Speech and Debate
Competition

DEBATE

Parliamentary Debate: This is a two-person team debate format in which competitors are given a different resolution every round dealing with current events. A limited amount of time is given to prepare a case. The resolutions are typically policy oriented but can sometimes lean more towards a value debate (occasionally even a debate over a resolution of fact—ugh!!!). Research over a breadth of current event topics is necessary to compete in this event

N.F.A. Lincoln-Douglas Debate: This is a one-on-one debate format in which competitors are given a policy resolution to debate all year round. Extensive, in-depth research over one topic is necessary to compete in this event. For people who are familiar, this style of debate is similar to policy (cross-examination/team) debate from high school, except that it is adapted to a one person format.

INDIVIDUAL EVENTS

Limited Preparation Events:

Extemporaneous Speaking: In this event, a topic over a current event is provided,
along with 30 minutes to prepare for a 7 minute speech. Competitors can utilize the team’s files to help prepare for the speech. In fact, quite a bit of source citation from that file is expected to be successful. All debaters are encouraged to compete in extemporaneous speaking. The whole team is encouraged to help do research for the team’s files.

Impromptu Speaking: This event tests “on your feet” kinds of thinking
probably more so than any other event. Competitors are given a choice of quotations and 7 minutes to prepare for and deliver a speech. The idea is to interpret the meaning of the quotation, and through application of current events, literature, philosophy, and..., evaluate the validity and usefulness of the quotation for everyday life.

Platform Events (Oratory):

Persuasive Speaking: Competitors research, write and memorize a speech to
convince an audience that something needs to be done about a problem, and then propose a solution to it. For instance, a persuasive speech may raise awareness about the potential global impact of the Bird Flu virus and then argue for how to prepare for such a pandemic.

Informative Speaking: Competitors research, write and memorize a speech to
Inform the audience about an important topic. For instance, a competitor may inform the audience about the potential global impact of the Bird Flu virus—without necessarily proposing a solution.

After Dinner Speaking: Competitors research, write and memorize a speech to
entertain. The goal is to use humor, along with research and well developed ideas, to make a point about something—either persuasively or informatively. Humor is the main theme of this event; but it is far from stand up comedy.

Communication Analysis: Competitors research, write and memorize a speech which analyzes an artifact of communication utilizing a rhetorical or cultural theory of analysis. For instance, one’s artifact may be a social movement of some sort, and the purpose is to analyze how and why the message of the movement is effective or ineffective at achieving its goals.

Oral Interpretation:

Poetry Interpretation: Individual competitors select, cut and weave published pieces of poetry together to develop a unique thematic interpretation.

Prose Interpretation: Individual competitors select, cut and weave published pieces of prose together to develop a unique thematic interpretation.

Dramatic Interpretation: Individual competitors select, cut and weave published pieces of drama together, such as a script for a play or movie, to develop a unique thematic interpretation.

Program Oral Interpretation (P.O.I.): This event combines poetry, prose, and dramatic interpretation into one unique event.

Dramatic Duo: Two team members work together to select, cut and weave published pieces of drama together, such as a script for a play or a movie, to develop a unique thematic interpretation. Interested competitors can compete with multiple partners at the same tournament if desired.