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2020-21 Speech Event Summaries
In accordance with Section 1.450 of the IHSA Constitution, the IHSA Board of Directors has approved the Terms and Conditions governing the 2020-2021 IHSA Speech State Series. This document outlines the competitive events; however, it does not replace the terms and conditions which are the rules governing interscholastic speech competition.
Event questions can be directed to the regional, sectional or state final manager in addition to the IHSA office.
DRAMATIC/HUMOROUS DUET ACTING (DDA/HDA)
Definition: Dramatic and Humorous Duet Acting are the presentations of dramatic or humorous selections by two individuals.
Purpose: The purpose of Humorous Duet Acting and Dramatic Duet Acting is to provide students an opportunity to understand script analysis and develop characterization and acting skills in a confined setting.
Material: Material must come from a single printed, published source and must meet high standards for good literature. Sources of material include cuttings from plays, verse plays, teleplays, screenplays, or other works that meet all criteria for the event may be presented. Excluding the introduction, a cutting may include the portrayal of no more than two characters. Material in which an author assigns multiple characters to one actor is acceptable. Combining the lines of two or more characters to create one composite character is prohibited. Adaptations condensing multiple characters and creating/combining dialogue are prohibited. Assigning a line from the text to a given character for the purpose of transitions or continuity is not to be considered the creation of a “composite” character. A transition is considered part of the cutting and may not include portrayal of additional characters. Material other than the author’s work must be limited to 15%.
Appropriateness of Material: See VIII-A-1 of the Speech Terms and Conditions.
Time Limit: 8 minutes.
Timekeeping Procedures: See VIII-E of the Speech Terms and Conditions.
Time Limit Penalty: For each full thirty (30) seconds of overtime (8:30.01, 9:00.01, etc. - 1 tic past 8:30, 9:00, etc.) the contestant’s ranking from each judge will be lowered by one (1) place. This reduction is mandatory and will be administered by contest management. The other contestants’ ranks will not be affected. There is no penalty for speaking less than eight (8) minutes.
Use of Script, Props, and Visual Aids During Performance: One (1) solid standard table, with four legs, approximately 30” x 48” inches and two (2) chairs shall be provided by the host site. If a table meeting these approximate dimensions is not available, managers should specify the dimensions and any other specifics of the table to be used to competing schools prior to the start of the tournament. Schools will not be allowed to bring additional tables, chairs, stools, set pieces, etc. Students are not allowed to stand on the table and chairs at any time for liability reasons. No props, lights, staging, costumes, makeup, sound effects, etc., will be allowed. Visual aids are not permitted at any time, including handouts or materials before, during or after competition. A script may not be held.
Presentation: Performances must include an introduction written by the students to contextualize the performance and state the title and the author(s) of the material. The introduction will be included in the total presentation time. Characters may direct dialogue to off stage characters or to silent characters and /or audience (on and off- stage focus). Performance shall be presented from memory.
Standards for Excellence: The material should provide opportunity for the actors to develop a balanced, understandable scene with clear character relationships. The characterization should be believable and consistent with the author’s intent. The movement should flow naturally from the characters, giving proper focus on action and reaction. The scene should grow with character insight, plot or mood intensification and thematic statement. The selection should be such that the performers can respond emotionally to the thought and mood; the literature should be more than superficial in characterization or development of theme. The cutting should focus on the relationship(s) between the characters they create. Skills should focus on delivery, timing, and character development. The delivery should be such that techniques of acting are not obvious. The performer’s voices should reveal the meaning and context of the lines, as should any bodily movement and blocking; the total effect should be real and genuine, rather than artificial, forced and mechanical. Attention should be paid to good pronunciation and articulation, adequate volume, tone, and acceptable vocal quality as determined by the characterization.
DRAMATIC/HUMOROUS INTERPRETATION (DI/HI)
Definition: Dramatic and Humorous Interpretation are the oral presentation of literature.
