VARSITY SPEECH

Time-keeping:

All competitors must bring a working time piece and should have it with them during check-in. Speech events will have a timer provided in rooms when available. Volunteers are needed from debate students/juniors to fulfill the need for timers.
NOTE: Wrist watches and electronic devices such as cell phones will not be acceptable as time pieces.

Cost:

$30 per student for the first 1 or 2 events
$15 per student for each additional event
(NOTE: Students may enter a maximum of 5 Speech Events for this tournament.)

VARSITY SPEECH EVENTS

ATTENTION STUDENTS! You are encouraged to observe one another in any or all events at this tournament!

INTERPRETATION (3 events):

(NOTE: Speaking time = 10 minutes; No minimum time.)

Dramatic Interpretation:

  • DESCRIPTION: The competitor creates a serious, original rendition from a single piece of literature, which captivates and moves the audience.
  • GOAL: To select and analyze literature, then bring it to life through the creative use of voice, movement, and facial expression.
  • Click here for Stoa's Dramatic Interpretation rules.

Duo Interpretation:

  • DESCRIPTION: Two competitors create an original rendition from a single selection of literature, or multiple selections of literature, which captivates and moves the audience.
  • GOAL: To select and analyze literature, then bring it to life through the creative use of voice, facial expression, and movement without interacting face-to-face.
  • Click here for Stoa's Duo Interpretation rules.

Open Interpretation:

  • Description: The competitor creates an original rendition from a selection or selections of prose or poetry (including unpublished work) which captivates and moves the audience.
  • GOAL: (See Dramatic or Humorous Interpretation)
  • Click here for Stoa's Open Interpretation rules.

Limited Preparation (4 events):

NOTE: Students WILL BE ALLOWED to observe one another during all limited prep rounds at any time, regardless of speaking order!

Apologetics:

  • DESCRIPTION: The competitor is given four (4) minutes to prepare a speech which defends a tenet of the Christian faith.
  • GOAL: To motivate students to study and articulate the core issues of their faith in a knowledgeable, sincere, and winsome manner.
  • Click here to view categories for Apologetics questions.
  • Click here for Stoa's Apologetics rules.
  • Preparation time = 4 minutes; Speaking time = 6 minutes; No minimum time.

Extemporaneous:

  • DESCRIPTION: The competitor answers a given question based on a recent event in the news. The competitor, alone or as part of a club, researches national and international current events and may create reference files of newsworthy information.
  • GOAL: To develop a well-informed student who can critically evaluate current issues by expressing his position on a given question.
  • Click here for Stoa's Extemporaneous rules.
  • Preparation time = 30 minutes; Speaking time = 7 minutes; No minimum time.

Impromptu:

  • DESCRIPTION: The competitor is given two (2) minutes to prepare a speech on a randomly drawn quotation or topic.
  • GOAL: To create a polished speaker who is able to give an original, spontaneously prepared speech within the room, using the selected topic as the central theme.
  • Click here for Stoa's Impromptu rules.
  • Preparation time = 2 minutes; Speaking time = 5 minutes; No minimum time.

Mars Hill Impromptu:

  • DESCRIPTION: In order to elevate the gospel, the competitor uses books, movies, and other genre as an evangelistic bridge to discuss common themes, worldviews, and societal effects, holding them up in light of Christian truth found in the Bible.
  • GOAL: The competitor learns to identify truth common to the human condition within popular culture and uses those truths to find a bridge from the culture to a discussion of Christianity (or Christian truths) on a personal level.
  • Click here to view categories for Mars Hill Impromptu.
  • Click here for Stoa's Mars Hill Impromptu rules.
  • Preparation time = 4 minutes; Speaking time = 6 minutes; No minimum time.

Platform/Original (3 events):

(NOTE: Speaking time = 10 minutes; No minimum time.)

Expository:

  • DESCRIPTION: A prepared speech, written by the competitor, which explains or exposes a topic usually with the help of VISUAL AIDS.
  • GOAL: To develop a winsome, polished speaker who can present a creative, well-organized speech while efficiently employing audio/visual aids or props.
  • Click here for Stoa's Expository rules.

Original Oratory:

  • DESCRIPTION: A prepared speech, written by the competitor, on a topic of the speaker's choice.
  • GOAL: To develop a polished, winsome speaker who can present an engaging, well-organized speech on any topic.
  • Click here for Stoa's Original Oratory rules.

Persuasive:

  • DESCRIPTION: A prepared speech, written by the competitor, which advocates a specific position or course of action.
  • GOAL: To develop a polished, winsome speaker who can state a clearly worded position supported by convincing arguments and well-researched support.
  • Click here for Stoa's Persuasive rules.

Wild Cards (2 events):

Broadcasting:

  • DESCRIPTION: Competitors present a newscast which they create from provided material as well as an original, self pre-written commercial.
  • GOAL: To understand the values and techniques used in copy selection and presentation, as well as commercial writing and delivery, in order to learn and experience various skills used in broadcasting. These skills are applicable for a wide range of venues, including podcasts, webcasts, radio and television broadcasting, etc.
  • Click here for Stoa's Broadcasting rules.
  • Commercial Category: Go Pro Camera
  • Preparation time = 15 minutes; Speaking time = 5 minutes; No minimum time.

Storytelling:

  • DESCRIPTION: The competitor chooses a story from the genre or category selected by the tournament. Competitors then prepare to tell the story in their own words.
  • GOAL: To understand the values and techniques inherent in good storytelling and to be able to recreate stories for the education and enjoyment of the audience.
  • Click here for Stoa's Storytelling rules.
  • Topic: Heroism & Bravery
  • Speaking time = 8 minutes; No minimum time.