Events

Interpretation: Do you like to act?

·        Dramatic Interpretation

·        Humorous Interpretation

·        Duo Interpretation

Students perform a cutting from a work of literature, such as a novel, short story, play, or poetry.  Individual/solo performance is divided by dramatic (serious) or humorous (comedic) performance material, and duo/paired performance may draw from any temperament of literature.  Students in any interpretive even may perform single or multiple characterizations, and must do so from memory and without props or costumes.  Interpretive events allow students to explore universal themes of humanity, including relationships and personal struggles, and bring those to life through performance.

Public Address: Do you like current events?

·        Original Oratory

o   Speakers develop an original speech on a topic of their choice.  Orators are expected to research and speak intelligently, to be original and interesting, and to consider the needs of the audience.

·        Extemporaneous Speaking

o   Speakers have 30 minutes to prepare a speech that responds to a specific question about current events.  Speakers support their arguments using electronic or print files of current periodicals (such as newspapers, magazines, books, and other reference sources).  The NFL divides this event into two divisions, International and United States (foreign and domestic), which describes the nature of the questions asked of students.

Debate: Do you like to argue?

·        Policy Debate (aka CX Debate)

o   Debates work in pairs to address a yearly topic, either by proposing a plan or refuting the proposal.  Argumentation includes a constructive case, cross-examination, and refutation.

·        Public Forum Debate

o   Debaters work in pairs to debate timely and controversial monthly topics.  Public Forum tests skills in argumentation, cross-examination, refutation, and audience adaptation.

·        Lincoln-Douglas Debate

o   Individual debaters uphold each side of a value resolution drawn from a bi-monthly topic.  The debate focuses on clash of ideas to a persuasive conclusion.

·        Congressional Debate

o   Individual debaters model the legislative process of the U.S. Congress in a group setting.  Students write legislation, decide what to discuss, debate the merits and disadvantages of each, and vote to pass or defeat the measures they have examined.