The College of Idaho Trickster Invitational

2024 — Caldwell, ID/US

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Informative Speaking

Event Description:

10 minutes with a 30-second “grace period.” No time signals provided. An original speech, composed by the contestant, that aims to explain, define, describe, or illustrate a particular subject--providing new information or perspectives on a topic, including those that are widely known. Audio-visual aids are permitted but not required.

1. Purpose: 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. Any other purpose such as to entertain or to convince shall be secondary. The use of audio/visual aids is optional.
2. Contest: This contest comprises only memorized speeches composed by the contestants and not used by them during a previous contest season.
3. Subject: Effective speeches provide new information or perspectives on a topic, including those that are widely known. The responsibility for choosing a worthwhile topic rests with the contestant. A fabricated topic may not be used. Any non-factual reference, including a personal reference, must be so identified.
4. Aids: Audio/visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. If used, the audio/visual aids should enhance or support the message rather than distract from the overall effectiveness of the presentation. If a visual aid displays published pictorial material, the source must be included in the work-cited page but does not need to be cited orally.
5. Length: The time limit is 10 minutes with a 30-second “grace period.” If there are multiple judges in the round, all must agree that the student has gone beyond the grace period. Should a student go beyond the grace period, the student may not be ranked 1st. 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.
6. Script: Manuscripts must be available in the event of a protest. The script must identify the quoted materials, include a work-cited page in APA or MLA format, and both the speaker and the coach attest by registering that the speech is the original work of the contestant.
7. Re-Use: A student may not use an informative speech the student used in district or national competition in any previous contest year.