Idaho's Speech Events

Speeches for Idaho Tournaments

IHSAA Rules

A Events:

• Duo Interpretation (DUO)

• Time: 10 min. maximum -- Time signals: not provided

• Presentations will be from memory and without the use of physical objects or costumes. Selection must be a cutting from a single work of literature: one novel, one short story, one play, or one poem. Each of the two performers may play one or more characters so long as performance responsibility remains as balanced as possible. If the selection is prose or poetry and contains narration, either or both of the performers may present the narration. During the presentation, the team must name the author and the book or magazine from which the cutting was made. Focus may be direct (performers may make eye contact with each other and/or touch each other) during the introduction, but must be indirect (no eye contact with each other and/or touching each other) during the performance itself. Presentations must be an original interpretation including characterizations, blocking and an original introduction. Introductions must include the name of the pieces(s) and the author(s). For help and a complete list of rules, see Help for Duo.

• Extemporaneous Speaking (Extemp)

• Time: 7 min. maximum -- Time signals: provided -- Draw Event

• Topics will be selected and prepared in draw room. Prior to the tournament the commissioner will select 105 domestic and 105 international topics from vetted websites that include but are not limited to NFHS April topics, speechanddebate.org, speechgeek.com, and extemphub.com. The state manager will compile the topics for each round, vetting all for timeliness. Competitors will choose domestic or international news upon arrival. The draw room will post three topics in each category (domestic and international) from which each speaker may choose. Additional sets of topics for each speaker will be posted every seven minutes. He/she will have 30 minutes to prepare, and may use an index and research periodicals during this time. Resource materials will not be provided by the tournament. The topics will be stapled to the ballot packet and the judge should circle the topic selection of each competitor and return the topic sheet with the ballots at the conclusion of the round. The speech should be a synthesis of fact and opinion on the topic - not a memory test of any particular magazine. For help and a complete list of rules, see Help for Extemp.

• Informative Speaking (Inform)

• Time: 10 min. maximum -- Time signals: not provided

• An informative speech is an original speech designed to explain an idea, process, theory, person, place, or thing. A fabricated topic may not be used. Any non-factual reference, including a personal reference, must be so identified. It must be memorized. Audio/visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. During the presentation, no electronic equipment is permitted. The use of live animals or any additional people as visual aids is not allowed during the speech. Items of dress put on and removed during the course of the presentation are considered costumes and may not be part of the contestant’s presentation. Visual aids may not violate law (weapons, drugs, etc.) The host school is not responsible for providing any facilities, equipment, or assistance in a contestant’s use of visual aids. Expedient set up and take down of aids is expected. 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. Not more than 150 words of the speech may be direct quotation and such quotations must be identified orally and in a printed copy of the speech supplied prior to registration. For help and a complete list of rules, see Help for Inform.

• Panel Discussion (Panel)

• Time: 40 min. round -- Time penalties: not assessed

• Event Procedure: Panel members do not make formal speeches, but remain seated and discuss the topic informally. Notes may be taken during the discussion. Emphasis is on problem solving through working towards group consensus. Panelists should be familiar with the topic and be prepared to discuss facts and opinions. Contestants may bring a pen or pencil and research limited to one page, one sided (8.5 x 11) to the round. For help and a complete list of rules, see Help for Panel

• Program Oral Interpretation (POI)

• Time: 10 min. maximum -- Time signals: not provided

• POI is a program of oral interpretation of thematically linked selections chosen from two or three genres: prose, poetry, drama (plays). Unlike the other interpretation events, POI contestants must use at least 2 different sources, and may use more than 2.Competitors shall devote approximately equal times to each of the genres used. All selections must be verbally identified by title and author in the introduction. The use of a manuscript during the performance is required. Common practices include the use of a binder or folder. Reading from a book or magazine is not permitted. The intact manuscript may be used by the contestant as a prop, so long as it remains in the contestant's control at all times. No costumes or props, other than the manuscript, are permitted. While introduction and transition material may be memorized, the contestant must address the script during the rest of the performance. Materials must be from a printed or published source with an ISBN number. An original source without an ISBN number may be used provided it is published and available at the tournament or included in the NSDA interpretation source. Recordings or videos may not be used as the source. Changes to the script may only be used for the purpose of transition or to eliminate profane language. Transitions may be used to clarify the logical sequence of ideas. They are not to be used for the purpose of embellishing the humorous or dramatic effect of the literature. For help and a complete list of rules, see Help for POI.

• Radio Broadcast Journalism (Radio)

• Time: 5:30-6:00 minutes -- Time signals; not provided -- Draw Event

• Material prepared in draw room. All contestants use the same material provided by the tournament management. The contestant is allowed a 30 minute period to prepare a news broadcast from the material provided. This speech must include a minimum of three pieces of news The speech shall be a news broadcast with an original commercial of no fewer than 30 seconds and an editorial commentary about a news item covered in the provided material. The editorial commentary, which shall be an original extemporaneous editorial reflecting the opinion of the contestant on a news story used in the presentation shall consume between 1-2 minutes of the total speech and shall be presented in the last half of the broadcast. Students shall enter the room one at a time while other contestants wait outside. Contestants shall sit with their back toward the judge. Emphasis should be placed on presentation of the news stories, commercial and editorial commentary. Note this is not an interpretation event. Contestants may time themselves, but may not have another person assist with timing. Contestants must give the judge the news article that they use for their commentary after completing their speech. For help and a complete list of rules, see Help for Radio.

