FUNVITATIONAL EVENT DESCRIPTORS

DUO ORAL INTERPRETATION: Think "Oral Interpretation" with two students presenting poetry as one. Students may present parts of the poems together, or speak one at a time. They can use binder tech and sound effects, but cannot move their feet.The introduction must name the work(s) and author(s), provide the necessary background information, and establish a theme. The interpreters should demonstrate a clear understanding of the literature and project its meaning, message, and tone. The speakers should capture and convey the plot and/or development. Imagery should be carefully colored so as to promote audience understanding and appreciation. In a presentation of a collection, there should be a unity to the program as a whole, made clear by the introduction and transitional material. Students can be in different rooms or together. The maximum time limit is 10 minutes with a 30 second “grace period. 

IMPROMPTU: http://www.speechanddebate.org/impromptu

- The order of draws/performing will be decided based on postings.

- Competitors have seven total minutes to select a topic, brainstorm their ideas, outline the speech, and finally, deliver the speech. The speech is given without notes and uses an introduction, body, and conclusion. The speech can be light-hearted or serious. The speech can be based upon prompts that range from nursery rhymes, current events, celebrities, organizations, and more.

- The first competitor will draw three topics from an envelope. They must choose one topic, and put the other two back in the envelope.

- The student may leave the room to practice/prep but cannot receive help from any outside sources.

- The student must give the judge the topic they drew from the envelope. The judge may tape this to the ballot or handwrite it in the “title” section. The student must incorporate the topic into their speech without simply saying it and moving on.

- Time signals should be given, based on the performer’s preference.

- Once the student has completed, they may take a seat and watch the remainder of the round. The next student will then draw their topic and the round will continue.

- The contestant is to be judged upon (1) creative development of the topic, (2) organization and logic, (3) support of the speech, (4) adherence to the topic and (5) delivery - creativity, eye contact, vocal variety and gestures.

INFORMATIVE SPEAKING: http://www.speechanddebate.org/informativespeaking

An informative speech is an original speech designed to explain, define, describe, or illustrate a particular subject. The general purpose of the speech is for the audience to gain understanding and/or knowledge of a topic. The use of audio/visual aids is optional. THINK: Expository with optional props.

POP CULTURE EXTEMPORANEOUS: Each round will offer questions from a fictional pop culture universe (think: Harry Potter, Star Wars, Marvel Cinematic Universe, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, Wizard of Oz, The Hunger Games, The Simpsons, Game of Thrones, etc.). Questions will be focused on that particular universe. Citations need to be from pop culture (television shows, movies, comic books, music lyrics, memes, etc.), NOT "regular" media sources. Use of the Internet IS allowed. Prep time of 30 minutes. The maximum time limit is 7 minutes with a 30 second “grace period. 

PROGRAM ORAL INTERPRETATION: http://www.speechanddebate.org/programoralinterpretation

POI is a program of oral interpretation of thematically-linked selections chosen from two or three genres: prose, poetry, drama (plays). A primary focus of this event should be on the development of the theme or argument through the use of narrative, story, language, and/or characterization. Competitors are encouraged to devote approximately equal times to each of the genres used in the program. At least two pieces of literature that represent at least two separate genres must be used. The use of a manuscript is required. THINK: A single program about racism in America, drawing from the script of A Time to Kill, an essay by Martin Luther King Jr., and excerpts from Bruce Springsteen's American Skin (41 Shots).

SPONTANEOUS ARGUMENTATION (SpAr):

SpAr is a debate event which follows the following rules:

- Two people will be scheduled for debate against each other. This will vary each round. Students should have four different opponents.

- When rounds are posted, the two students will report to the room assigned for the topic announcement. The speakers will be given a topic by the judge. At that time the two debaters will have 20 minutes prep time. After 20 minutes the round will begin.

 - Topics could focus on current events or more abstract areas.

- Times for each speech are as follows:

Affirmative Constructive – 3 minutes

1st Crossfire – 2 minutes

Negative Constructive – 3 minutes

2nd Crossfire – 2 minutes

1st Mandatory Prep Time – 1 minute

Affirmative Rebuttal – 2 minutes

Negative Rebuttal – 2 minutes

2nd Mandatory Prep Time – 1 minute

Affirmative Final Focus – 2 minutes

Negative Final Focus – 2 minutes

STORYTELLING: http://www.speechanddebate.org/storytelling

- A single published, printed story, anecdote, tale, myth, or legend must be retold without notes or props. The topic area is "children's story."

- The maximum time limit is 10 minutes with a 30 second “grace period. The ranking is up to each individual judge’s discretion. Judges who choose to time are to use accurate (stopwatch function) timing devices. No minimum time is mandated.

- The student may not tell a story they have used previously in any previous year.

- The delivery must be extempore, not read. No book or script may be used. The story may be delivered standing or seated.

- Gestures, pantomime and characterization, may be used with restraint but the focus must be on the narrative.

- The retelling must be true to the original tale. The contestant may not add original material or materially change the content of the story.

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