Purpose: The purpose of Humorous Interpretation and Dramatic Interpretation is to increase student’s understanding of script analysis and the communication of ideas through performance to encourage the application of theories and principles in oral interpretation.
Material: Material must come from printed, published sources and must meet high standards for good literature. Sources of material include cuttings from plays, verse plays, teleplays, screenplays, one-character plays, monologues, soliloquies or other works that meet all criteria for the event may be presented. Though the performer may select to do multiple monologues, the presentation will be limited to a single work. Competitors may portray one or multiple characters. Material other than the author’s work must be limited to 15%.
Appropriateness of Material: See VIII-A-1 of the Speech Terms and Conditions.
Time Limit: 8 minutes.
Timekeeping Procedures: See VIII-E of the Speech Terms and Conditions.
Time Limit Penalty: For each full thirty (30) seconds of overtime (8:30.01, 9:00.01, etc. - 1 tic past 8:30, 9:00, etc.) the contestant’s ranking from each judge will be lowered by one (1) place. This reduction is mandatory and will be administered by the contest management. The other contestants’ ranks will not be affected. There is no penalty for speaking less than eight (8) minutes.
Use of Script, Props, and Visual Aids During Performance: No properties are allowed. Visual aids are not permitted at any time, including handouts or materials before, during or after competition. A script may not be held.
Presentation: Performances must include an introduction written by the students to contextualize the performance and state the title and the author(s) of the material. The introduction will be included in the total presentation time. Although nonverbal body language is not prohibited, it should be used with restraint. Performance shall be presented from memory.
Standards for Excellence: The material should provide an opportunity for the student to demonstrate an understanding of the literature being presented through the communication of the intent of the author, the relationship of the cutting to the work as a whole, and the specific meanings of the passages presented. The selection should be such that the performer can respond emotionally to the thought and mood; the literature should be more than superficial in characterization or development of theme. The delivery should be such that techniques of presentation are not obvious. The performer’s voice should reveal the meaning of the selection, as should any bodily movement; the total effect should be real and genuine, rather than artificial and mechanical. Attention should be paid to good pronunciation and articulation, adequate volume, tone, and acceptable vocal quality.
EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING (EXTEMP)
Definition: Extemporaneous Speaking is the oral presentation of a speech on a selected topic of international or domestic issues in which a student is given limited preparation time of thirty (30) minutes to prepare an original seven (7) minute speech indicating their knowledge of current events concerning an assigned topic.
Purpose: The purpose of Extemporaneous Speaking is to encourage a student to gain a broad knowledge of current events (political, economic, cultural issues) and to develop the ability to think critically and analyze the significance of such events and prepare, in a short period of time, a meaningful speech which can be delivered in a skillful manner.
Material: International and domestic extemporaneous speaking topics will be generated and provided by the IHSA office. Student material must be original. The content, format, style, and thoughts of the material must be solely the product of the contestant. Topics shall concern events which have been of state, national or international importance at any time between the beginning of the current school year and the date of the contest. Topics shall be worded in the form of question, which does not elicit blanket yes or no responses. Electronic storage devices can be used by extemporaneous speakers to store and retrieve their files. Cell phones or smart phones are prohibited from being used in limited prep events.
Appropriateness of Material: See VIII-A-1 of the Speech Terms and Conditions.
Time Limit: Thirty (30) minutes of prep time will be provided in the prep room. Seven (7) minutes of speaking time will be allowed.
Timekeeping Procedures: See VIII-E of the Speech Terms and Conditions.
Time Limit Penalty: For each full thirty (30) seconds of overtime (7:30.01, 8:00.01, etc. or 1 tic past 7:30, 8:00, etc.) the contestant’s ranking from each judge will be lowered by one (1) place. This reduction is mandatory and will be administered by the contest management. The other contestants’ ranks will not be affected. There is no penalty for speaking less than seven (7) minutes.
