Pike School Fall Into Speech
2026 — Andover, MA/US
Novice Free Verse - Poetry
Event Description:
Interpretation of Free Verse / Poetry: A readily accessible selection of poetry or song lyrics; rhyming or not, delivered by a single performer from a required text (either from a single poem or a collection of poems, frequently referred to as a program). Poems combined in a program should be unified by some central element (e.g. author, subject, style or form). Poems or programs may feature rhyme, blank or free verse. Students should strive to bring the material to life using voice, facial expressions, body and gestures. Students are required to provide brief introductory remarks at some point, which must at least identify the title(s) and author of the work(s).
Time limit: 7 minutes with a 30 second grace period. Students who speak beyond the time limit plus the grace period may not be ranked 1st. Judges should offer to provide visual time signals.
This event may contain presentations which include potentially sensitive subject matter (e.g.
violence, abuse, substance use) and if so, a student is expected to provide a Content Warning before
beginning their speech. After a content warning, the opportunity to leave the room for the duration
of that presentation will be provided to all audience members.