Speech Recording Rules

Deadline

Coaches must submit a link to each entry's recording by November 9 at 11:55 p.m. CT or the entry will be dropped from the competition. 

Submitting Recording

On the "Entries" tab of the school's Tabroom.com registration, click on an entry's details and paste a link to the performance video where it says "Link to performance video" and save.

How to Record

Students may use any site they choose to record their video as long as the following rules are met. For example, students may record their performance on Zoom and upload it to YouTube as unlisted and then have their coach submit a link to that performance through the Tabroom.com registration site.

Time Limit for Recording

Recordings must be no longer than 10 minutes 30 seconds for DI, HI, DUO, POI, INFO, OO, and Pro/Con Challenge. Recordings for Prepared Mixed Extemp must be no longer than 7 minutes and 30 seconds. Time spent walking to and from the recording device is included within the time limit. Judges will be instructed to give a rank no higher than 1 for any recording over that limit.

Recording Rules

Competitors may not use green screens, virtual backdrops, on-screen text, or professional equipment enhancements such as professional lighting kits or professional grade camera recording and audio devices (including things like softboxes or using an auditorium’s lighting system) during their performance in any event.

Submissions or recordings may not be edited using any software; all submissions must be non-stop footage of the entire performance done through the permitted submission platform. The camera being used must remain stationary throughout the entire performance, and no zooming or panning is permitted.

Other individuals may be present while filming, but audience interaction (laughing, applause, etc.) must not be included in the performance. Competitors may determine how close or distant the camera is set up in order to maximize both verbal and nonverbal communication. If possible, it is recommended that students and judges remove items that may be distracting in the background. Backdrops of a solid color with no special markings may be used by competitors and judges.

Duo: Only split-screen Duo recordings will be accepted. Each partner must record their portion of the Duo from a different room (via a separate window) than their partner. Students may not record on two separate platforms and splice the videos together to be side by side, as that would constitute editing. Here's an example of a split-screen Duo recording.

There will be no audit of the uploads by NSDA staff; competitors must check that their recording’s video and audio is working prior to submission. If a competitor does not upload any file during the submission window, they will not be scheduled in the tournament and entry fees will not be refunded.