Use of Script, Props, and Visual Aids During Performance: No properties will be allowed. Visual aids are not permitted at any time, including handouts or materials before, during or after the competition. Only notes/notecards of any size/type made during the timed preparation period are allowed for use during the speech.
Presentation: 1. Start the Round: All scheduled extemporaneous speakers will begin in the extemporaneous speaking prep room. The extemporaneous prep room should be used by all speakers and have tables and chairs or desks for the students to work. A prep room monitor in charge of the room shall be present during the preparation time to see that all the rules regarding the preparation period are observed and to assure that there is no consultation and that only the allowable materials are used in the designated prep room. Contest managers shall publish and post specific preparation and performance times for each contestant in each round.
- Draw the Topic: According to their order of speaking at intervals to provide each contestant 30 minutes of preparation time, the prep room monitor shall provide each speaker an envelope containing six (6) topics. Each round will receive 6 topics on the following categories: Round 1 - International topics Round 2 - Domestic topics Final Round - In the news/international and domestic topics combined The contestant shall draw three (3) topics randomly from the six (6) provided in the envelop and, within one minute, choose the one on which to speak. The choice of the drawing shall be recorded by the prep room monitor. There will be a separate set of questions for each round. Contestants will speak on a different topic in each round.
- After the Draw: After receiving the topics, the student may not leave the prep room (unless for an emergency) without the authorization of the prep room monitor or consult with anyone during their allotted prep time. In the prep room, the speaker may access and review research and evidence they gathered prior to the contest and brought with them to the tournaments such as published books, periodical articles, newspaper articles, think tank articles, government reports, journal articles, annotated bibliography, etc. or copies of such materials. Students must provide their own preparatory materials. Electronic storage/retrieval devices can be used by extemporaneous speakers to store and retrieve their files. No other source materials will be allowed in the extemporaneous prep room other than stated above. Pre-written extemporaneous speeches, past speeches, handbooks, briefs, notes or prepared outlines are prohibited from the prep room, whether stored electronically or present in hard copy form. During the prep time students can outline arguments with the supporting materials they brought and practice delivery.
- Electronic Devices: Electronic retrieval devices are defined as laptop computers, netbooks, iPads, or other portable electronic retrieval equipment. For further clarification refer to the Laptop Use in Extemporaneous Speaking document in this manual. Computers or other electronic devices (cell phones) may not be used to receive information from any source inside or outside of the prep room and/or competition room. Internet access, use of e-mail, instant messaging, or other methods of receiving information from sources inside or outside of the prep and/or competition room are prohibited. Electronic retrieval devices are defined as laptop computers, netbooks, iPads, or other portable electronic retrieval equipment. Cell phones or smart phones are prohibited from being used while preparing or before speaking. Contestant’s may use a stopwatch to monitor their prep time. No other material shall be allowed in the extemporaneous prep room other than stated above; this includes cell phone devices which should not be used as a time piece.
- Speaking: A room manager will call the designated student into the competition room. The topic chosen and spoken on by the contestant shall be presented to the judge(s). In all contests, the competitor shall begin thirty minutes after the first contestant has drawn their topic. Extemporaneous speaking competition rounds are open to spectators, including all participants.
Standards for Excellence: The material should be an original speech created during the prep time addressing the selected question. The speech should be well supported, clearly organized. The organization of the speech should be such that the introduction gains attention, states a clear thesis and previews the main points which are clear and logical. The body of the speech should structure concise arguments supported with evidence. The development of the speech should be such that the speaker does not deviate from the topic, progresses with the topic, and demonstrates reasonable analysis. The message should display preparation, knowledge and clear thinking. The organization should demonstrate an evident logical development of ideas and arguments. The conclusion should summaries the speakers’ position and review the main points in addition to linking back to the introductory attention getter. The information used by the speaker should be accurate, pertinent and demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the topic. In delivery, the speaker’s style should hold attention and display an effective use of language. The speaker should be poised and maintain eye contact with the audience. The speaker’s voice should be clear, direct, real and genuine, rather than mechanical and forced. Nonverbals and bodily movement should enhance the message and be effective without being distracting. The delivery should be sincere, interesting and should indicate the speaker’s familiarity with the topic. The total presentation should be natural and interesting. Attention should be paid to good pronunciation and articulation, adequate volume, tone and acceptable vocal quality and demonstrate true extemporaneous style.
