Pattern A Events

2023 Foley Pattern A Events

Individual Events Pattern A This pattern contains the standard Pattern A events (Informative Speaking, Dramatic Interpretation, Extemp and Dual Interpretation), along with, After Dinner speaking, John Clark Legal Argument, Radio Speaking, and Editorial Commentary. Students may enter up to two events in this pattern.

Informative Speech: The student shall deliver a speech, the purpose of which is to describe, clarify, explain and/or define an idea, concept or process. Audio or visual aids may be used, but are optional. The tournament will not provide special facilities or aids for the students. Notes are permitted. A maximum of 150 words may be quoted. The time limit for this event is 10 minutes with a 30 second grace period. WSFA and GSL rules will apply. Copies of these rules will be forwarded to any school upon request. [NITOC & TOC BID]

Dramatic Interpretation: The speaker shall interpret one or more selections, serious in nature, from published prose, poetry, drama, radio, television, or recordings. Selections must be cuttings from a single work of literature (one short story, play, or novel), as per NSDA rules. The presentation must be memorized. Students may not use props, makeup, or costumes. Physical movement is permitted insofar as it suggests characterization and limited singing is permissible. Title and authors must be presented. The time limit for this event is 10 minutes with a 30 second grace period. WSFA and GSL rules will apply. Copies of these rules will be forwarded to any school upon request. [NITOC & TOC BID]

Extemporaneous Speech: Competitors are given 30 minutes to prepare a 7 minute speech with a 30 second grace period. Topic areas are selected from current events. Students may use published books, magazines, newspapers, journals, and/or copies of articles to help them prepare their speeches. WSFA and GSL rules will apply. Copies of these rules will be forwarded to any school upon request. [NITOC & TOC BID]

Dual Interpretation: Two students shall interpret one or more selections, serious or comedic in nature, from published prose, poetry, drama, radio, television or recordings. Selections must be cuttings from a single work of literature (one short story, play, or novel), as per NSDA rules. Presentations must be memorized and students must maintain off stage focus. Students may not use props, makeup, or costumes. Physical movement is permitted insofar as it suggests characterization and limited singing is permissible. Title and authors must be presented. The time limit for this event is 10 minutes with a 30 second grace period. WSFA and GSL rules will apply. Copies of these rules will be forwarded to any school upon request. [NITOC & TOC BID]

After Dinner Speaking

Time: 4 - 6 minutes Time signals: not provided.

This event should imitate a banquet situation. The group (real or fictional) being addressed should be clear. The intent of ADS is to entertain, but the speaker must also develop an idea. Material presented must be original. Delivery may be through memorization or use of notes on one side of a 4 x 6 card, but a text may not be used. Emphasis should be placed on the concept of “speech.” While humorous quips and jokes are appropriate, they must have purpose and fit the occasion.

John Clark Legal Argument: Although the event is called “legal argument,” it encompasses both opening statements, which are expository in nature, and closing arguments, which are akin to persuasive oratories. The purpose of an opening statement is to preview what the evidence will show in a manner supportive of the proponent’s position – but in a non-argumentative fashion. This is usually done in a story fashion with introductory phrases such as “the evidence will show.” Closing argument “marshals the evidence” and argues it in a manner consistent with the proponent’s position. Visual aides may be used in both opening statements and closing arguments. Competitors may choose to deliver either an opening statement or a closing argument for either the prosecution or the defense. Speeches must be based on the facts stated in the hypothetical fact pattern. Washington State law applies and students are encouraged to research applicable legal issues. The hypothetical fact pattern is attached to this invitation along with copies of the applicable criminal statutes. (See Appendix) The time limit for this event is 8 minutes with a 30 second grace period. Judges will be given access to the hypothetical fact pattern. To the extent possible, the event will be judged by attorneys. Further information may be found on the website.

Radio Speaking: Time: 5:30-6:00 Time signals: not provided A radio speech is a prepared event that includes news stories, an original commercial of no fewer than 30 seconds, and a commentary about a subject covered in the news stories. The news stories presented must have taken place 30 days or less, prior to the tournament date. The commentary, which shall be an original editorial, reflecting the opinion of the contestant, should consume 1- 2 minutes of the total speech and be presented last. A hard copy of the original news story, including source citations must be available upon request. Speakers may time themselves, but may not have another person assist with timing.

Editorial Commentary: A scripted speech, which offers an analysis of, and commentary on, a contemporary news event. Speakers must read from manuscript and deliver from a sitting position. The time limit for this event is between 1:45 and 2:00 minutes. Students going under or over the time limit will be ranked one position lower than they would have been ranked had they been on time.