Rogue Valley Invitational at Crater High School Fall 2024
2024 — Central Point, OR/US
Novice Impromptu
Event Description:
13.9. Impromptu Speaking
13.9.1. 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
given speech only.
13.9.2. Topic Area. Choices that would include: One word, one philosophical phrase, one policy- oriented topic.
13.9.3. Procedures of the Contest
(a) Each contestant shall draw a topic slip containing three topics.
(b) Contestants may read aloud the topic chosen or may incorporate the topic statement into the speech.
(c) Contestants shall have a total of six continuous minutes of time to speak, with a 30-second period of
grace. No more than one minute of this allotment may be used for prep time.
(d) Notes, materials or previously prepared speech outlines shall not be allowed as the contestant speaks.
(e) Contestants are not allowed to hear the other speakers before them. After a contestant has spoken,
however, they may remain in the room to hear the speakers who follow.
13.9.4. Length. There is no minimum time limit; a maximum of six minutes with a 30-second period of grace is
allowed. A timekeeper shall use hand signals showing the time left in the speech: 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 1 / 2, 0.
An up to 60-second preparation period shall be counted as part of the speaking time.
Contestants who violate the time limit may receive a lower rank. No contestant may be penalized if a
stopwatch was not used for timing.