SPEAKING EVENTS
EVENTS, TIMES, RULES

 

1. Events

 

We offer 4 Events to Enter: Impromptu, PowerPoint, Platform, Interp.

 

Reminder: You can do AT MOST two speech events.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE: You present your speech TWO TIMES—once in round 1 and once in round 2.
(Students in Impromptu do a speech on different topics in each of round 1 and 2).

 

 

2. Speech Times

 

 

FOR IMPROMPTU SPEECHES

ALL ages: 6 minutes (includes preparation)

Judges will provide the topics when you begin your speech.

 

FOR POWERPOINT, PLATFORM, AND INTERP SPEECHES:

•        Elementary speeches: 5 minutes.

•        Middle School speeches: 7 minutes.

•        High School speeches: 10 minutes.

 

 

3. Event Rules

 

Impromptu:

You’ll be given 3 topics and you chose one of them to speak on. You have 6 minutes total to prepare AND also to present.
You cannot read/look at notes made before you received the topic, the internet, etc. during prep time.
 You can outline your speech on a notecard, sheet of paper, or an electronic device (but again, no researching on the internet, looking at files on your electronic device).

 

PowerPoint:

You present on any topic using a PowerPoint/Google Slides/Similar throughout the speech.
You should use a combination of bullets, pictures, video, and animation to create a visually interesting and well supported speech.
5 minutes elementary, 7 minutes middle school, 10 minutes high school.

 

 

Platform:

You present an informative, persuasive, or humorous speech on a topic of your choice.
Your speech should be a written/typed manuscript that you have memorized or that you use notes very minimally when you present.
Your speech should include source citations, clever and engaging wording, and have a purpose to inform, persuade or entertain your audience.
You speak for 5 minutes (elementary), 7 minutes (middle school), or 10 minutes (high school).

 

Interp:

You present poetry, prose and/or play material cut to advance a point/insight you wish to communicate.

Pieces can be published works or self-penned material that is poetry, prose, or script.
In addition to the material that you perform, you also have an introduction stating the point/insight made by the material, the author(s) of the material, and the title of the piece(s).
Movement of your feet should be kept to a minimum usually at most one step from your starting standing position.
You perform for 5 minutes (elementary), 7 minutes (middle school), or 10 minutes (high school).

 

You may not write speeches using ChatGPT/similar other than to do research.