Forensics Event Descriptions
LIMITED PREPARATION EVENTS
IMPROMPTU
Speakers are given three topics in the round by the judge. These topics are usually quotations; although, objects, one word abstracts or the titles of books, movies, etc. can be used. Speakers have a total of seven minutes to select one of the topics, prepare the topic, and present a speech. The usual division of time is 2 minutes prep and 5 minutes speaking. Limited notes (on the topic sheet) are permitted. Key words: fluid delivery, topicality, organization, and analysis (make an argument).
EXTEMPORANEOUS
Speakers are given three topics (questions) by a proctor in the extemp prep room. Speakers have 30 minutes to choose one topic and to prepare a 7-minute speech. Topics are in the general area of current events questioning a fact, value, or policy. A 3”x5” note card is allowed. The speech should be the original work of the student using any research that the squad brings to the tournament. Use of source citation is necessary. Key words: topicality, analysis, organization, source citation, and fluidity.
PLATFORM EVENTS (10 MINUTE MAXIMUM)
INFORMATIVE
This is an original, factual speech on a realistic subject to fulfill the general goal of informing the audience. Visual aides are encouraged, but they are not mandatory. Multiple research sources should be used and properly cited. This event should be memorized after advancing from novice competition. Key words: uniqueness, interesting, significance, research, organization, and smooth delivery.
PERSUASIVE
This is an original speech designed to inspire, reinforce, or change beliefs, attitudes, values, or actions of the audience. Multiple sources should be used and properly cited. Memorized after novice. Key words: personal action step, significance, uniqueness, research, organization, and smooth delivery.
SPEECH TO ENTERTAIN
Also known as After Dinner Speaking, this is an original humorous speech designed to prove a serious point. This is not stand up comedy, nor is it interpretation of another’s jokes or routine. This speech needs to follow the organization model, to have source citations, and to make a point (hopefully, implore the audience to come to a higher value in the human condition or solve a problem). Memorized after novice. Visual aids are allowed. Key words: funny, original, academic, and informative/persuasive.
COMMUNICATION ANALYSIS
This is an original speech designed to offer an explanation or evaluation of any communication event (speech, movement, poem, advertisement, film, campaign) using a model or rhetorical principle for analysis. Visual aids are encouraged. Manuscripts are permitted. Key words: sophisticated, yet clear, interesting, and analytical, appropriate method of analysis.
INTERPRETATION OF LITERATURE EVENTS
All of the interpretation events have the same general requirements. Use of a manuscript book is required. All programs are limited to 10 minutes maximum. Costumes and props are not allowed. Presentation may consist of one or more selections by one or more authors. Some type of original introduction of the material and the thematic argument for the literature must be included. Key words: uniqueness, literary merit, range/levels, intentionality, thematic analysis, and unity.
POETRY
All material must be poetry. It does not have to rhyme, but it should be designed and arranged in a rhythmic structure.
PROSE
All material must be prose. It can come from a variety of sources: novels, essays, short stories, letters, speeches, or cereal boxes. It cannot be poetry or a play.
DRAMA
All material must be from a play. This can be from the stage, radio, TV, or movies. It can be a manuscript or a number of characters or a combination. It cannot be poetry or prose.
PROGRAMMED ORAL INTERP
This is the only exception to the requirement that it must be from the same type of literature. This event has a theme expressed using a combination of more than one genre: poetry, prose, or drama. The student can use any literature, but it must combine at least two different types.
DUO
This event uses the same material as drama and is presented by two individuals.
READER’S THEATRE
Also known as Interpreter’s Theatre, this is Programmed Oral Interp for a group of 3 or more. A variety of literature and song is used to convey a specific message or a single work of literature may be used. Greater latitude is allowed. Performers cannot wear costumes, but can ensemble dress. Props are discouraged, but staging blocks are allowed. Unpublished material can be used. Students must be cast for these shows.
DEBATE
Students can compete in team (two person) or Lincoln-Douglas (one person) debate. At certain tournaments (State and Nationals), students can compete in both. There are two genres of debate:
NFA LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DEBATE
This style of debate is policy based with extensive use of evidence. This one-on-one style of debate requires speakers to communicate at a slow rate. A set topic is debated all-season long. Key features of this style of debate are presentation and defense of a plan, advantages and disadvantages, refutations, and cross examination. Teams debate both sides.
PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE
This style of debate is impromptu. Each team is assigned a side to defend a topic. Teams are allowed 15 minutes to develop a case and to support their position. Key features of this style are strong delivery skills, use of humor, analysis, and refutation.