This document provides an overview of various speech and debate events including impromptu speaking, extemporaneous speaking, interpretation events, and original events. It describes the preparation time, speaking time, structure, and topics for each event. For events like impromptu and extemporaneous speaking, it offers tips on how to prepare and strategies to use during the preparation period. The document aims to inform students about the different speech and debate competition categories.

1. Speech EventsMira Loma Speech and Debate

2. Impromptu

3. OverviewPreparation time: 2 minutesSpeaking time: 5 minutesSuggested Structure:Introduction (30 seconds)3 Body paragraphs (4 minutes)Conclusion (30 seconds)Topics: Words, Quotes, QuestionsWheelsClouds“Nobility is not a birthright. It is defined by one’s actions.” – Robin Hood“We’re gonna need a bigger boat.” – Jaws

4. How To PrepareThink of potential ideas beforehand. Refrain, however, from canning (pre-planning) your speeches. PRACTICE! During the two-minute preparation time: 1. Memorize the quote2. Think of three ideas3. Tie in your intro and conclusion

5. National and International Extemporaneous Speaking

6. OverviewPreparation time: 30 minutesSpeaking Time: 7 minutesAbout: National and International Extemp are two different events. The speeches require an immense amount of current events knowledge.Examples of Questions: National: “What should Obama do to combat unemployment?”International: “Is there hope for Afghanistan’s economy?”

7. How to PrepareRESEARCHRead a variety of newspapers and magazines (The Economist, Newsweek, Business week, TIME, Wall Street Journal, Foreign Affairs, etc.)Help make the team extemp box (a box filled with files containing articles from various sources)During Preparation Time:Consult articles from the team extemp box to help you prepare your speech. Create a detailed outline and memorize your sources so that you can cite them during your speech.

8. INTERPRETATION EVENTS

9. OverviewTime: 10 minutesProcedure: Use a piece from any published material (usually books). A main component of the presentation is the cutting of the script. After finding a book, it is important weave certain parts of it together to form a script.Types: Humorous, Duo, Dramatic, Thematic, and Oratorical

10. Humorous InterpretationFunny; scripts chosen usually are of inherently humorous nature - Usually includes a multitude of characters, similar to a one-man show. (Do not confuse this event with stand-up comedy)Voices and movement are especially important. Judges look for apt characterization.

11. Duo Interpretation- Two-person eventCan be humorous, dramatic, or neither- Scripts chosen are wide-ranging, but most include at least traces of humorCannot look at or touch your partner.

12. Dramatic InterpretationScripts are dramatic and should pertain to serious issues of society.Ranges from including a small number of characters to a large number of characters.Movement and voices should be distinct for different characters.

13. Thematic InterpretationCan be funny, dramatic, or neitherMultiple scripts are selected (3 or more) and a universal theme is extracted from each and stressed throughout the performanceThe mechanics of a thematic interpretation are completely up to the performerNOT recognized by the National Forensics League, but is recognized by the California High School Speech Association. You cannot attend nationals in this event, but you can attend states in it.

14. Oratorical InterpretationOne-person event, based on a famous, previously performed, oratoryScripts chosen are usually historical speeches (presidential speeches, commencement speeches, etc.)Very good introductory speech event, quite popular among younger members of speech and debateNOT recognized by the National Forensics League, but is recognized by the California High School Speech Association. You cannot attend nationals in this event, but you can attend states in it.

15. Original Events

16. OverviewLength: 10 minutesThese scripts are created by the speaker and unlike interps, are not obtained through previously published material. Events: Original Oratory, Expository, Original Advocacy, and Original Prose and Poetry

17. Original OratoryShould make an argument regarding a relatively trivial issue. Can by humorous or dramatic; most scripts include a little bit of bothExamples of topics: Importance of telling the truth, Importance of eating healthy, Negative effects of obesity, etc.Structure: Should start with an attention-getter and support position with evidence

18. ExpositoryThis event is unique because it allows for the use of props.This speech should not persuade the audience, but simply inform and entertain.Examples of Topics: Reading, Mars, Memory, PerceptionNOT recognized by the National Forensics League, but is recognized by the California High School Speech Association. You cannot attend nationals in this event, but you can attend states in it.

19. Original AdvocacyPersuasive speechStructure: find a problem, explain why we should be concerned with it, present a solution in the form of proposed legislation, and explain why this legislation is the best solution.Example Topics: American foreign policy, economic crisis, poverty. The judging is usually based on content, persuasiveness, and delivery.NOT recognized by the National Forensics League, but is recognized by the California High School Speech Association. You cannot attend nationals in this event, but you can attend states in it.

20. Original Prose and PoetryOne of the most creative events.Competitors have a lot of freedom in determining potential topics. Topics range from traditional poetry to humorous depictions. Highly recommended for students who love to write. NOT recognized by the National Forensics League, but is recognized by the California High School Speech Association. You cannot attend nationals in this event, but you can attend states in it.