Speech Events

Original Oratory (OO)

Original Oratory is a competitive public speaking event where students write and deliver a persuasive speech on a topic of their choice. Speeches are typically 8-10 minutes long and must be memorized. Competitors research their chosen topic extensively, crafting arguments using evidence, logic, and emotional appeals. The goal is to inform and persuade the audience on an issue of significance. Original Oratory emphasizes writing skills, critical thinking, and polished delivery. Successful orators choose engaging, relevant topics and present their arguments with passion and conviction. Judges evaluate speakers on content, organization, language use, vocal delivery, and physical presence.

Typical Round Length: 8-10 minutes per speech

Typical Number of Students: 5-7 per round (individual event)

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Judging

Informative (INF)

Informative Speaking is an individual event where students research, write, and deliver a speech to educate the audience on a chosen topic. Speeches typically last 10 minutes and can cover a wide range of subjects, from historical events to scientific concepts. Competitors use visual aids to enhance their presentations, making complex information more accessible. The format emphasizes clear communication, thorough research, and the ability to engage an audience with interesting and relevant information. Success in Informative Speaking requires strong organizational skills, creativity in presentation, and the ability to distill complex ideas into easily understandable content.

Typical Round Length: 10 minutes per speech

Typical Number of Students: 5-7 per round (individual event)

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Judging

Original Prose/Poetry (OPP)

Original Prose/Poetry (OPP) is an event where students write and perform their own original material, which can be in the form of a story, poetry, or script. Competitors have the freedom to create either humorous or dramatic pieces, or a combination of both. The format emphasizes creativity, writing skills, and performance ability. Students must craft engaging original content and then deliver it effectively, showcasing their talents as both writers and performers. OPP allows participants to explore their artistic voice while developing public speaking skills, encouraging them to express their ideas and experiences through their own unique literary creations.

Typical Round Length: 8-10 minutes per performance

Typical Number of Students: 5-7 per round (individual event)

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Judging

Declamation (DEC)

Declamation is a public speaking event where students deliver excerpts from previously delivered speeches, such as famous commencement addresses, political speeches, or historical orations. Competitors typically perform pieces lasting up to 10 minutes, often shortening the original text to fit time constraints. The focus is on conveying the message with clarity and emotion rather than mimicking the original speaker. Participants are encouraged to interpret the material in an engaging manner, showcasing their ability to connect with the audience through effective delivery. This event emphasizes persuasive speaking skills, creativity in interpretation, and the ability to convey powerful messages.

Typical Round Length: 10 minutes

Typical Number of Students: 5-7 per round (individual event)

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Judging

Program Oral Interpretation (POI)

Program Oral Interpretation (POI) is an event where students create a performance using selections from at least two of three genres: prose, poetry, and drama. Competitors develop a theme or argument by combining these diverse literary sources into a cohesive 10-minute program. The format emphasizes creativity in selection and arrangement of materials, as well as performance skills to effectively convey the theme. Students must use a manuscript and are evaluated on their ability to blend different genres while maintaining distinct characterization for each selection. POI allows performers to showcase their range by portraying multiple characters and styles within a single thematically-linked presentation.

Typical Round Length: 10 minutes per performance

Typical Number of Students: 5-7 per round (individual event)

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Judging

Duo Interpretation (DUO)

Duo Interpretation is a two-person event where partners perform a 10-minute cutting from a published play, novel, or other literary work. The performers portray multiple characters without making physical contact or direct eye contact with each other. This format emphasizes teamwork, timing, and the ability to create distinct characters through voice and movement alone. Duo requires strong non-verbal communication between partners and creative blocking to convey interactions without touching. Successful duos blend individual performance skills with synchronized delivery to bring their piece to life. The event allows for both dramatic and humorous interpretations, challenging performers to work collaboratively while showcasing their individual talents.

Typical Round Length: 10 minutes per performance

Typical Number of Students: 2 per duo, 5-7 duos per round

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Judging

Dramatic Interpretation (DI)

Dramatic Interpretation is an individual event where students perform a cutting from a published play, novel, or short story of a serious nature. Competitors select, cut, and perform a piece lasting up to 10 minutes, with a 30-second grace period. The focus is on character development, emotional depth, and the ability to convey dramatic elements through voice and movement alone. Performers portray one or multiple characters without using props or costumes. Success in Dramatic Interpretation requires strong acting skills, emotional range, and the ability to engage the audience with a compelling narrative. Judges evaluate performers on their interpretation, character portrayal, and overall impact of the performance.

Typical Round Length: 10 minutes per performance

Typical Number of Students: 5-7 per round (individual event)

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Judging

Prose (PRO)

Prose Interpretation is an individual event where students perform a selection from a published work of prose fiction or non-fiction. Competitors choose, cut, and perform a piece lasting up to 10 minutes, including a brief introduction. The focus is on narrative storytelling, character development, and vocal expression. Prose allows for a wide range of material, from short stories to novel excerpts, but excludes poetry and drama. Performers use a manuscript, typically in a small binder, and are evaluated on their interpretation, delivery, and ability to engage the audience with the narrative. Success in Prose requires strong interpretive skills, clear characterization, and the ability to convey the author’s intent and style.

Typical Round Length: 10 minutes per performance

Typical Number of Students: 5-7 per round (individual event)

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Judging

Poetry (POE)

Poetry Interpretation is an individual event in which competitors perform a selection or collection of poems, creatively presenting their material to convey emotions and ideas. Performances typically last up to 10 minutes and can include both traditional and nontraditional poetry forms, allowing for a wide range of expression and thematic exploration. Participants are encouraged to use a small black binder for their manuscripts, though successful performances are often well-memorized and incorporate dynamic blocking and character voices. The event emphasizes the use of voice, body language, and emotional depth to create a powerful connection with the audience. Judges evaluate performances based on interpretation, creativity, and overall impact.

Typical Round Length: 10 minutes per performance

Typical Number of Students: 5-7 per round (individual event)

Resources

Judging