Page last updated:  January 22, 2007

Webmaster:  Jon Loging, Bethany Lutheran College

Event Descriptions

 

 

Impromptu Speaking. An impromptu speech, serious in nature, with topic selections varied by round, section by section.  Topics will be Rd 1 Quotations, Rd 2 Cartoons, Rd 3 Objects, Final Quotations.  Speakers will have a total of 7 minutes for both preparation and speaking.  Timing commences with the acceptance of the topic or item.  Limited notes are permitted.  In each round, enough topics will be provided so that contestants may all be in the room to observe.

Informative Speaking.  An original, factual speech by the student on a realistic subject to fulfill the general aim to inform the audience.  Audio-visuals may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message.  Multiple sources should be used and cited in the development of the speech.  Minimal notes are permitted.  Maximum time is 10 minutes, including introduction.

Prose Interpretation.   A selection of prose material of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source.  Play cuttings are prohibited.  Use of manuscript is required.  Maximum time is 10 minutes, including introduction.

Dramatic Duo.   A cutting from a play, humorous or serious, involving the portrayal of two or more characters presented by two individuals.  This material may be drawn from stage, or screen, or radio.  This is not an acting event; thus, no costumes, props, lighting, etc. are to be used.  Presentation is from the manuscript and the focus should be off-stage and not to each other.  Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.

Oratory

1. The oration must be delivered without the aid of notes or manuscript.

2. No oration may contain over 1800 words.  Although no minimum word limit is established, a 1500 word limit is suggested.  Orations will not be timed.

3. For the purpose of definition, quoted words are those written or spoken by a person other than the orator.  Such quoted material shall be limited to 20% of the total number of words in the oration.

4. All quoted material shall be documented.

5. A copy of each oration should be submitted at registration.

 

Program Oral Interpretation.  A program of thematically-linked selections of literary merit, chosen from two of the three recognized genres of competitive interpretation (prose/poetry/drama).  A substantial portion of the total time must be devoted to each of the two genres used in the program.  Use of manuscript is required.  Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction and/or transitions.

After Dinner Speaking / Speech to Entertain.  An original humorous speech by the student, designed to exhibit sound speech composition, thematic coherence, direct communicative public speaking skills and good taste.  The speech should not resemble a night club, an impersonation, or comic dialogue.  Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message.  Minimal notes are permitted.  Maximum time limit is 10 minutes.

Communication Analysis / Rhetorical Criticism.  An original speech by the student designed to offer an explanation and/or evaluation of a communication event such as a speech, speaker, movement, poem, poster, film, campaign, etc. through the use of rhetorical principles.  Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message.  Manuscripts are permitted.  Maximum time limit is 10 minutes.

Drama Interpretation.  A cutting which represents one or more characters from a play or plays of literary merit.  This material may be drawn from stage, screen, or radio.  Use of manuscript is required.  Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.

Poetry Interpretation.  A selection or selections of poetry of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source.  Play cuttings are prohibited.  Use of manuscript is required.  Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.

Extemporaneous Speaking.  Contestants will be given three topics in the general area of current events, choose one, and have 30 minutes to prepare a speech that is the original work of the student.  The third round of questions will be questions pertaining to Minnesota taken from the Minneapolis Star/Tribune and the St. Paul Pioneer Press .  There will be a limitation of using a maximum of 6 sources, and speakers are required to use notes.  Maximum time limit for the speech is 7 minutes.  Students will speak in the listed order.  Posting of topics will be staggered.

Parliamentary Debate.  We will offer 4 preliminary rounds, quarters and semis if entries warrant.  NPDA Guidelines will be followed.  No warm room will be provided.