Big 8 Forensics Conference Tournament

2021 — Online, WI/US

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Special Occasion Speaking

Event Description:

Purpose of the Category

To develop skills related to adapting oral presentations to specific situational demands.

Definition of the Category

The challenge to the speaker is to make an appropriate presentation that responds to the constraints of the occasion, including the probable audience. In considering the "appropriateness" of the speaker's work attention will be paid to the purpose the speaker chooses, the position taken, the content, organization and general stylistic tone, and the manner of delivery. It is possible that a speech may pursue more than one of the standard general purposes of informing, persuading, and entertaining.

Rules

1. The participant must choose one of the annually presented topics to develop and present an appropriate original speech. Situations for 2020-2021 are:

A. A new product launch announcement

B. A rally speech focused on a cause/issue

C. A speech arguing against school program budget cuts

D. A eulogy for a political figure

2. Prior to the presentation, the participant is to briefly announce which of the above situations has been chosen. This announcement is not considered part of the presentation on which the student will be evaluated.

3. Visual supporting materials may be used, but not worn. Electronic devices may not be used as a visual aid.

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

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

6. 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 apparent specific purpose was appropriate to the occasion.

2. The extent to which the content and organization of the speech fulfilled the speaker’s purpose.

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 chosen occasion, including such items as articulation, pronunciation, volume, rate, pitch and voice quality.

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