EVENT DESCRIPTIONS

INTERPRETATION EVENTS
*All interpretation events require competitors to hold the literature they are performing in a small binder during the performance. Each performance should last between 8 to 10 minutes long.*

Prose- performance cut from a published book, novel, or short story. Narration as well as dialogue between characters are typically included. Movement is restricted to upper body and limited leg movement.

Poetry- performance consisting of a poetry cut and assembled in a way that best expresses the argument the performer is making. Can use one or many poems during the performance. Movement is restricted to upper body and limited leg movement.

Program Oral Interpretation (POI)- performance that combines cuttings from poetry, drama, and prose that all support the competitors argument. The assembly, order, and amount of literature used from each genre is up to the discretion of the competitor. Movement is restricted to upper body and limited leg movement.

Dramatic Interpretation (DI)- performance cut from a published dramatic medium such as a play. Movement is restricted to upper body and limited leg movement.

Dramatic Duo- performance cut from a published dramatic medium such as a play and presented by two competitors. Each competitor is allowed to play one or many different characters during the performance. Both competitors face the audience during the performance, but act as though they are facing each other. Movement is less restricted and using a small area of performance space is common.

PUBLIC ADDRESS
*Speeches are written by the competitor and should be memorized. Speeches last 8 to 10 minutes each and should follow a three point format. Movement is allowed and should be structured according to the three points of the competitor’s speech. Sources are expected to be cited to verify authenticity of the research.*

Persuasive Speaking (Persuasion)- a speech typically following a problem, cause, solution format. The speech should be aimed at convincing others that certain actions must be taken to improve, assist, or reform a particular issue.

Informative Speaking (Info)- a speech that aims to enlighten others about a particular issue. In no way should personal opinion be presented, and both sides (positive/negative) of the issue should be expressed.

Critical Analysis (CA)- a speech that uses a method chosen by the competitor to analyze an artifact (commercial, artwork, billboard, etc.) which retains some communicative value. The speech is aimed at analyzing the effectiveness of the artifact in articulating its message.

After Dinner Speaking (ADS)- a humorous speech that can follow any of the other three public address formats. The competitor should be able to make his/her point while maintaining a level of humor that is entertaining and pertinent to the topic.

LIMITED PREPARATION

Extemporaneous Speaking (Extemp)- an event that focuses on politics and economics both domestically and internationally. Competitors are allowed to file and research any subject they wish prior to the tournament. Once it is the competitor’s turn to speak, he/she is given the topic and has thirty minutes to prepare a speech from the research filed before the tournament. Sources are expected to be cited, and the speech should be structured appropriately. The competitor has 8 minutes to deliver the speech, and the judge gives time signals to indicate the approach of the time limit.

Impromptu- the competitor is given a quotation and is allowed up to two minutes to prepare a five minute speech on if they agree or disagree with the quotation and why. The speech should be structured, with examples, and the judge gives time signals to indicate the approach of the time limit.