INFORMATIVE SPEAKING (INFO)
Definition: Informative Speaking is the oral presentation of the student’s original expository speech.
Purpose: The purpose of Informative Speaking is to guide students in audience analysis, topic selection, research, organization and development of a sense of literary style in speech designed to elevate of level of significant information for an audience. The goal is to educate not advocate.
Material: Material must be original. The content, format, style and thoughts of the speech must be the product of the student. No more than 150 words in the speech may be direct quotation. A fabricated topic/subject may not be used. Students may not use any portion of their original oratory if double entered at the tournament.
Appropriateness of Material: See VIII-A-1 of the Speech Terms and Conditions.
Time Limit: 8 minutes.
Timekeeping Procedures: See VIII-E of the Speech Terms and Conditions.
Time Limit Penalty: For each full thirty (30) seconds of overtime (8:30.01, 9:00.01, etc. or 1 tic past 8:30, 9:00, etc.) the speakers’ ranking from each judge will be lowered by one (1) rank. This reduction is mandatory and will be administered by tournament management. The other speakers’ ranks will not be affected. There is no penalty for speaking less than eight (8) minutes.
Use of Script, Props, and Visual Aids During Performance: No properties will be allowed. Visual aids are not permitted at any time, including handouts or materials before, during or after the competition. Notes, notecards or manuscript may be used.
Presentation: Students may use notes, notecards, or manuscripts or speak from memory.
Standard for Excellence: The material should be an original speech on a subject of current interest. The student should describe, clarify, illustrate or define an object, idea, concept or process. The topic of the speech should have a clear purpose. The speech should be well researched, clearly organized and presented with evidence and logic. The material should display preparation, knowledge and clear thoughts. The organization should demonstrate an evident organizational pattern with a logical development of ideas. The style should indicate an effective choice of words and phrases. The content should be coherent and unified with a range of properly cited support materials including quotations, statistics, examples, comparisons, and analogies. The speaker should maintain direct eye contact with the audience. The speaker’s voice should be real and genuine, rather than mechanical. Nonverbals and bodily movement should enhance the message and be effective without being distracting. The delivery should be sincere, interesting and should indicate the speaker’s familiarity with the content and passion for the topic. The total presentation should be natural and interesting, and the speaker’s voice should be clear and direct. Attention should be paid to good pronunciation and articulation, adequate volume, tone and acceptable vocal quality.
ORIGINAL COMEDY (OC)
Definition: Original Comedy is the oral presentation of the student’s original comedic work.
Purpose: The purpose of Original Comedy is to enable students to employ their creative skills in the writing and presentation of humorous material designed to entertain.
Material: Material must be original. The content, format, style and thought of the material must be the product of the contestant. There shall be no restriction on form. It may be dialogue, monologue or a combination. No more than 150 words of the speech may be direct quotation.
Appropriateness of Material: See VIII-A-1 of the Speech Terms and Conditions.
Time Limit: 8 minutes.
Timekeeping Procedures: See VIII-E of the Speech Terms and Conditions.
Time Limit Penalty: For each full thirty (30) seconds of overtime (8:30.01, 9:00.01, etc. or 1 tic past 8:30, 9:00, etc.) the contestant’s ranking from each judge will be lowered by one (1) place. This reduction is mandatory and will be administered by the contest management. The other contestants’ ranks will not be affected. There is no penalty for speaking less than eight (8) minutes.
