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. If questions arise regarding the rules or conduct of an event, judges shall ask at tournament headquarters.

Subject. The speech shall be an original news commentary dealing with current events of the current school year.

Scripts. The script is to be an analysis of news, not simply a running synopsis of news. It is to be original and written by the contestant. A copy of the manuscript, including the bibliography, must be available if requested by the Speech State Championships 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 Speech State Championships.

Quoted Material. The speaker may use no more than seventy‐five quoted words including all short words such as "a", "an", "the", etc.

Length. The script should be timed to end between 4:45 and 5:15 minutes. Any speaker ending before 4:45 minutes or after 5:15 minutes shall be disqualified. No contestant may be disqualified if a stopwatch was not used for timing.

Procedure. Contestants shall be out of sight of the judges. The script is to be read from a manuscript or printed page, and not committed to memory. It is not to be acted nor highly dramatized.

Changing Speeches. The radio speech used at the District Tournament must also be used at the Speech State Championships.

Bibliography. The script must include a bibliography of no fewer than two sources.