SpeechWire Tournament Services - Forensics Tournament Software

Bradley University cordially invites you to the 2014 George Armstrong Heart of Illinois Individual Events Tournament to be held on December 5-6, 2014. Team officers Talan Tyminski, Rachel Anders and Kitrina Baumgartner are busy planning what we hope will be a fun and educational event for you and your students. (Important notices are highlighted for your attention.)

More information is enclosed, including standard event rules and the Jay Janssen Oratory scholarship Contest. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Cordially yours,

Ken Young Justin Helmley
Director of Forensics Assistant Director of Forensics
kyoung@bradley.edu jhelmley@bradley.edu

P.S. For additional copies of this invitation, directions to and around Peoria and our campus, information about our Summer Forensics Institute for high school students, or information about the Bradley University Speech Team or collegiate forensics in general, please email Ken Young, Director of Forensics, at kyoung@bradley.edu.

ENTRY PROCEDURES:
1.    Two divisions of competition will be offered: Open and Novice. Novice designates students participating in their first (academic) year of forensics activity. (IT IS THE COACH’S DUTY TO DENOTE ANY AND ALL NOVICE COMPETITORS) We reserve the right to collapse a novice event which has fewer than 12 entries, but we will notify you before doing so to allow for changes.
2.    Each school may enter a maximum of SEVEN entries in the following OPEN events: Extemp, Poetry, Prose, Duo, Impromptu, Oratory, DI and HI.
3.    Each school may enter a maximum of FIVE entries in the following OPEN events: SOS, Radio, OC, Duet Acting, Informative, Declamation, and Sports Broadcasting.
4.    Each school may enter a maximum of SEVEN entries in the following NOVICE events: Extemp, Poetry, Prose, Duo, Impromptu, Oratory, DI and HI.
5.    Each school may enter a maximum of FIVE entries in the following NOVICE events: SOS, Radio, OC, Duet Acting, Informative, and Declamation.
6.    There will be no Novice division of Sports Broadcasting.
7.    We reserve the right to cut off tournament entries after 1250 slots or 85 competition rooms. Also, we will NOT be able to offer non-sweepstakes entries for schools wanting to exceed the entry limit.
8.    Each student may enter a maximum of two events per group. Students entered in Extemp, Radio, or Sports Broadcasting cannot be double entered in one of those same events, in other words, only one event that requires a preparation period. The only exception applies to students entered in the Janssen Oratory Contest, who may enter Janssen, Original Oratory and one other event in Flight B.
        GROUP A:                GROUP B
        Extemporaneous Speaking            Impromptu Speaking
        Prose Interpretation                        Poetry Interpretation
        Duet Acting                                      Duo Interpretation
        Radio Speaking                               Declamation
        Informative Speaking                      Original Oratory
        Humorous Interpretation                Dramatic Interpretation
        Special Occasion Speaking            Original Comedy
        Sports Broadcasting                     Janssen Oratory Contest
9.    Semi-finals will be held for all OPEN and NOVICE events with entries of 25 or more.
10.    Entries should be submitted via SPEECHWIRE.COM, a web-based registration system. The tournament website can be found at: http://www.speechwire.com. Entries must be received by 5:00 p.m., CST, Monday, December 1, 2014. No additions will be accepted after this time.

