Prose Interpretation
The program may consist of single or multiple selections, which must be of literary merit and organized around a central theme. Prose may be either fiction or nonfiction. Plays and other types of staged readings are not prose and are not permitted. Appropriate introductory (and transitional material if applicable) must be originally written and delivered from memory. It is included in the time limit. Though it is often a convention, it is not necessary for this event to have a “teaser” to start the program. This is not a memorized event and the use of manuscripts is required! Ten minute maximum.
Poetry Interpretation
The program may consist of single or multiple selections, which must be of literary merit and organized around a central theme. Plays and other types of staged readings are not permitted. Appropriate introductory (and transitional material if applicable) must be originally written and delivered from memory. It is included in the time limit. Though it is often a convention, it is not necessary for this event to have a “teaser” to start the program. This is not a memorized event and the use of manuscripts is required! Ten minute maximum.
Duo Interpretation
The program is an excerpt from a play of literary merit featuring two or more characters portrayed by two competitors. The excerpt may be serious or humorous. An appropriate introduction in which both competitors participate equally must be originally written and delivered from memory. It is included in the time limit. This is not an acting event, so there are no costumes, props, lighting, etc. Direct physical contact between performers is prohibited. Focus is off-stage. Although an individual may enter two duos with different partners, each duo counts as one event slot and only one duo will count toward Pentathlon. The duo which counts toward Pentathlon must be identified to the Tab Room before the tournament begins or one will be selected by the Tournament Directors. Though it is often a convention, it is not necessary for this event to have a “teaser” to start the program. This is not a memorized event and the use of manuscripts is required. Ten minute maximum.
Declamation
Declamation is an oral interpretation event, the text being a public speech, historical or contemporary, thought to have merit as public address. Delivery, gesture, and movement ought to be appropriate for a public address with an emphasis on using these resources to both bring the speech to life and interpret it. As with other texts, the competitor may aim to offer an interpretation in line with the original rhetor’s intent or the competitor may aim to offer a new interpretation. The use of a manuscript is required. Eight to ten minute time limit.
Single Dramatic Interpretation
The program is an excerpt from a play of literary merit performed by a single competitor. The excerpt may be serious or humorous and may feature one or more characters. An appropriate introduction must be originally written and delivered from memory. It is included in the time limit. This is not an acting event, so there are no costumes, props, lighting, etc. Focus is off-stage. Though it is often a convention, it is not necessary for this event to have a “teaser” to start the program. This is not a memorized event and the use of manuscripts is required. Ten minute maximum.
Informative Speaking
This must be an original, non-persuasive, well researched speech on a topic of genuine significance. It must be the product of the competitor’s own thinking and designed to objectively inform the audience. Multiple sources must be used and appropriately cited in the speech. Presentation aids are permitted. Minimal notes are permitted. Ten minute maximum.
Persuasive Speaking
This must be an original, well-researched speech on a topic of genuine significance and with a genuine impact on the audience. It must be a product of the competitor’s own thinking and designed to shape, reinforce or change the beliefs, attitudes, values or behaviors of the audience. Multiple sources must be used and appropriately cited in the speech. Presentation aids are permitted. Minimal notes are permitted. Ten minute maximum.
After Dinner Speaking
This must be an original speech to entertain, organized around a central theme and designed to make a serious point through the use of humor. This is not a stand-up comedy routine, so the speech must not be simply a string of jokes. In addition, while the use of supporting material is permitted, sources should not be taken so seriously that the speech becomes merely an informative or persuasive speech with a few jokes attached. Presentation aids are permitted. Minimal notes are permitted. Ten minute maximum.
Communication Analysis
This must be an original speech designed to offer an explanation and/or evaluation of a communication event/artifact through rhetorical principles. The methodology must be clearly explained as part of the speech. Appropriate sources are expected and must be cited in the speech. A communication event/artifact may include a speech, speaker, movement, poem, poster, film, advertising campaign, etc. Presentation aids are permitted. Minimal notes are permitted. Ten minute maximum.
Extemporaneous Speaking
Speakers will choose a topic and will have 30 minutes to prepare, with the aid of research materials, but not the aid of colleagues or coaches, a five to seven minute speech that answers the question posed by that topic. Topics will be drawn from newsworthy events of the 60 days previous to the tournament. Notes are permitted.
Impromptu Speaking
Speakers will draw three topics, choose one and return the other two. They will then have seven minutes to divide between preparation and speaking time. Topics will be quotations that the speaker may interpret creatively. Notes are permitted.
Parliamentary Debate
Teams will debate extemporaneously on a range of resolutions (policy, value, quotations). In accordance with NPDA rules, after the topic is posted, teams have 15 minutes to prepare. Although not explicitly banned by NPDA rules, the norm at CFA tournaments, and therefore at this tournament, is for debaters to consult neither coaches nor printed materials during this period. The format is 7-8-8-8-4-5 with no preparation time. Points of order and personal privilege are permissible at any point and are addressed to and adjudicated by the judge. Points of information are permissible only during the four constructive speeches, and then not during the first and last minutes and not unless recognized by the debater speaking. Judges will be expected to award the decision to the team that persuaded them, with a recognition that persuasion is a product of both the argumentation and public speaking skill.
Lincoln-Douglas Debate
A one-person, persuasive, policy debate using traditional stock issues. It is a communication event, by which we mean the philosophy of the activity is consistent with that which governs other individual events. Competitors in Lincoln-Douglas will be evaluated on their analysis, use of evidence and ability to effectively and persuasively organize, deliver and refute arguments. Rapid-fire delivery, commonly called “spread delivery” or sometimes “machine gun delivery,” is considered antithetical to the purpose and intent of this event. Judges are expected to adhere to the judging paradigm published by the National Forensics Association.
Speeches should be pleasant, comprehensible and persuasive in tone, especially since not all judges will have traditional debate experience. Speech delivery and quantity of evidence should not be excessive. Since L-D debate adheres to the communication principles of individual events, judges are encouraged to give verbal warnings to debaters who are speaking too rapidly in a round. If a speaker does not heed the warning in that particular round, the judge is strongly encouraged to give that speaker a loss for that round even if the competitor has otherwise “won” the debate on the basis of the stock issues. If both debaters have received warnings about their rate of speaking, and if both debaters do not heed that warning, the judge is entitled to award a loss to both competitors. If the judge awards a loss or double loss on these grounds, then that must be clearly stated on the ballot. On the other hand, judges who encourage students to speak rapidly should be reported to the tournament director.
Format
| Affirmative Constructive | 6 minutes |
| Cross-Examination | 3 minutes |
| Negative Constructive | 7 minutes |
| Cross-Examination | 3 minutes |
| Affirmative Rebuttal | 6 minutes |
| Negative Rebuttal | 6 minutes |
| Affirmative Rejoinder | 3 minutes |
| Each debater’s prep time | 4 minutes |
