SAUSD Winter Classic

2024 — Hybrid: Online & Saddleback HS, CA/US

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Intermediate Informative Speaking

Event Description:

1. Informative Speaking is a one-minute presentation written and performed by the student. It requires students to balance content with delivery and style. Students in Informative must be articulate, engaging, and smooth with their vocal and physical delivery. The event's purpose is to inform and educate the audience on a topic of significance.

1. Time Length:

1. The time limit is 10 minutes with a 30-second “grace period.” Should a student go beyond the grace period, the student may not be ranked 1st. No minimum time is mandated.

2. 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 or knowledge of a topic. Any other purpose, such as entertaining or convincing, shall be secondary. The use of audio/visual aids is optional. (See # 4 on Aids.)

3. Contest: This contest comprises only memorized speeches composed by the contestants and not used by them during a previous contest season.

4. 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.

5. 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. During the presentation, no electronic equipment is permitted. Electronic equipment is defined as any object requiring an electrical cord, battery, or solar power to operate it (projectors, cell phones, radios, iPads, computers, etc.). The use of live animals or any additional people as visual aids is not allowed during the speech. Items of dress put on and/or removed for illustration during the presentation are considered costumes and may not be part of the contestant’s presentation. Visual aids may not violate policies as dictated by local and state law (weapons, drugs, etc.) Contestants may not distribute items to the judges or audience before, during, or after the round. This includes but is not limited to food, objects, handouts, flyers, and promotional merchandise. The host school is not responsible for providing any facilities, equipment, tables, chairs, easels, or assistance in a contestant’s visual aids.

6. Quotation: Not more than 150 words of the speech may be a direct quotation, and such quotations must be identified orally and in a printed copy of the speech supplied prior to registration.

7. Script: Manuscripts must be available at all district tournament contests in the event of a protest. However, it shall be the choice of each individual District Committee whether or not to require these materials be submitted prior to the district contest. The script must identify the quoted materials, state the number of quoted words, include a work-cited page in APA or MLA format, and both the speaker and the coach must attest by signature that the speech is the original work of the contestant. At the National Tournament, all competitors are required to turn in a typed copy of their manuscript, including a works cited page, during the online registration process.

8. Re-Use: A student may not use an informative speech the student used in district or national competition in any previous contest year.