AWARDS:
1. Individual event trophies will be awarded to the top six competitors in each Open and Novice event.
2. All semi-finalists will also be recognized.
3. Team sweepstakes trophies will be awarded to the top five schools. In addition, small-school sweepstakes trophies will be awarded to the top three schools with an entry total less than the average team entry at the tournament.
4. Individual sweepstakes trophies will be awarded to the top five students of the tournament. To be eligible for Individual Sweepstakes, a student must be competing in four events. Of these four events, at least one must be an interpretation event and at least one must be a public address event. Declamation is counted as interpretation OR public address. NOVICE events do NOT qualify for Individual Sweepstakes.
5. Team and Individual Sweepstakes are calculated according to the following point scale. Preliminary rounds are not tabulated for sweepstakes points.
* 12 points:    1st place in open finals           * 6 points:    1st place in novice finals
* 10 points:    2nd place in open finals            * 5 points:    2nd place in novice finals
* 8 points:    3rd place in open finals           * 4 points:     3rd place in novice finals
* 6 points:    4th place in open finals           * 3 points:    4th place in novice finals
* 4 points:    5th place in open finals           * 2 points:    5th place in novice finals
* 2 points:    6th place in open finals           * 1 points:    6th place in novice finals
* 1 point:    non-advancing open semifinalist

PLEASE READ ALL EVENT RULES AND DESCRIPTIONS CAREFULLY, AND PASS THEM ALONG TO ANY AND ALL OF YOUR JUDGES.

GENERAL: All speeches and presentations must be in the English language; this does not preclude, however, the use of foreign phrases for artistic effect. ALL EVENTS REQUIRE THE CONTESTANT TO USE SPEECHES AND/OR PROGRAMS WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN USED BY THAT STUDENT IN COMPETITION PRIOR TO AUGUST 1, 2014. NO ONE PERSON, GROUP OF PEOPLE, OR SCHOOL MAY USE THE SAME SCRIPT OR PARTS OF THE SAME SCRIPT IN MORE THAN ONE EVENT. DISQUALIFICATION WILL RESULT FOR ALL STUDENTS INVOLVED IN REFLECTED EVENTS. STUDENTS ARE ALLOWED TO PERFORM INTERP SCRIPTS THAT ARE PUBLISHED OR UNPUBLISHED.

INTERPRETATION EVENTS:

Dramatic Interpretation: Selections used in this contest shall be a cutting from novels, short stories, plays or poems and should be of a serious nature. Adaptations shall be for the purpose of continuity only. A contestant shall, during his/her presentation, name the title and author of the piece. Contestants are to use the same program in all rounds. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes. There is no minimum time limit.

Humorous Interpretation: Selections used in this contest shall be a cutting from novels, short stories, plays or poems and should be humorous in nature. Adaptations shall be for the purpose of continuity only. A contestant shall, during his/her presentation, name the title and author of the piece. Contestants are to use the same program in all rounds. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes. There is no minimum time limit.

Poetry/Verse Interpretation: Contestants may read from one or several poetry selections during the time allotted. If several selections are presented, they should be related by a central theme or subject. The introduction and any transitions should be included in the maximum time limit. Play cuttings, novels, short stories or essays are not permitted. Manuscripts must be used. Contestants are to use the same program in all rounds. Maximum time limit is 8 minutes. There is no minimum time limit.

Prose Interpretation: Selection must be a cutting from a novel, short story, or essay. Contestants may read from one or several selections during the time allotted. If several selections are presented, they should be related by a central theme or subject. The introduction and any transitions should be extemporaneous and should be included in the maximum time limit. Play cuttings and poetry are not permitted. Manuscripts must be used. Contestants are to use the same program in all rounds. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes. There is no minimum time limit.

Duo Interpretation: Presentation of a cutting from a play, poem, or story/novel by two performers working as a team, each creating sustained and/or multiple characters. This presentation allows for direct contact between performers during the introduction, but requires offstage focus during the scene. The scene may be humorous or dramatic or a combination of both. The use of props and costumes is prohibited. Use of manuscripts is optional. Contestants are to use the same program in all rounds Maximum time limit is 10 minutes. There is no minimum time limit.

Dramatic Duet Acting: Presentation of a dramatic and/or humorous selection by two individuals. Cuttings from plays, verse plays, or other works may be presented. A selection may include the portrayal of no more than two characters. The selection shall be presented from memory. A table and two chairs will be the only properties provided and permitted. A manuscript will not be used. No lights, costumes, make-up, sound effects, etc., will be permitted. Characters may speak to off-stage characters or to silent characters. Contestants are to use the same program in all rounds. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes. There is no minimum time limit.

