Event Descriptions

Events

Bettendorf will offer the following MS events.  Note: This year we are working exclusively with National Junior Forensic League (NJFL) events.  Please read the event description carefully to ensure your students are preparing correctly.

The best place to get full information on any of these events is the National Speech and Debate Association’s website.  They have updated their page with excellent information on all events.  You can find that information here:

http://www.speechanddebate.org/competitionevents

 Speech Events

 Dramatic Interpretation – This event will mirror the HS event of the same name and follow all NJFL guidelines from the Event Guide.  The following guidelines will apply:

 ü  One person acting out a dramatic selection

ü  Scripts allowed but not required

ü  No props or costumes

ü  Students should stand side by side but may not face one another- should create a focal point to act to

ü  No physical contact allowed between the two performers

ü  8-10 minutes in length

ü  Students should not use scripts they entered in previous years

ü  Judged on technique and acting ability

ü  May double-enter in another Speech event, if desired

Duo Interpretation – This event will mirror the HS event of the same name and follow all NJFL guidelines from the Event Guide.  The following guidelines will apply:

 ü  Two people act out a selection

ü  Scripts allowed but not required

ü  No props or costumes

ü  Students should stand side by side but may not face one another- should create a focal point to act to

ü  No physical contact allowed between the two performers

ü  8-10 minutes in length

ü  Students should not use scripts they entered in previous years

ü  Judged on technique and acting ability

ü  May not enter two Duo’s

Extemporaneous Speaking – This event will mirror the HS event of the same name and follow all NJFL guidelines from the Event Guide.  However, Extemp questions will be provided in advance of the tournament.  The following guidelines apply:

 ü  Research should be completed prior to tournament; no internet access is allowed during preparation time

ü  No pre-written speeches

ü  30 minutes of preparation time

ü  5-7 minute informative or persuasive speech

ü  Speech should include an introduction, 2-4 main ideas, and a conclusion

ü  Sources should be quoted within the speech

ü  Notecards allowed, but not required

ü  Judged on content, delivery, and organization

ü  May double-enter in another Speech event, if desired 

Humorous Interpretation – This event will mirror the HS event of the same name and follow all NJFL guidelines from the Event Guide.  The following guidelines will apply:

 ü  One person acting out a humorous selection

ü  Scripts allowed but not required

ü  No props or costumes

ü  Students should stand side by side but may not face one another- should create a focal point to act to

ü  No physical contact allowed between the two performers

ü  8-10 minutes in length

ü  Students should not use scripts they entered in previous years

ü  Judged on technique and acting ability

ü  May double-enter in another Speech event, if desired

Poetry / Prose – This event is offered through the National organization as separate events, Prose and Poetry.  We will allow students the choice to pick one or the other, but the event will be combined for MS rounds.  The following guidelines apply:

ü  Read a selection of poetry OR prose 

ü  6 - 8 minutes

ü  Scripts required

ü  Students should not use selections that they entered last year

ü  Judged on storytelling ability

ü  May double-enter in another Speech event, if desired

Original Oratory – This event will mirror the HS event of the same name and follow all NJFL guidelines from the Event Guide.  The following guidelines will apply:

ü  Write a persuasive speech

ü  8-10 minutes in length

ü  Notes allowed, but not required

ü  Students should not use speeches that they entered in previous years

ü  Judged on content, clarity, and speaking style

ü  May double-enter in another Speech event, if desired

Debate Events

 Lincoln-Douglas Debate – This event will mirror the HS event of the same name and follow all NJFL guidelines from the Event Guide.  The following guidelines will apply:

ü  Single person debate event

ü  Must prepare arguments for both sides of the issue

ü  Evidence is needed

ü  Time structure will follow the same rules as HS event

Policy Debate – This event will mirror the HS event of the same name and follow all NJFL guidelines from the Event Guide.  The following guidelines will apply:

ü  Two debaters per team – no “maverick” teams

ü  Must prepare arguments for both sides of the issue

ü  Evidence is needed 

ü  Time structure will be slightly modified from HS.  Here's what we'll be using:

UPDATE:  We'll be using the following modified time limits:

6 min 1AC

2 min CX

6 min 1NC

2 min CX

6 min 2AC

2 min CX

6 min 2NC

2 min CX

4 min 1NR

4 min 1AR

4 min 2NR

4 min 2AR 

6 min PREP

Public Forum Debate – This event will mirror the HS event of the same name and follow all NJFL guidelines from the Event Guide.  The following guidelines will apply:

ü  Two debaters per team – no “maverick” teams

ü  Must prepare arguments for both sides of the issue

ü  Evidence is needed 

ü  Time structure will follow the same rules as HS event