CBSR Individual Event Championships

2024 — San Bernardino, CA/US

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Original Advocacy

Event Description:

Original Advocacy (Disclaimer: In case of a conflict between this list and CHSSA Rules in effect for 2023-24, CHSSA rules take precedence.)

Rules: If a rule is violated, check the violation box on the ballot, but rank the contestant as you would without the violation. Any penalty will be assessed by tournament officials.

A. Any appropriate subject may be used, but topics are limited to public policy issues of a tangible nature for which the contestant must advocate a specific legislative and/or regulatory governmental action or remedy.

B. All legislative solutions must identify the specific agent of action.

C. Any non-factual reference, including a personal one, must be so identified.

D. No notes, visual/audio aids, or manuscripts shall be permitted; speeches must be delivered from memory.

E. The performance must begin and end from the center stage area. Contestants must remain in the staging area throughout the performance.

F. The speech shall be no longer than 10 minutes. Exceeding the time limit by more than 30 seconds (grace period) is a violation. There is no minimum time.

Guidelines for Judging: These are guidelines only, not rules; they should be used only when appropriate to the speech. Keep in mind that there is no requirement that a contestant must use a particular style of delivery. Please use the following questions to help you evaluate each contestant and rank the round.

Purpose: The primary purpose of advocacy is to persuade, motivate, and provide a tangible solution for a public policy issue.

Composition: Did the speech display effective writing? Was the speech organized clearly and easy to follow? Did the speech contain good reasoning and logic rather than shallow thinking and broad generalization? Did the speech contain evidence, examples, or expert opinions in support of ideas or conclusions?

Delivery: Did the speaker use effective oral presentation skills (volume, diction, speed of delivery)? Was the speaker poised, sincere and comfortable in delivery? Did the speaker use effective body language (gestures, facial expression, eye contact)? Did the speech exemplify the highest standards of language usage, style and vocabulary? Did the speaker avoid slang, poor grammar, and mispronunciations?

NO TIME SIGNALS - IF THE CONTESTANT GOES OVER 10 MINUTES AND 30 SECONDS, MARK THE VIOLATION AND ENTER THE ACTUAL TIME NEXT IN MINUTES AND SECONDS.