Hosted by Delta High School in Pasco WA.

We are pleased to announce that this competition is a bid tournament for the 2025 National Individual Events Tournament of Champions. The NIETOC national tournament will be held May 16-18, 2025, at Liberty North High School in Kansas City, MO. The number of bids depends on the number on entries received per event. Bids will be awarded in Dramatic Interp, Humorous Interp, Dual Interp, Program Oral Interp, Original Oratory, Informative, and Extemporaneous.

0-19 contestants = FIRST PLACE BID

20-34 contestants = FIRST, SECOND & THIRD PLACE BIDS

35-50 contestants = FINAL ROUND BIDS

Please consult the tournament invitation periodically. We’re hard at work to prepare for a great tournament, and there may be circumstances to which we must adapt that are beyond our control. We will use this invitation as a central source for conveying this information.

*We do not offer hired judging. Please make arrangements as a school to cover your judging obligations.

Friends and Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to the Second Annual Winter Chill tournament, an asynchronous, speech-only tournament that offers a laid-back experience, with two weeks for judges to return their ballots. Find us at WinterChill.Tabroom.com . Recordings will be submitted ahead of the 12/20 start of the tournament, so please consult the schedule to prepare.

Many of you have never heard of us! Delta High School is a small STEM magnet school run by three school districts in the Tri-Cities of Southeast Washington.

We will have registration open for Dramatic, Humorous, and Dual Interpretation, Extemporaneous, Impromptu, Informative, Program Oral Interpretation, Original Oratory, Tall Tales, and Editorial Commentary, and Spoken Word Poetry.

We believe that judge feedback is an important learning tool for all competitors, and we are not limiting entries in speech events. As long as you have judges to cover (adults who are not still in high school), competitors may enter as many speech events as they wish/are capable of. Costs will be $5 per entry and payments are accepted by check or p-card/Credit Card via School Payhttps://aws.schoolpay.com/pay/for/Speech--Debate-Tournament/SevBcs6.

Results will be published/emailed on January 3, 2025, with a recorded presentation and downloadable certificate template. And, of course, all that lovely feedback will be available that day as well. What a great way to start a new year!

We will have an ombudsperson available for competitors and coaches alike during the course of the tournament. We follow the National Speech and Debate Association principles of ethics, equity, and inclusion. We believe that debate should be a safe and fair space for all participants, and we will do our best to make this happen.

If you have questions about the tournament, please contact Sara Hyde, shyde@psd1.org.

Thank you for all you do and have a great season!

Sara Hyde,

Delta Coach/Tabroom Chair

Inland Empire NSDA Committee Member

EVENTS

Overtime: For most individual events, no penalty should apply if the student falls within a 30-second grace period. Speaking beyond the time when there is no grace period or more than 30 seconds beyond the event time limit simply means that the judge may not give that student first in that round. Exceptions to this guideline are made clear on individual ballots.

Events

A brief description of each event follows. Please know that these descriptions are not exhaustive, and you can find complete ballot instructions and rules at tinyurl.com/wsfadocuments. We will follow WSFA adopted rules, unless noted.

• Dramatic Interpretation:

• 1. The time limit is ten minutes with a 30-second “grace period.” Should a student go beyond the grace period, the student may not be ranked 1st. Judges are to use accurate (stopwatch function) timing devices. No minimum time is mandated.

• 2. The presentation must be memorized. If the speaker is using notes, they may not be ranked above students who are memorized.

• 3. Selections must be cuttings from a single work of literature (one short story, play, or novel), as per NSDA rules.

• 4. 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.

• 5. The presentation may not use physical objects or costuming. The contestant must name the author and the source from which the cutting was made. The gender stated by the author must be honored. However, a female contestant may play a male role, and a male contestant may play a female role. Use of focal points and/or direct contact with the audience should be determined by the requirements of the literature being interpreted. Full movement is allowed.

• 6. A student may not use a cutting from a work of literature the student used in competition in any previous contest year. A student entered in two events may not use the same selection of literature in both events.

• 7. For COMPLETE interp rules, including publication lists, see speechanddebate.org.

• Dual Interpretation:

• 1. The time limit is ten minutes with a 30-second “grace period.” Should a student go beyond the grace period, the student may not be ranked 1st. Judges are to use accurate (stopwatch function) timing devices. No minimum time is mandated.

• 2. The presentation must be memorized. If the speaker is using notes, they may not be ranked above students who are memorized.

• 3. Selections must be cuttings from a single work of literature (one short story, play, or novel), as per NSDA rules.

• 4. 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.

• 5. The presentation may not use physical objects or costuming. The team must name the author and title of the cutting. The gender stated by the author must be honored. However, a female contestant may play a male role, and a male contestant may play a female role. Each of the two performers may play one or more characters so long as performance responsibility in the cutting 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. Focus may be direct during the introduction [the performers may look at each other] but must be indirect [off-stage] during the performance itself. Full movement is allowed.

