Debate Events
Lincoln-Douglas
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
You debate with a partner against another two-person team. The topic, which almost always relates to current
events, changes every month.
Congressional Debate
You write and debate mock federal legislation in a chamber consisting of between 15-25 students.
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
You debate with a partner against another two-person team. The topic, which almost always relates to current
events, changes every month.
Congressional Debate
You write and debate mock federal legislation in a chamber consisting of between 15-25 students.
Speech EVents
Original Oratory
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
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.
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
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.
Interpretation Events
Declamation
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
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
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
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
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
"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) .
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
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
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
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
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
"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) .