3 Min.

Summary A = 3 Min.
Summary B = 3 Min.

Grand Crossfire (all speakers) = 3 Min.

Final Focus A = 2 Min.
Final Focus B = 2 Min

[The NSDA publishes the resolution for debate. The debate topic changes monthly]

The competitor writes and delivers a speech. Many speeches discuss a contemporary problem or issue for our society. However, speeches may also strengthen a cause, eulogize an individual or discuss any topic of concern or interest to the student. A successful speech will include personal examples, “real world” examples, and support (evidence). The competitor should use his or her voice, gestures, face, etc. to convey the proper message of the speech.