• Retold Story (Retold)

• Time: 6 min. maximum -- Time signals: provided

• Draw Event: Stories selected/prepared in draw room

• Contestants will select a story from a group of three elementary level books provided by the tournament and in 30 minutes, be prepared to retell the story as if they are presenting in front of an elementary-age audience. The story shall follow the basic storyline of the book being retold. The story shall be retold without notes, but must not be memorized. The same book may be presented only once by a contestant. Retold Event Procedure: Contestants will enter the round in staggered intervals and will hand the selected book to the judge before starting his/her presentation. Note: The judge will return books to the tab room after each round, but will not read each book while the contestant is retelling the story. For help and a complete list of rules, see Help for Retold Story.

B Events:

• After Dinner Speaking (ADS)

• Time: 7 min. maximum -- Time signals: not provided

• Competitors are speaking as if they are a keynote speaker addressing a specific group. The group being addressed (real or fictional) should be identified in the speech introduction. The intent of ADS is to develop a thesis, idea, or observation of some personal or societal importance through the appropriate use of satire, quips and humor. ADS is not intended to be an interpretive event with multiple characters. Material presented must be original. Delivery must be memorized. While humorous quips and jokes are appropriate, they must have purpose and fit the occasion. For help and a complete list of rules, see Help for ADS.

• Communication Analysis (CA)

• Time: 10 min. maximum -- Time signals: not provided

• An original speech by the student designed to offer an explanation and/or evaluation of a communication event such as a speech, speaker, movement, poem, poster, film, campaign, etc., through the use of rhetorical principles. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Manuscripts are permitted. For help and a complete list of rules, see Help for CA.

• Dramatic Interpretation (DI)

• Time: 10 min. maximum -- Time signals: not provided

• A serious program using material from a single piece of prose, poetry, or drama. Selections must be memorized. Materials must be from a printed or published source with an ISBN number. An original source without an ISBN number may be used provided it is published and available at the tournament or included in the NSDA interpretation source. Recordings or videos may not be used as the source. Props, makeup, and costumes are not permitted. The contestants should be evaluated on poise, quality and use of voice, physical expression and especially the ability to interpret characters correctly and consistently. This allows full body movement (bending, kneeling, turning). Presentations must be an original interpretation including characterizations, blocking and an original introduction. Introductions must include the name of the pieces(s) and the author(s). For help and a complete list of rules, see Help for DI.

• Humorous Interpretation (HI)

• Time: 10 min. maximum -- Time signals: not provided

• A humorous program using material from a single piece of prose, poetry, or drama. Selections must be memorized. Materials must be from a printed or published source with an ISBN number. An original source without an ISBN number may be used provided it is published and available at the tournament or included in the NSDA interpretation source. Recordings or videos may not be used as the source. Props, makeup, and costumes are not permitted. The contestants should be evaluated on poise, quality and use of voice, physical expression and especially the ability to interpret characters correctly and consistently. This allows full body movement (bending, kneeling, turning). Presentations must be an original interpretation including characterizations, blocking and an original introduction. Introductions must include the name of the pieces(s) and the author(s). For help and a complete list of rules, see Help for HI.

• Impromptu Speaking (Impromptu)

• Time: 7 minutes (includes prep) -- Time signals: provided

• Draw Event Topics drawn/prepared in contest room. Each speaker will be designated three topics from which to choose and may use a total of 7 minutes between preparation and speaking. The contestant may take notes during the preparation time, but may not refer to the notes during the presentation. Topics will be news items for one round, abstract words for one round, and quotations for one round. In semi and final rounds, the contestant will receive one news item, one quotation, and one abstract word. For help and a complete list of rules, see Help for Impromptu.

• Original Oratory (OO)

• Time: 10 min maximum -- Time signals: not provided

• This is an original, memorized persuasive speech. A maximum of 150 words of quoted material may be used in the oration. The purpose of original oratory is to persuade in order to accomplish a response of feeling, belief, or action. For help and a complete list of rules, see Help for OO.

• Sales Speaking (Sales)

• Time: 3-7 minutes + 2 min. questioning by judge only -- Time signals: not provided

• The purpose of this event is to sell a singular, legitimate product and may include variations of that product. Contestant must identify brand. “Services” are not considered legitimate products. The actual product (not a model) must be displayed and/or demonstrated. Presentation may be memorized. Notes on one side of a 4 x 6 card may be used, but texts are not permitted. Video /audio aids are optional. In order to demonstrate the function of a product, that product may be put on as the demonstration begins and then removed following the demonstration. The contestant may not wear the product into the room, nor leave it on once the demonstration of that product is concluded. Additional items of clothing that might serve to enhance the visual effect of the product are considered costuming and are prohibited. For help and a complete list of rules, see Help for Sales.