[ Up ] [ LD Judging ] [ Team Judging Instructions ] [ Individual Events Judging - Pattern A ] [ Individual Events Judging - Pattern B ]

I.  Original Oratory:

            The Speech is the original work of the contestant.  Any appropriate subject may be used, but the contestant must be truthful.  Non-factual references, especially personal experiences, should be identified as such.  Some direct quotation is allowed, but visual aids are not allowed. NOTE:  A solution is not required.  The maximum speaking time is 10 minutes.  Orations must be memorized in Varsity Division.

II.  Expository:

            This speech to inform should describe, clarify, illustrate, or define an object, idea, concept or process. A fabricated topic/speech may not be used.  Audio and/or visual aids are allowed, but not required.  No other person may be used as an aid.  Items of dress necessary to the presentation may be put on and removed during the course of the presentation.  The maximum speaking time is 10 minutes, including set up and removal.  The speech may be delivered from memory or from notes in both divisions.

III.  Humorous:

Selections must be chosen from published stories, plays, essays, or poems, which are humorous in nature, but not slapstick.  Title and author must be included in the memorized introduction.  Gestures and pantomime are acceptable, but should be used with restraint.  Students may add appropriate introductory and transitional materials, but they may not change the author’s intent.  The maximum speaking time is 10 minutes, including the introduction.  Presentations must be memorized at Varsity Division.  RULE CHANGE: Sitting, kneeling, and lying on the floor PERMITTED.  Furniture may NOT be used.

IV.  Thematic Interpretation:

The contestant is to present a program of literary works based upon a theme of his or her choice.  Each program will contain three or more separate selections from different published works.  Memorized introductory, explanatory and transitional material must include the author and title of each selection.  The contestant must hold a manuscript, but reading is optional.  The maximum speaking time is 10 minutes, including introduction. RULE CHANGE: Sitting, kneeling, and lying on the floor PERMITTED.  Furniture may NOT be used.

 

V.  Duo Interpretation:

Two contestants present a selection from published stories, plays, essays, or poems, Different pieces of literature may NOT be combined. The contestants, may not touch,and may not use props or costumes.  Contestants must use off-stage focus and may not make eye contact during the interpretation.  Maximum speaking time is 10 minutes. Presentations must be memorized at Varsity Division. RULE CHANGE: Sitting, kneeling, and lying on the floor PERMITTED.  Furniture may NOT be used.

 

VI.  Impromptu:

The contestants will enter the room one at a time and draw a slip of paper from the judge.  On the slip will be three topic choices.  The contestant must choose one of the three.  At the conclusion of the speech, the contestant MAY remain in the room to observe the other speakers.  After drawing, the contestant has TWO minutes to think prior to speaking.  The maximum time for the speech is five minutes.  There is no minimum time.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

1.     Compare the speakers to each other and give each a rank of First, Second, Third, Fourth, and so.

2.        In general, coaches are expected to make sure that contestants are following the rules of the event they have entered.  Evaluate a contestant’s performance.  Don’t police the event.

3.        The specific rules of each event are on the back of the ballot.  If you have a question, report to the judges’ station.  Please do not ask the students about the rules.

4.       Sign the ballot to make it official.  Return it to the judges’ room promptly.