• 6. A student may not use a cutting from a work of literature the student used in competition in any previous contest year. A student entered in two events may not use the same selection of literature in both events.

• 7. For COMPLETE interp rules, including publication lists, see speechanddebate.org.

• Editorial Commentary:

• 1. Individuals will present a scripted speech that is intended to be an analysis of a news event rather than a running synopsis of the news.

• 2. Original commentary should enhance the overall effect of the news event and analysis.

• 3. Speakers will read the manuscript from a seated position.

• 4. The script should be timed to end between 1:45 and 2:00 minutes. Any speaker ending before 1:45 or after 2:00 minutes shall be ranked one score lower.

• 5. Time signals SHOULD NOT be given to the competitors; however, the competitors may time themselves.

• Extemporaneous Speaking:

• 1. The speaker has one half hour to prepare one topic. The speaker should announce the topic choice as part of the introduction. The speaker will draw a topic from 2 domestic and 2 foreign choices.

• 2. In giving his/her speech, the speaker may not use any notes.

• 3. The time limit for this event is SEVEN (7) MINUTES. If the speaker goes over a 30 second grace period the contestant may not be awarded first place in the round. No minimum time limit.

• Informative:

• Informative speaking is to describe, clarify, explain, and/or define an object, idea, concept, social institution, or process. The speech must be the original work of the speaker. No more than 150 words of quoted and/or paraphrased material may be included in the expository. This speech may not have been used in forensic competition by the student prior to the current competitive season.

• 1. Responsibility for choosing a worthwhile topic rests with the contestant. The use of humor will not be penalized. No costumes are allowed.

• 2. Any demonstration should enhance, not be the focus of, the information presented.

• 3. The speech must be delivered extemporaneously, with or without the use of notes. The contestant will not be penalized for using notes or visual aids unless they interfere with the ability to communicate with the audience.

• 4. The time limit for this event is TEN (10) MINUTES, which will include audience reaction time. If the speaker goes over a 30 second grace period the contestant may not be awarded first place in the round. No minimum time limit.

• Humorous Interpretation:

• 1. The time limit is ten minutes with a 30-second “grace period.” Should a student go beyond the grace period, the student may not be ranked 1st. Judges are to use accurate (stopwatch function) timing devices. No minimum time is mandated.

• 2. The presentation must be memorized. If the speaker is using notes, they may not be ranked above students who are memorized.

• 3. Selections must be cuttings from a single work of literature (one short story, play, or novel), as per NSDA rules.

• 4. 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.

• 4. The presentation may not use physical objects or costuming. The contestant must name the author and the source from which the cutting was made. The gender stated by the author must be honored. However, a female contestant may play a male role, and a male contestant may play a female role. Use of focal points and/or direct contact with the audience should be determined by the requirements of the literature interpreted. Full movement is allowed.

• 5. A student may not use a cutting from a work of literature the student used in competition in any previous contest year. A student entered in two events may not use the same selection of literature in both events.

• 6. For COMPLETE interp rules, including publication lists, see speechanddebate.org.

• Impromptu Speaking:

• 1. A good impromptu speaker will discuss intelligently and with adequate speaking skills his/her chosen topic. Each contestant will have a different choice of topics.

• 2. The contestant has six (6) minutes to choose one of three topics, organize thoughts, and speak on the chosen topic. No notes may be prepared or used. The speaker must identify the chosen topic as part of the introduction.

• 3. Time limit: preparation and speaking time shall be a total of six (6) minutes. Contestants may use the time as they wish. If the speaker goes over a 30 second grace period the contestant may not be awarded first place in the round. No minimum time limit.

• Original Oratory:

• Orations may deal with a current problem and propose a solution OR they may alert the audience to a threatening danger, strengthen its devotion to an accepted cause, or eulogize a person. Give the orator free choice of subject and judge him/her solely on the effectiveness of its develop.m.ent and presentation. The use of appropriate figures of speech, similes and metaphors, balanced sentences, allusions, and other rhetorical devices should be noted. Delivery should be judged for mastery of the mechanics of speech: poise, quality and use of voice and bodily expressiveness, and for qualities of directness and sincerity.

• 1. The presentation must be memorized. If the speaker is using notes, they may not be ranked above students who are memorized.

• 2. The speech must be the original work of the speaker. No more than 150 words of quoted and/or paraphrased material may be included in the oration and must be designated in the manuscript. This speech may not have been used in forensic competition by the student prior to the current competitive season.

• 3. The time limit for this event is TEN (10) MINUTES, which will include audience reaction time. If the speaker goes over a 30 second grace period the contestant may not be awarded first place in the round. No minimum time limit.

