Rogue Valley Invitational at Crater High School
2024 — Central Point, OR/US
Informative
Event Description:
13.7. Informative Speaking
13.7.1. Communication among judges during the round. Judges must make independent decisions. Judges shall
not discuss decisions with other judges prior to turning in ballots. Timekeepers may share the length of a
give speech only. If questions arise regarding the rules or conduct of an event, judges shall ask at Speech
State Championship headquarters.
13.7.2. Purpose. An informative speech is an original speech designed to explain, define, describe, or illustrate a
particular subject. The general purpose of the speech is for the audience to gain understanding and/or
knowledge of a topic. Any other purpose such as to entertain or to convince shall be secondary. The use
of audio/visual aids is options. (see 13.7.5 below).
13.7.3. Contest. This contest comprises only memorized speeches composed by the contestants and not used by
them during a previous contest season.
13.7.4. Subject. Effective speeches provide new information or perspectives on a topic, including those that are
widely known. The responsibility for choosing a worthwhile topic rests with the contestant. A fabricated
topic may not be use. Any non-factual reference, including a personal reference, must be identified.
13.7.5. Aids. Audio/visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. If used the
audio/visual aids should enhance or support the message rather than distract from the overall
effectiveness of the presentation. During the presentation, no electronic equipment is permitted,
electronic equipment is defined as any object requiring an electrical cord, battery, or solar power to
operate it (projectors, cell phones, radios, iPads, computers, etc.). The use of live animals or any additional
people as visual aids is not allowed during the speech. Items of dress put on and/or removed for
illustration during the course of the presentation are considered costumes and may not be part of the
contestant’s presentation. Visual aids may not violate policies as dictated by state or local law (weapons,
drugs, etc.). Contestants may not distribute items to the judges or audience before, during, or after the
round. This includes but is not limited to food, objects, handouts, flyers, and promotional merchandise.
The host school is not responsible for providing any facilities, equipment including tables, chairs, or easels
or assistance in a contestant’s use of visual aids. This provision is only for the final round. Expedient set
up and take down of aids is expected. If a visual aid displays published pictorial material, the source must
be included in the work cited page but does not need to be cited orally.
13.7.6. Length. The time limit is 10 minutes with a 30-second “grace period.” If there are multiple judges in the
round, all must agree that the student has gone beyond the grace period. Should a student go beyond the
grace period, the student may not be ranked first. There is no other prescribed penalty for going over the
grace period. The ranking is up to each individual judge’s discretion. Judges who choose to time are to
use accurate (stopwatch function) timing devices. No minimum time is mandated.
13.7.7. Quotation. Not more than 150 words of speech may be direct quotation and such quotations must be
identified orally and in a printed copy of the speech supplied prior to registration.
13.7.8. Re-Use. A student may not use an informative speech the student used in district or State competition in
any previous contest year.
13.7.9. Changing Speeches. The speech used at the District Tournament must also be used at the Speech State
Championships.
13.7.10. Manuscripts. A copy of the speech, including the bibliography, must be available if requested by the
Speech State Championship Director at the District or Speech State Championships. Failure to provide a
manuscript if requested may be used as a basis for disqualification from the tournament.