PUBLIC ADDRESS EVENTS

Radio Speaking (A student entered in Radio or Sports Broadcasting cannot be entered Extemp). Radio Speaking is the presentation of a newscast, including a commercial. The purpose of Radio Speaking is to encourage concentration on delivery and style. One script for all preliminary rounds approximately fifteen minutes in length will be provided by the tournament hosts. All Radio contestants are expected to attend, minimally, the FIRST Radio Prep before Round One. From this, the contestant will prepare a five-minute newscast by deleting or editing any parts. For those contestants who advance to semi-final and final rounds, a different script for each outround will be provided by the tournament hosts The newscast shall include one or more “commercials” advertising some well-known product or service. The commercial may be inserted at any point but must be included in the time limits. The preparation period will begin 30 minutes before the round is scheduled to begin. The time limit is five minutes, and the speaker is expected to finish “on the nose;” however, if a speaker concludes his/her presentation between 4:50 and 5:05, (s)he will not be penalized. The organization of material should be logical; transitions should be smooth.

Extemporaneous Speaking: (A student entered in Extemp cannot be entered Radio or Sports Broadcasting). Contestants will be given three topics in the general area of current events, choose one, and have 30 minutes to prepare a speech. All Extemp contestants are expected to attend and draw questions at EVERY Extemp Prep. Posting of topics will be staggered at 8/9-minute intervals. Maximum time limit is seven minutes. There is no minimum time limit. Judges should provide time signals. Inaccurate time signals will not be reason to challenge students’ rankings.

Impromptu Speaking: An impromptu speech is a presentation, serious in nature, with topic selection varied round by round, section by section. Speakers will have a total of eight minutes for preparation and speaking and may divide the time at their discretion. Each speaker in a section will speak on the same topic. Topics will come from sources such as contemporary figures, movies, and music quotations. Judges should provide time signals. Inaccurate time signals will not be reason to challenge students’ rankings.

Original Oratory: Original Oratory shall comprise only memorized orations actually composed by the contestants and not used during a previous year. Any appropriate subject may be used, but the orator must be truthful. Any nonfactual reference, especially a personal one, must be so identified. Not more than 150 words of the oration may be directly quoted from any other speech. Extensive paraphrasing of another source is prohibited. Contestants are to use the same program in all rounds. Maximum time limit is ten minutes. There is no minimum time limit.

Informative Speaking: Informative speeches are original compositions of the contestant. This is a speech to inform, not a performance. It should describe, clarify, illustrate or define an object, idea, concept, or process. A fabricated topic/subject may not be used. A student may not use any portion of his/her original oration entered at any NFL tournament. Maximum time of presentation is eight minutes. There is no minimum time limit.

Original Comedy: The presentation of a humorous script composed by the contestant. Contestant may use notes or speak from memory. If they desire, they may introduce their selections. An introduction, if used, will be included in the presentation time. Maximum time limit is eight minutes. Contestants are to use the same program in all rounds. There is no minimum time limit.

Special Occasion Speaking: The original work of the student in which they are at their current age speaking in a realistic situation for the purpose of entertaining an audience. The purpose of SOS is to provide an opportunity for contestants to present a practical message in an entertaining manner under simulated “real life” conditions. Contestants are to use the same program in all rounds. Maximum time limit is ten minutes. There is no minimum time limit.