Use of Script, Props, and Visual Aids During Performance: No properties, including costumes, will be allowed. Visual aids are not permitted at any time, including handouts or materials before, during or after the competition. Notes, notecards or manuscripts may be used.
Presentation: Students may use notes, notecards or manuscripts or speak from memory.
Standards for Excellence: The material should be original content on a subject of general interest and not offensive to any audience. The speech should be organized around some unifying idea or theme and should be entertaining. The style should indicate a creative, effective choice of words, phrases and literary devices. The delivery should be clear and lively. Nonverbals and bodily movement should enhance the message and be effective without being distracting. The total presentation should be pleasing with the speaker using appropriate volume. Attention should be paid to good pronunciation and articulation, adequate volume, tone and acceptable vocal quality as determined by the original script.
ORATORICAL DECLAMATION (DEC)
Definition: Oratorical Declamation is the oral presentation of persuasive or inspirational material of literary merit.
Purpose: The purpose of Oratorical Declamation is to acquaint students with notable examples of persuasive or inspirational literature and provide them an opportunity to develop skills of interpretation and delivery through the preparation and oral presentation of such examples.
Material: Material must come from appropriate printed, published sources and must meet high standards for good literature. Material can come from editorial, essays, speeches, commencement address, etc. and be pertinent to current issues.
Appropriateness of Material: See VIII-A-1 of the Speech Terms and Conditions.
Time Limit: 8 minutes.
Timekeeping Procedures: See VIII-E of the Speech Terms and Conditions.
Time Limit Penalty: For each full thirty (30) seconds of overtime (8:30.01, 9:00.01, etc. - 1 tic past 8:30, 9:00, etc.) the contestant’s ranking from each judge will be lowered by one (1) place. This reduction is mandatory and will be administered by the contest management. The other contestants’ ranks will not be affected. There is no penalty for speaking less than eight (8) minutes.
Use of Script, Props, and Visual Aids During Performance: No properties will be allowed. Visual aids are not permitted at any time, including handouts or materials before, during or after competition.
Presentation: Performances must include an introduction written by the students to contextualize the performance and state the title and the author(s) of the material. The introduction will be included in the total presentation time. Although nonverbal body language is not prohibited, it should be used with restraint. Performance shall be presented from memory.
Standards for Excellence : The material should be a logical cutting that provides the interpretation intended by the author. The organization should be clear and focused upon the purpose of the author’s original material. The delivery should indicate the speaker’s familiarity with the material and convey a message with clarity and emotion in an engaging manner. The speaker should maintain direct eye contact with the audience. The speaker’s voice should reveal the meaning and intent of the selection, as should any bodily movement; the total effect should be real and genuine, rather than artificial and mechanical. The total presentation should be natural and interesting. The speaker’s voice should be clear and direct. Attention should be paid to good pronunciation and articulation, adequate volume, tone and acceptable vocal quality as determined by the interpretation.
ORIGINAL ORATORY (OO)
Definition: Original Oratory is the oral presentation of the student’s original persuasive speech.
Purpose: The purpose of Original Oratory is to guide students in audience analysis, topic selection, research, organization, and development of a sense of a literary style in a speech designed to express convictions and persuade an audience.
Material : Material must be original. The content, format, style and thoughts of the speech must be the product of the contestant. No more than 150 words in the speech may be direct quotation.
Appropriateness of Material: See VIII-A-1 of the Speech Terms and Conditions.
Time Limit: 8 minutes.
Timekeeping Procedures: See VIII-E of the Speech Terms and Conditions.
Time Limit Penalty: For each full thirty (30) seconds of overtime (8:30.01, 9:00.01, etc. - or 1 tic past 8:30, 9:00, etc.) the contestant’s ranking from each judge will be lowered by one (1) place. This reduction is mandatory and will be administered by the contest management. The other contestants’ ranks will not be affected. there is no penalty for speaking less than eight (8) minutes.
