Here's a quick guide.
*****
INTERPS
(Acting Events)
Dramatic Interpretation (DI)
- 10 minutes long
- Memorized
- Dramatic piece
- Must be from a published source
- Skills: serious acting, script editing, memorization
- 10 minutes long
- Memorized
- Funny
- Must be from a published source
- Skills: comedy acting, script editing, memorization
- Partner event
- 10 minutes long
- Funny or dramatic
- Memorized
- Must be from a published source
- Skills: partner work, acting, script editing, memorization, choreography/blocking
- 8 minutes long
- Not memorized (mostly)
- Short memorized introduction, written by yourself
- Dramatic or funny
- Must be from a published source
- Skills: acting, slight memorization
- 8 minutes long
- Not memorized (mostly)
- Short memorized transitions, written by yourself
- Several poems organized around a central theme
- May be original poetry or from a published source
- Skills: acting, slight memorization
- See coach for more information
Storytelling (NOT USUALLY AVAILABLE)
- See coach for more information
DEBATE
(Notice: You are free to pick your own debate partners, but partner assignments must be approved by the coach. If you have no partner, don't worry-- ask the coach and senior debaters for help, and we'll do our best to get you a good partner at a similar skill level.)
Public Debate
- Topics assigned in-round
- Usually current events
- Partner debate
- Minimal written evidence and cases
- Skills: Extemporaneous speaking, knowledge of current events
- Topics assigned every month
- Usually current events or policy
- Partner debate
- Shorter speeches
- Uses written evidence and cases
- Skills: research
- Not a partner debate!
- Topics assigned every 2 months
- Usually philosophical and/or broad policy issues
- Uses written evidence and cases
- Lots of philosophy
(NOTE: if you are interested in doing CX, talk to your coach. CX requires serious time commitment--though it's also tons of fun!)
- Research-intensive
- Topic assigned every year
- Policy-related topics (domestic and international)
- Partner debate
- Heavy use of written evidence
- Long speeches
PLATFORM
(Speeches with original material)
Original Oratory
- 10 minutes
- Your own choice of topic
- Original speech
- Inspirational or persuasive
- Use of evidence and personal views/experiences
- Skills: writing, presentation, research, memorization
(NOTE: Extempers, be prepared to help maintain the evidence tubs by printing articles and organizing!)
- 7 minutes
- Topics assigned with 30 minutes of preparation (generally)
- Partially memorized, partially impromptu
- May use sources such as magazines, printed articles, etc
- Current events related questions
- Skills: Knowledge of current events, research, outlining, memorization, organization
- 5 minutes
- Topics assigned with 30 seconds (yes, seconds) of preparation
- On-the-spot
- No sources
- Skills: general knowledge, quick thinking, organization, presentation
- 5 minutes
- Your choice of topic
- Speech written yourself
- Read, not memorized
- Voice acting only (judges don't look at you)
- Use of evidence and personal views
- Persuasive/informative
- Commentary on current events or issues
- Skills: research, vocal presentation, writing
(NOTE: The speech team will provide you with a stand, but be sure to have your posters done on time.)
- 7 minutes
- Use of visual aids
- Informative
- Memorized
- Your choice of topic
- Speech written yourself
- Skills: research, presentation, making visual aids, memorization
- 7 minutes
- Humorous, with a theme
- Topic of your choice
- Speech written yourself
- Memorized
- Skills: stand-up comedy, memorization, writing, humor, presentation/acting
(NOTE: often independent of normal tournament schedules!)
- Imitation of US Congress
- Students bring legislation of their choice
- 3-minute speeches, plus questioning periods
- Skills: knowledge of parliamentary procedure and strategy, extemporaneous speaking, research, presentation.
