DESCRIPTION OF INDIVIDUAL EVENTS

PLATFORM SPEECHES

INFORMATIVE SPEAKING:  An original, factual speech by the student on a realistic subject to fulfill the general aim to inform the audience.  Audio-visuals may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message.  Multiple sources should be used and cited in the development of the speech.  Minimal notes are permitted.  Maximum time limit is 10 minutes.**

PERSUASIVE SPEAKING:  An original speech by the student designed to inspire, reinforce or change the beliefs, attitudes, values or actions of the audience.  Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message.  Multiple sources should be used and cited in the development of the speech.  Minimal notes are permitted.  Maximum time limit is 10 minutes.

SPEECH TO ENTERTAIN:  An original humorous speech by the student, designed to exhibit sound speech composition, thematic coherence, direct communicative public speaking skills, and good taste.  The speech should not resemble a night club act, an impersonation, or comic dialogue.  Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message.  Minimal notes are permitted.  Maximum time is 10 minutes.

COMMUNICATION ANALYSIS:  An original speech by the student designed to offer an explanation and/or evaluation of a communication event such as a speech, speaker, movement, poem, poster, film, campaign, etc., through the use of rhetorical principles.  Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message.  Manuscripts are permitted. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes.

 

LIMITED PREPARATION SPEECHES

EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING.  Contestants will be given three topics in the general area of current events, choose one, and have 30 minutes to prepare a speech that is the original work of the student.  Maximum time limit for the speech is 7 minutes.  Limited notes are permitted.

IMPROMPTU SPEAKING.  Contestants will be given three topics from which to select one topic on which to speak.  The seven minutes maximum time limit will begin when the topics are received by the speaker.  The speaker may divide the 7 minutes between preparation and presentation as desired.

(A common practice is 2 minutes prep., 5 minute speech) A 3x5 note card may be used by the speaker for reference.  Topics could range from  a variety of sources such as; proverbs, slogans, maxims, objects, lyrics etc. (Phi Rho Pi Rules)

 

ORAL INTERPRETATION

DRAMA INTERPRETATION.  A cutting which represents one or more characters from a play or plays of literary merit. (serious or humorous)  This material may be drawn from stage, screen or radio.  Use of manuscript is required.  Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.

DRAMATIC DUO.  A cutting from a play, humorous or serious, involving the portrayal of two or more characters presented by two individuals.  This material may be drawn from stage, screen or radio.  This is not an acting event (meaning only that no costumes, props, lighting etc.,. are to be used.)  Presentation is from the manuscript and the focus should be off-stage and not to each other.  Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including an introduction.

POETRY INTERPRETATION.  A selection or selections of poetry of literary merit.  This material may be drawn from more than one source. (If using more than one source, a theme is suggested) Use of manuscript is required.  Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including an introduction.

PROSE INTERPRETATION.  A selection or selections of prose material of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source.  Prose is generally, short stories, novels, articles. Use of manuscript is required.  Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including an introduction.

PROGRAM ORAL INTERPRETATION.  A program of thematically-linked selections of literary merit, chosen from two of the three recognized genres of competitive interpretation (prose/poetry/drama). Use of manuscript is required.  Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including an introduction.