Use of Script, Props and Visual Aids During Performance: No properties will be allowed. Visual aids are not permitted at any time, including handouts or materials before, during or after the competition. Notes, notecards or manuscripts may be used.
Presentation: Students may use notes, notecards or manuscripts or speak from memory.
Standards for Excellence: The material should be an original speech on a subject of current interest. The speech should be well researched, clearly organized and presented with evidence, logic, and emotional appeals. The content should contain a clear purpose with an urge to action. The message should display preparation, knowledge and clear thoughts. The organization should demonstrate an evident logical development of ideas. The style should indicate an effective choice of words and phrases. The speaker should maintain direct eye contact with the audience. The speaker’s voice should be real and genuine, rather than mechanical. Nonverbals and bodily movement should enhance the message and be effective without being distracting. The delivery should be sincere, interesting and should indicate the speaker’s familiarity with the content and passion for the topic. The total presentation should be natural and interesting, and the speaker’s voice should be clear and direct. Attention should be paid to good pronunciation and articulation, adequate volume, tone and acceptable vocal quality.
RADIO SPEAKING (RADIO)
Definition: Radio Speaking is the oral presentation of a newscast in which a student is given limited preparation time of forty-five (45) minutes to select, cut, and prepare to deliver an original five (5) minute broadcast of news stories and a commercial indicating their knowledge of compiling provided stories.
Purpose: The purpose of Radio Speaking is to encourage a student to gain experiences in broadcasting concentrating on clarity, style and delivery.
Material: Radio speaking script content will be generated and provided by the IHSA office. This material will include a prepared commercial advertising a product or service that must be used in the speakers’ script. From this provided material, the contestant will prepare a newscast by deleting any parts or items. No new content or original material may be added except introductions, transitions, and conclusions. The use of creative transitions, commentary and colorful verbs in sports, weather and the commercial are allowed to enhance the performance. Contestants may enter the preparation room with prepared outside content provided it is limited exclusively to transitions, introductions, or conclusions. Different radio script material will be supplied for each round. A copy of the radio script material will be provided to the judge(s). Cell phones or smart phones are prohibited from being used in limited prep events.
Appropriateness of Material: See VIII-A-1 of the Speech Terms and Conditions.
Time Limit: 4:50 to 5:05 with the speaker expected to finish at 5:00. In radio speaking, the timer will announce the total performance time out loud to competitors and judge(s) at the end of a student’s performance.
Timekeeping Procedures: See VIII-E of the Speech Terms and Conditions.
Time Limit Penalty: If the contestant does not finish within the time allowed, 4:50 to 5:05, they will be ranked last in the round and the other contestants’ ranks will be adjusted. This reduction is mandatory and will be administered by the contest management.
Use of Script, Props, Visual Aids During Performance: No properties will be allowed. Visual aids are not permitted at any time, including handouts or materials before, during or after the competition. The speakers will read from their script developed during the preparation time. The students may not utilize any electronic or mechanical device in their performance other than the microphone provided by the management and a timing device. Students may use a stopwatch to monitor their performance time.
Equipment: The following equipment will be provided for radio competition: 1 Table - no smaller than 48” x 24” 1 Chair 1 Adjustable mic stand 1 Multidirectional microphone 1 Speaker system
Presentation: 1. Start the round: All scheduled radio speakers will begin in the radio speaking prep room. The radio prep room should be used by all speakers and have tables and chairs or desks for the students to work. A prep room monitor in charge of the room shall be present during the preparation time to see that all the rules regarding the preparation period are observed and to assure that there is no consultation and that only the allowable materials are used in the designated prep room. The prep room monitor in charge of the room shall see that all the rules regarding the preparation period are observed. Contest managers shall publish and post specific preparation and performance times for each contestant in each round.
