Big 8 Forensics Conference Tournament

2021 — Online, WI/US

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Moments in History

Event Description:

Purpose of the Category

To develop skills in research and speaking related to an historical focus.

Definition of the Category

The challenge to the speaker is to select and explore an historical topic within the limits presented each year. Students may consider (but are not limited to) using the following areas of research: archival records, diaries, personal interviews, letters, newspapers, etc. The speaker is to use this research information to compose and present a well-organized, informative speech. This is an original informative speech category, and not an acting category.

Rules

1. The speech must be the original work of the participant, and the topic chosen must conform to the annual focus and guidelines. The topic (person, event, trend, etc.) need not have been well publicized. The 2020-21 season has two time periods; each student has the choice of: 1600-1699 and / or 1920-1929 Students may select a topic that focuses on any region of the world during the time period. Possible areas of consideration may include, but are not limited to: historic sites/monuments, natural disasters, inventions, medicine, arts and entertainment, education, military activity, ethnology/legends/folklore, geography, politics, fashion and fads, transportation, sports, religion, heroes, villains, and personalities.

2. Visual supporting materials may be used, but not worn. Electronic devices may not be used.

3. Notes are permitted but limited to both sides of one 4" x 6" card. Use of a notecard is subject to critique.

4. Vocal music, if used, should be incidental and not overwhelm the presentation.

5. Maximum time limit: 6 minutes, with an allowable 15-second grace period. There is no minimum time requirement. Any entry exceeding the grace period may not be ranked first in the round. If all entries in a round exceed the grace period, no first rank shall be given in that round.

Criteria for Evaluation

1. The extent to which the speech was clearly informative and well researched.

2. The extent to which the organization of the speech was characterized by an objective presentation of accurate, well-developed, and unified information.

3. The extent to which the presentation reflected effective language skills, including such items as use of transitions and clear, vivid, and appropriate word choices. Individual judges may lower the rank due to use of profanity or vulgarity.

4. The extent to which the vocal presentation was clear and appropriate to the subject, including such items as articulation, pronunciation, volume, rate, pitch, and voice quality.

5. The extent to which the speaker's physical presence contributed to the clarity and effectiveness of the presentation, including such items as the use of note card, any visual materials, facial expression, eye contact, gestures, and bodily movement.