Sports Broadcasting: (A student entered in Sports Broadcasting or Radio cannot be entered Extemp.) A limited preparation event designed to promote and improve audio play-by-play and commentary of athletic events. Specifically, this event encourages development of sports communication background and knowledge as well as delivery and presentation skills.
   This event will consist of three preliminary rounds. The top six competitors from preliminary rounds will advance to a final round. Each preliminary round will consist of a 30-minute preparation period and a 5-minute performance. For each preparation period, including the final round, students will receive:
a.   A digital copy of a 5-minute section of the game. (preliminary plans include NCAA football, basketball, and baseball).
b.   The sports information packets from each university/team.
c.   Updated team statistics.
d.   Final box score
** competitors are expected to provide their own DVD-capable laptop computer.
JUDGING CRITERIA:
1.   Demonstration of a depth and breadth of knowledge of the sport(s), team(s), game(s) and player(s) at hand.
2.   Demonstration of effective “radio” delivery, including, but not limited to volume, pitch, rate, articulation, clarity and involvement.
3.   Demonstration of an ability to determine and prioritize the importance of information provided in the preparation period.
4.   Demonstration of an ability to understand, follow and respect the time limits of the event.

INTERPRETATION/PUBLIC ADDRESS EVENT:

Declamation: The oral interpretation of persuasive or inspirational material of high literary merit, such as editorials, essays, or speeches, originally prepared by another person. Selections must be from printed, published sources. It is recommended that the material be pertinent to current problems. The purpose of Declamation is to acquaint students with notable examples of persuasive or inspirational literature and give them the opportunity to develop skills of interpretation and delivery through preparation and presentation of such examples. Contestants are to use the same program in all rounds. Maximum time limit is ten minutes. There is no minimum time limit.

Jay Janssen and Bradley University have again teamed up to offer three scholarships to attract incoming freshmen to Bradley. These scholarships will be awarded to the top three finishers in a special oratory contest. The first place finisher will receive up to a $15,000 scholarship to Bradley. The second place finisher will receive up to $13,000 and the third place finisher will receive up to $12,000 in scholarship awards. The following information outlines the criteria and eligibility.

1) Competitors must be seniors in high school, and must have applied to Bradley (or do so during the tournament).

3) Students must participate on the Bradley speech team while using the scholarship.

4) Students will be ineligible to receive any other forensic scholarship offered by Bradley for their first year. They will still be eligible for other financial aid offered by the Bradley Financial Assistance office if they qualify.

5) Students must give an 8-10 minute original oration consistent with the following description:

This event shall comprise only memorized orations actually composed by the contestants and not used by them during a previous year. Any appropriate subject may be used, but the orator must be truthful. Any nonfactual reference, especially a personal one, must be identified. Not more than 150 words of the oration may be directly quoted from any other speech. Such quotations shall be indicated in a typewritten copy of the oration supplied at the time of registration and identified within the speech. Extensive paraphrasing of another source is prohibited. Maximum time limit is ten minutes.

The Jay Janssen Oratorical Contest will be run in conjunction with the George Armstrong Heart of Illinois Individual Events Tournament to be held December 5-6, 2014. If the number of entries demands, rounds will be run separately. Otherwise, students will compete in the regular Original Oratory category, but tabulation will be separate. Deadline for entry is Monday, December 1, 2014 by 5:00 p.m. CST. Entries should be submitted via SPEECHWIRE.COM, a web-based registration system.

1. The entry fee is $7 per slot.
2. One judge is needed for every six slots entered. Judges may be hired through Bradley for an additional $10 per slot not covered by a judge.
3. All Illinois schools will be required to cover at least half of their entry with judges. All schools from out of state will be required to cover at least 25% of their entry with judges.
4. Drop penalties are as follows:
•    NO CHARGE for drops up to noon, Tuesday, December 2, 2014.
•    $10 charge per dropped slot and $25 charge per dropped judge after noon, Tuesday, December 2, 2014.
•    $25 charge per dropped slot and $50 charge per dropped judge at Registration.

Regardless of where you choose to stay, book immediately! Other activities on campus and in town can make getting hotel rooms difficult. However, the Peoria, East Peoria, Pekin, and even Morton areas have many hotels. All reservations must be a transaction between your school and the lodging establishment. This year we have brought in the folks at Travel Advocates to help you negotiate the lowest rates at the hotels YOU prefer for FREE. See below:

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