- Prep the script: The radio speaking prep room monitor will provide scripts to the competing radio speakers prior to each round. The preparation period shall begin approximately forty-five (45) minutes before the contest is scheduled to begin. Contestants preparation materials are limited to a stopwatch, writing implements, folders, scissors, tape/glue sticks, markers, and highlighters. During the preparation time, speakers shall not receive advice, information or suggestions from anyone. Provided script material will be different for each round. No other material shall be allowed in the radio speaking prep room other than stated above; this includes cell phone devices which should not be used as a time piece.
- Speaking: A room manager will call the designated student into the competition room. The contestants should perform in an adjoining room from the judges and audience by speaking into a standard public address microphone while seated at a table. The public address speaker unit must be arranged so that the speaker’s voice will be clearly audible to the judge and the audience. Competitors shall have the option of requesting a microphone check prior to the beginning their performance. A ‘countdown’ does not count as part of a microphone check and should not be used. Timing shall begin with the first word spoken by a competitor and timing should not including the microphone check prior to the performance. All words spoken after timing begins will be considered to have gone out ‘on the air’ as part of the newscast.
Standards for Excellence: The material should be an original newscast created during the prep time utilizing the provided content. The newscast should be compiled in a well-organized, logical manner. The source news stories and commercial provided by the state office should be cut and edited in a concise manner with special effort to adhere as close as possible to the five (5) minute time limitation. The development of the newscast should be such that the speaker does not deviate from the provided script, progresses with the content and demonstrates reasonable analysis in the cutting and editing of news. The radio script should display clear thinking and the organization should demonstrate an evident logical development of stories. Transitions should be smooth. The delivery should include a clear, pleasant and confident voice; the rate should be understandable and varied; news items should be separated by pauses and changes in pitch; correct emphasis and phrasing of thought should be apparent. Reading clarity and the appeal of the stories selected should be considered when evaluating a clearly communicated newscast. Students must use the news script provided by the contest, and may not add material, except transition sentences, introductions (such as call letters) and conclusions. In delivery, the speaker should be poised, hold attention, and use language effectively. The speaker’s voice should be fluent and clear, and delivery should be sincere. The total presentation should be natural and interesting. Attention should be paid to good pronunciation and articulation, adequate volume, tone and acceptable vocal quality and demonstrate true radio broadcasting style. The time limit is 4:50 to 5:05 with the student expected to finish at 5:00 minutes.
SPECIAL OCCASION SPEAKING (SOS)
Definition: Special Occasion Speaking is the oral presentation of the student’s original speech where the student is himself or herself at his or her current age speaking in a realistic situation for the purpose of entertaining an audience.
Purpose: The purpose of Special Occasion Speaking is to provide an opportunity for contestants to present a practical message in an entertaining manner under simulated “real life” conditions organized around a central theme and designed to make a serious point through the use of humor.
Material: Material must be original. The content, format, style, and thought of the material must be solely the product of the contestant. No more than 150 words of the speech may be direct quotation.
Appropriateness of Material: See VIII-A-1 of the Speech Terms and Conditions.
Time Limit: 8 minutes.
Timekeeping Procedures: See VIII-E of the Speech Terms and Conditions.
Time Limit Penalty: For each full thirty (30) seconds of overtime (8:30.01, 9:00.01, etc. or 1 tic past 8:30, 9:00, etc.) the contestant’s ranking from each judge will be lowered by one (1) place. This reduction is mandatory and will be administered by the contest management. The other contestants’ ranks will not be affected. There is no penalty for speaking less than eight (8) minutes.
Use of Script, Props and Visual Aids During Performance: No properties will be allowed. Visual aids are not permitted at any time, including handouts or materials before, during or after the competition. Notes, notecards or manuscripts may be used.
Presentation: Students may use notes, notecards or manuscripts or speak from memory.
