EVENT GUIDELINES
INTERPRETIVE READING
1. Each participant will read a passage of prose or poetry (or a selection of poems), serious or humorous, and of literary merit.
2. The use of facial expressions and gestures is encouraged as the competitor feels appropriate but should not distract from the primary emphasis.
3. No props may be used.
4. Each speech should be 10 minutes, including a brief introduction of 30 to 60 seconds. There will be a grace period of 3 minutes on either side. The introduction should give background of the author and work, and some indication of the particular interest or appeal of the selection.
5. A time penalty of 10 points will be assessed for going under 7 minutes or over 13 minutes.
6. Salutation is optional.
IMPROMPTU SPEAKING
1. Each speaker will choose one of three topics, which may be a word, a question or a phrase---anything not related to current events. He/She will speak on it without the use of notes. Wit, humor, philosophy, sentiment or absurdity are all equally welcome. Judges will be looking for some agility and, above all, for the ability of each speaker to communicate with style and originality.
2. Each speaker will have 2 minutes to prepare, Competitors may sit or stand while preparing, and may make notes, although these may not be used during the speech.
3. Each speaker will have 3 to 5 minutes to speak with 15 seconds grace.
4. A time penalty of 10 points will be assessed for going under 2 minutes forty-five seconds or over 5 minutes 15 seconds.
AFTER-DINNER SPEAKING
1. Each speaker must deliver an address that is designed to entertain as well as to inform.
2. Notes must be limited to one card, and should be used as little as possible.
3. The speaker may choose to address an imaginary, identifiable audience. No props may be used.
4. The speech should be 5 minutes long with a one minute grace period.
5. A time penalty of 10 points will be assessed for going under 4 minutes or over 6 minutes.
6. Salutation is optional.
PERSUASIVE SPEAKING
1. This speech is designed to persuade and must be on a serious topic.
2. A problem/solution approach must be taken.
3. Speeches should be prepared beforehand and should be from 7 to 13 minutes in length with a 3 minute grace period on either side.
4. Props may not be used. If notes are used, only a single index card is allowed.
5. There will be a time penalty of 10 points for speeches under 7 minutes and speeches over 13.
6. Salutation is optional.