Northwest Speaking Bearcats - Forensics Team

Which categories of speech and debate can I compete in through Speaking Bearcats?

Communication Analysis

An original speech by the student designed to off an explanation and/or evaluation of a communication event such as speech, speaker, movement, poem, poster, film, campaign, ect. though the use of rhetorical principles. Audio-visual may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Manuscripts are permitted. Maximum time 10 minutes.

Extemporaneous Speaking

Contestants will be given three topics in the general area of current events, choose one, and have 30 minutes to prepare the speech. Students will speak in listed order since posting of topics will be staggered. Limited notes permitted. Maximum time for speech is 7 minutes.

Oratory/Persuasive Speaking

An original speech by the student designed to inspire, reinforce or change beliefs, attitudes, values or actions of the audience. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Multiple sources should be used and cited in the development of the speech. Notes are permitted. Maximum time is 10 minutes.

Informative Speaking

An original speech by the student designed to inform and educate the audience. Audiovisual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Multiple sources should be used and cited in the development of the speech. Minimal notes are permitted. Maximum time is 10 minutes.

Impromptu Speaking

An impromptu speech, serious in nature, with topic selections varied round and round, section by section. Topics will be of a proverb or cliché nature. Speakers will have a total of 7 minutes for both preparation and speaking. Timing commences with the acceptance of the topic sheet. Each speaker in a given section will choose to speak from one of the same two topics offered. Limited notes permitted.

Prose Interpretation

A selection or selections of prose material of literary merit, which may be drawn from more that one source. Play cuttings are prohibited. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time is 10 minutes.

After-Dinner Speaking

An original humorous speech by the student designed to exhibit sound speech composition, thematic coherence, direct communicative public speaking skills, and good taste. The speech should not resemble a night club act, an impersonation, or a comic dialogue. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Minimal note are permitted. Maximum time is 10 minutes.

Poetry Interpretation

A selection or selections of poetry of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source. Play cuttings are prohibited. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time is 10 minutes.

Dramatic Interpretation

A cutting which represents one or more characters from a play or plays of literary merit. The material may be drawn from the stage, screen, or radio. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time is 10 minutes.

Program of Oral Interpretation

A program of theoretically linked selections of literary merit chosen from two of the three recognized genres of competitive interpretation (poetry, prose, drama). A substantial portion of the total must be devoted to each of the two genres used in the program. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time 10 minutes.

Duo Interpretation

A cutting from a play, humorous or serious, involving the portrayal of two or more characters presented by two individuals. This material may be drawn from stage, screen, or radio. The is not an acting event, thus, no costumes, props, lighting, ect., are to be used. Presentation is from the manuscript and the focus should be off-stage and not to each other. Maximum time is 10 minutes.

NPDA (Debate)

Parliamentary debate is an audience-centered form of two-person debate. In each debate, two students will represent the government side (or the side supporting the resolution), while two students will represent the opposition side (or the side negating the resolution). Students are expected to present arguments supporting their side while refuting arguments of the other team. Parliamentary debate is base loosely on the British model of parliament, with a bit of American academic debate style (such as the specific "flowing" of arguments) thrown in.