Event Rules and Restrictions

Event Rules:

• Original Oratory: Original Oratory (OO) students deliver a self-written, ten-minute speech on a topic of their choosing. Limited in their ability to quote words directly, Original Oratory (OO) competitors craft an argument using evidence, logic, and emotional appeals. Topics range widely, and may be informative or persuasive in nature. The speech is delivered from memory.

• Public Forum Debate: Public Forum (PF) involves opposing teams of two, debating a topic concerning a current event. Proceeding a coin toss, the winners choose which side to debate (PRO or CON) or which speaker position they prefer (1st or 2nd), and the other team receives the remaining option. Students present cases, engage in rebuttal and refutation, and also participate in a “crossfire” (similar to a cross-examination) with the opportunity to question the opposing team.

• World Schools Debate: World Schools Debate (WS) features a dynamic format that combines the concepts of “prepared” motions with “impromptu” motions, encouraging debaters to focus on specific issues rather than debate theory or procedural arguments. This highly interactive style of debate allows debaters to engage each other, even during speeches. The challenging format requires good teamwork and in-depth quality argumentation.

For more information on the events, please refer to the NSDA Competition and Events Guide.

Debate PF/WS:

• All debates will be held live on NSDA Campus.
  
  

• Public Forum and World Schools will be offered. No double entry is permitted.
  
  

• Each debate event will have two divisions: an open division that anyone can enter, and a rising stars division that is limited to any middle school competitor and any high school competitor in their first year of speech and debate competition.
  
  

• All rounds will be preliminary rounds and preset.
  
  

Speech:

• Original Oratory will be offered as a live speaking event.
  
  

• Original Oratory will have two divisions: an open division that anyone can enter, and a rising stars division that is limited to any middle school competitor and any high school competitor in their first year of speech and debate competition.
  
  

• No double entry is permitted.  Students may only compete in one event offered.
  
  

• Live speech will be held on NSDA Campus.
  
  

• Divisions may be collapsed on March 14th if needed due to low entry numbers.