Standards for Excellence: The material for the speech should be organized to suit the subject, purpose, and occasion and to entertain. Though Special Occasion Speaking is a speech to entertain, the entertaining elements should supplement, not replace, the speech structure. Thus, if the entertaining elements were removed from the speech, there would still be a clear speech structure with the use of supporting materials. In a public speaking event, characterization is used as an example, when done by the speaker. It should not be a primary element in the speech. The delivery of the speech should demonstrate the poise and audience contact of the speaker. Pronunciation, articulation, and volume should be adequate; the speaker’s voice should be pleasant; the speaker’s appearance should provide no distractions.
PERFORMANCE IN THE ROUND (PIR)
Definition: Performance in the Round is the presentation of material involving three or more students in a space where the fourth wall is removed thus bringing actor into the same space as the audience.
Purpose: The purpose of Performance in the Round is to provide students with expanded acting opportunities in non-traditional spaces.
Material: Material can be original works and/or scripted published works of humorous and/or dramatic nature. Literature, full length works, excerpts, adaptations, and compilations are permissible.
Appropriateness of Material: See VIII-A-1 of the Speech Terms and Conditions.
Time Limit: The time limit for a PIR performance is fifteen (15) minutes.
Timekeeping Procedures: Performances shall not exceed fifteen (15) minutes in length from the initial performance element to the final performance element. In addition to the actual performance time, each PIR will have an additional thirty (30) seconds to “place or set up” and thirty (30) seconds to “remove or take down” their allowable materials. After the physical set-up, the circle is cleared. The actual performance begins as soon as the name of the school performing, the title of the performance, and the author(s) of the performance is announced by the room chair. Timers shall start the clock with the first identified audio and or visual element inside or outside of the performance circle after the room chair’s introduction.
- Two (2) timers shall keep time and follow the same procedures as outlined in VIII-E of the Speech Terms and Conditions.
- The director/student of each PIR shall describe to the timers prior to the start of the performance, the precise moments of the initial cue and final performance element. Timers shall use these cues as guidelines to start and stop timing. Official timing will begin with the first performance element and conclude with the final performance element.
- For each full thirty (30) seconds of overtime (15:30.01, 16:00.01, etc. or 1 tic pat 15:30, 16:00 etc.) the performances ranking from each judge will be lowered by one (1) place. Both timers must confirm the overtime. This reduction is mandatory and will be administered by the contest manager. The other performances ranks will not be affected. There is no penalty for performing less than fifteen (15) minutes.
Use of Script, Props, and Visual Aids: Costumes and personal hand-held props may be used. Footwear must be worn by all members of the cast. No scenery may be used. No auxiliary/supplemental lighting shall be used. Facility lighting will always remain on. Two (2) solid standard tables with four legs approximately 30” x by 40” inches in length and ten (10) chairs shall be provided by the host site. If a table meeting these approximate dimensions is not available, managers should specify the dimensions and any other specifics of the table to be used to competing schools prior to the start of the tournament. Schools will not be allowed to bring additional tables, chairs, stools, set pieces, etc. Students are not allowed to stand on the table and chairs at any time for liability reasons. Scripts/interp. books may be held.
Presentation: The actual performance space shall be in a 16-foot diameter taped circular area. The width of the aisle should be no less than 30 inches. This may be in a classroom, study hall, cafeteria, gymnasium, music room, multi-purpose room, auxiliary space, or a stage, etc. and can be marked off with tape. The audience will be in an arena arrangement and the performance space in the center of the area. The audience will be placed around the performance space at an appropriate distance as allowed by the performance area from the circle allowing for adequate movement. Judges need to be positioned an equal distance apart from one another around the circle, as reasonably possible. Avoid sitting judges directly beside aisle. Judges seating positions must be approved by the committee the day of the performance. Except for music and sound effects, all performance elements, including off stage dialogue, must be within the 16-foot circle. Four (4) entrance and exit shall be at spaced equally around the circle. Note: See illustration.
- Live and/or electronic music/sound effects may be used. If used, music/sound should enhance the performance, not dominate the performance. Only eligible students are permitted to operate any technical equipment during the performances.
- Performers may enter and leave the performance space aisles as dictated by the director and/or script.
