SPEECH
Speech Events:
Original Oratory
Extemporaneous Speech
National Extemporaneous (NX) and International Extemporaneous (IX) are 7 minute, spontaneous speech formats given on current political affairs. Students chose one of 3 questions presented to them, and are allowed 30 minutes preparation time. Students are allowed to reference articles and evidence gathered beforehand, but are not allowed access to the internet. The 7 minute speech is delivered purely from memory.
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Topics deal with United States politics in NX and international events in IX. This event is an opportunity for students to practice speaking on their feet and developing strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
Impromptu Speech
Original Oratory
Original Oratory (OO) is a 10 minute, original speech written by students, and delivered from memory. Students aim to factually persuade their audience on a topic of their choice. This event gives students an opportunity to speak their minds and voice their passion for a topic.
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Speeches are well written and incorporate evidence, logic, rhetorical appeals, and even humor. Topics can range from ideological persuasion, urging the individuals to adopt a certain value, to active persuasion, urging the audience to enact policies or solve problems in society.
Extemporaneous Speech
Impromptu Speech
Impromptu (IMP) is a 5 minute, spontaneous speech format, which tends to be a broader format in nature. Students chose one out of the 3 topics drawn, and are allowed only 2 minutes of preparation. The 5 minute speech is delivered purely from memory.
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Topics for IMP are varied and range from concrete nouns, quotations, famous people, nursery rhymes, current events, etc. The spontaneous and broad nature of this format allows students to polish creative thinking and communication skills. This event is a thought provoking opportunity for students to make meaning of a typically broad or abstract topic and elucidate their stance with limited preparation.