• Program of Oral Interpretation:

• POI is a program of thematically linked selections chosen from two or three genres: prose, poetry, drama (plays). At least two pieces of literature that represent at least two separate genres must be used. Unlike the other interpretation events, Program Oral Interpretation may use multiple sources for the program.

• 1. The title and author of all selections must be verbally identified within the program. The use of a manuscript during the performance is required. 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.

• 2. No costumes or props other than the manuscript are permitted. Introduction and transitional material may be memorized. Full movement, including walking, is allowed.

• 3. Length: 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. Judges are to use accurate (stopwatch function) timing devices. No minimum time is mandated.

• 4. Publication Rules: All literature performed must meet the publication rules of the NSDA. Adaptations may be used only for the purpose of transition. 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.

• 5. For COMPLETE interp rules, including publication lists, see speechanddebate.org.

• Tall Tales:

• 1. The best tall tales honor the tradition of the genre, with outlandish exaggeration and ridiculous stories.

• 2. The contestant has six (6) minutes to prepare and deliver a tall tale which includes the three words in the prompt.

• 3. Time limit: preparation and speaking time shall be a total of six (6) minutes. Contestants may use the time as they wish. If the speaker goes over a 30 second grace period the contestant may not be awarded first place in the round. No minimum time limit.

• 4. If the speaker does not use all three of the words included in the prompt, they may not be awarded first place in the round.

• Spoken Word Poetry:

1. Spoken Word Poetry is a new supplemental event where students will write and perform original poetry. Original Spoken Word Poetry is poetry written for performance to express ideas, experience, or emotion through the creative arrangement of words according to their sound, their rhythm, their meaning.
2. The maximum time limit is 5 minutes with a 30-second grace period. The delivery must be memorized, and no book or script may be used.
3. No more than 150 words of the original poetry may be direct quotation from any other speech or writing, and such quotations must be identified in a printed copy of the speech. An introduction is permitted, but not required.
4. A successful performer will craft a piece that elicits critical thought, reflection, or emotion. As opposed to traditional Poetry, Spoken Word Poetry is created to be performed aloud and may feature rhythmic flow, vivid imagery, word play, gestures, lyrical elements, and repetition.

General Information

Judging

• One judge is required per four speech entries. A duo team counts as one entry.

• All teams must provide judges. If you do not meet your judging requirements, entries will be dropped at the tournament director's discretion.

• All judges must have accurate contact information. This includes both email and phone. Additionally, due to e-balloting, judges must have a Tabroom account.

• Judges must be adults who are not still enrolled in high school. First year out judges are acceptable.

• Coaches, please instruct your judges on the importance of constructive feedback. Every speaker, even if they get the 1, wants to know what they could do better!

• Judges will receive pre-recorded ballots on 12/20, and they must be returned by 5 p.m. PST on 1/2.

• Judges who have not clicked “Start Round” by 9 a.m. PST on 12/27 will be replaced and fined.

• No hired judging is available.

• A $50 fee for each missed round of judging will be assessed. Please make sure your judges have accurate contact info and are aware of the deadline. We will send emails and notifications multiple times before pushing ballots to other judges.

Fees

• $5 per entry. A Duo team counts as one entry.

• $50 per missed round of judging

2024 Winter Chill Timeline

All times are Pacific Standard Time

Thursday 10/31

• 9:00 a.m. Registration opens

Thursday 12/19

• 9:00 A.M. – Tall Tales and Impromptu , Extemp Topics Released on Tabroom (on your honor, do not look until prep time begins)
• 6 p.m. – Submissions are due for ALL speech events from students to coaches for Tabroom entry. (recommended)
• 10:00 P.M. Deadline for coaches inputting URL into Tabroom for each contestant in the Video URL section of the entry. Drops and name changes due

Friday 12/20

• 8:00 am Judge entries due in Tabroom

Saturday 12/21

• 10 a.m. – Rounds will be paneled and available to judges.

Monday 12/23

• 10:00 a.m. – Ballot reminder blasted to all judges.

Thursday 12/26

• 9 a.m. – Judges must have clicked start round for all rounds.
• 12 p.m. Un-started ballots pushed to new judges and fines imposed.

Friday 12/27

• 9 a.m. Judges must have started pushed ballots.

Monday 12/30

· 11:55 p.m. Prelim ballots should be completed

Tuesday 12/31

• 8:00 am: final round ballots released and sent to judges

Wednesday 1/1

• 9 a.m. – Judges must have clicked start round for all rounds.
• 12 p.m. Un-started ballots pushed to new judges and fines imposed.

Thursday 1/2

• 11:55 pm final round ballots should be completed.

Friday 1/3

· 12:00 pm Awards presentations released.