Scholars of Speech May Meet
2024 — Irvine, CA/US
High School Mock Trial/Acting/Public Address (5/10 Minutes)
Event Description:
Your performance may fit into one of the below categories.
Informative Speaking
An original, factual speech by the competitor to fulfill the general aim to inform the audience. Audio-visual aids 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. As this is a memorized event, notes are discouraged. Maximum time is 10 minutes.
Original Oratory/Persuasive Speaking
An original speech by the competitor. The intent of the speech is to persuade about a problem in society. Any other purpose such as to inform or entertain shall be secondary. Audio-visual aids 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. As this is a memorized event, notes are discouraged. Maximum time is 10 minutes.
Since this is merged with the 5 minute category...
Expository Speaking
An original, factual speech by the competitor to fulfill the general aim to inform the audience. Audio-visual aids 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. As this is a memorized event, notes are discouraged. Maximum time is 5 minutes.
Original Oratory/Persuasive Speaking
An original speech by the competitor. The intent of the speech is to persuade about a problem in society. Any other purpose such as to inform or entertain shall be secondary. Audio-visual aids 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. As this is a memorized event, notes are discouraged. Maximum time is 5 minutes.
Declamation
A memorized performance of a speech, not written by the competitor. The speech must have been delivered in public. The speaker should present an introduction that states the title, author, and date of the speech they are reciting. Maximum time is 10 minutes including introduction.
Dramatic Interpretation (Drama)
A memorized performance of literature of literary merit, with the main intent to create a serious tone. Use of focal points and/or direct contact with the audience should be determined by the literature. Maximum time is 10 minutes including introduction.
Humorous Interpretation (HI)
A memorized performance of literature of literary merit, with the main intent to create humorous tone. Use of focal points and/or direct contact with the audience should be determined by the literature. Maximum time is 10 minutes including introduction.
Original Interpretation
An original memorized performance of drama, prose, or poetry by an individual or duo. The tone may be dramatic, humorous, or a combination. More than one written selection may be presented within the allotted time. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.
Poetry
A performance of poetry of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source. A primary focus of this event should be on the development of language. Maximum time is 10 minutes including introduction.
Prose
A performance of a single prose material (e.g. short stories, novellas, novels, articles, essays, etc.) of literary merit. A primary focus of this event is on the development of the narrative/story. Maximum time is 10 minutes including introduction.
Program Oral Interpretation
A performance of a program of literature of literary merit. A ‘program’ must consist of thematically-linked selections of literature chosen from two or three recognized genres of competitive interpretation (prose/poetry/drama). A primary focus of this event should be on the development of the theme through the use of narrative/story, language, and/or characterization. A substantial portion of the total time must be devoted to each of the genres used in the program. The material must appear in separate pieces of literature (e.g., a poem included in a short story that appears only in that short story does not constitute a poetry genre.) This is not an acting event; thus, no costumes, props, lighting, etc., are to be used. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.
Since this merged with the 5 minute categories...
Original Interpretation
An original memorized performance of drama, prose, or poetry by an individual or duo. The tone may be dramatic, humorous, or a combination. More than one written selection may be presented within the allotted time. Maximum time limit is 5 minutes including introduction.
Poetry
A performance of poetry of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source. A primary focus of this event should be on the development of language. Maximum time is 5 minutes including introduction.
Prose
A performance of a single prose material (e.g. short stories, novellas, novels, articles, essays, etc.) of literary merit. A primary focus of this event is on the development of the narrative/story. Maximum time is 5 minutes including introduction.
Storytelling
A memorized performance of a single published, printed story, anecdote, tale, myth, or legend. The story may be delivered standing or seated, thus one chair is permitted, however, this is not an acting event; thus, no costumes, props, lighting, etc., are to be used. Maximum time is 5 minutes including introduction.
Mock Trial
An original speech by the competitor based on fact pattern and law released two weeks prior to the tournament. The competitor will research and develop their arguments over this fortnight, preparing to present a well-informed speech reflecting the nuances of the case. Competitors have the discretion to choose whether they would like to represent the Prosecution/Plaintiff or Defense. The intent of the speech is to persuade and inform, shedding light on the chosen side's perspective on the case. Speeches should adhere to the legal burden of proof. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. The speech should not exceed 7 minutes. Speakers are allowed to reference other presenters in the round if they did not go first; speakers who go first should consider pre-empting other arguments.