Event Patterns and Descriptions

CBSR Patterns

All speech times are the maximum limit, but each has a 30 second grace period.

Pattern A

LD - Lincoln Douglas: one-on-one debate on a preset resolution (never the Novice resolution).

IMP - Impromptu: a 5 minute original speech given 2 minutes after receiving the topic in the same room. No notes should be used.

HI - Humorous Interpretation: a 10 minute memorized humorous performance from a script (e.g. play, short story, novel, movie, etc.).

POI - Program of Oral Interpretation: a 10 minute speech with two or more different selections from at least two different genres of published works, put together develop a theme. Script must be in a binder held by the student, which can be used as a prop. Memorization is not required.

OO - Original Oratory: a 10 minute memorized persuasive speech, written by the contestant, on a societal issue.

OPP - Original Prose Poetry: a 10 minute memorized speech written by the contestant, in prose and/or poetry.

Pattern B

EXT - Extemporaneous Speaking: a 7 minute original speech based on a current event question given 30 minutes after receiving the question in a separate room. No notes should be used.

DI - Dramatic Interpretation: a 10 minute memorized serious performance from a script (e.g. play, short story, novel, movie, etc.).

DUO - Duo Interpretation: a 10 minute memorized performance (humorous, serious, or both) from a script (play, book, movie, etc.), delivered by two students.

DEC - Declamation (was Oratorical Interpretation): a 10 minute memorized speech using the script from a public speech written and delivered by an adult.

INF - Informative: a 10 minute speech, written by the contestant, that explains or teaches something. This is the ONLY speech in which props are acceptable (other than the binder in OPP). Memorization of the speech is not required.

OA - Original Advocacy: a 10 minute memorized persuasive speech, written by the contestant, that advocates a legal resolution to an issue.