Othello
2025 — Othello, WA/US
Novice Informative Speaking
Event Description:
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The purpose of informative speech is to describe, clarify, explain and/or define an object, idea, concept, social institution or process. 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 optional. (See # 6 on Aids.)
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The responsibility for choosing a worthwhile topic rests with the contestant. The use of humor will not be penalized. Effective speeches provide new information or perspectives on a topic, including those that are widely known. A fabricated topic may not be used. Any non-factual reference, including a personal reference, must be so identified.
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The speech must be the original work of the speaker. No more than 150 words of quoted material and/or paraphrased material may be included in the speech. This speech may not have been used in forensic competition by the student prior to the current competitive season.
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The speech may be delivered extemporaneously, with or without the use of notes.
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The contestant will not be penalized for the use of notes or visual aids, unless they interfere with ability to communicate with the audience.
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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 local and state 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.. 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.
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Time limit: Maximum of ten (10) minutes. If the speaker goes over a 30-second grace period a judge may not award that contestant first place in the round. Judges who choose to time are to use accurate (stopwatch function) timing devices. No minimum time limit.