Massachusetts Speech and Debate League Events
Children's Literature
This event requires the use of a manuscript. The student should present material designed to read to children so that it may be understood and appreciated by a young child or children. (Note: This does not mean the literature must fall under nursery level only). The selection must be from a single published fictional or non-fictional story, play, a single poem or a program of poetry. Material from more than one source is not allowed, with the exception of programs of poetry. The author’s words as published in the literature may not be altered for this presentation with the exception that cutting is permitted. Speakers may not take lines belonging to one character and apply them to a different character in the performance. The presentation should include an introduction that cites the name(s) of the piece(s) and the author(s). No costumes or props may be used in the presentation.
Time: 10 minute maximum, including introduction (30 second grace); no minimum
Declamation
Declamation is a memorized event in which the student delivers a speech written by some other person. The speech must have been presented as a public address and found in print, on video, DVD or on an audio recording. Speeches that have been used only for forensic competition are not acceptable, even if they can be found in print. The presentation should include an introduction that provides the title of the speech and the author, and should include relevant information about the theme and date of the oration or its historical significance. Dialects of the original speaker need not be mimicked. No scripts, costumes, or props may be used in the presentation.
Time: 10 minute maximum, including introduction (30 second grace); no minimum
Dramatic Performance
This is a memorized event in which the student presents a selection of literature. The presentation should include an introduction that cites the name of the piece and the author, and should develop the narrative and/or character(s) via vocal and physical techniques. Neither monologues nor works with multiple characters are inherently better. The selection must be from a single published play, a fictional or non- fictional work, or a poem. Material from more than one author is not allowed. The author’s words as published in the literature may not be altered for this presentation with the exception that cutting is permitted. Speakers may not take lines belonging to one character and apply them to a different character in the performance. No scripts, costumes, or props may be used in the presentation.
Time: 10 minute maximum, including introduction (30 second grace); no minimum
Duo Interpretation
This is a memorized event in which the students present a selection of literature. The presentation should include an introduction that cites the name of the piece and the author, and should develop the narrative and/or character(s) via vocal and physical techniques. Neither monologues nor works with multiple characters are inherently better. The selection must be from a single published play, a fictional or non- fictional work, or a poem. Material from more than one author is not allowed. The author’s words as published in the literature may not be altered for this presentation with the exception that cutting is permitted. Speakers may not take lines belonging to one character and apply them to a different character in the performance. No scripts, costumes, or props may be used in the presentation.
Time: 10 minute maximum, including introduction (30 second grace); no minimum
Extemporaneous Speaking
In a prep room, the students will draw three topics of current interest; the student must pick one to prepare for a presentation. In the prep room, the students will have a 30-minute preparation period during which evidence may be used to put together the presentation. After the preparation period, the student should deliver a speech to be evaluated for content and delivery. A single note-card with no more than 50 written words is permitted. If a note-card is to be used, the judge must review it prior to the presentation. Any note-card violation should be brought to the attention of the prep room coordinator prior to the speech; or, the student may choose to proceed without the use of the note-card. The topic slip must be presented to the judge in the round. No visual aids are allowed. Students must cite facts and analysis from source material accurately and in keeping with the author’s intent.
Time: 7 minute maximum (30 second grace); no minimum
Group Discussion
Group Discussion is an event in which students discuss and argue a topic set at the beginning of the round. The topics will present an issue, designed to introduce a variety of conflicting opinions. Students will be given the generic nature of the issue in the invitation, with a specific focus to be discussed at the start of the round. Students should research the topic in advance and may bring notes and outside resources into the competition. After the topic is revealed, students will be given 5 minutes to formulate their argument, draw for speaking order, and then each shall be given 2 minutes to deliver an opening statement. Then an open discussion period of up to 15 minutes shall follow in which the issue is discussed and criteria for a resolution or recommendation are established, followed by another period of open discussion of up to 15 minutes to present and discuss possible solutions that meet those criteria. The students will then have 1 minute to prepare their final arguments and 2 minutes to present their final argument in the reverse order of their opening.
Impromptu
On the speaker’s turn, he/she will select three topics from an envelope (or other such container), choosing one of them to perform. After the choice is made, the judge begins to time the event. The contestant has a total of 6 minutes to prepare and deliver his/her presentation. The time may be divided up as the contestant chooses. (Ex: 2 minutes prep, 4 minutes speaking). No outside materials, notes, props or costumes shall be used during presentation. A student has the option of using up to one 3”x5” index card of notes created during the preparation period. Impromptu topics may include proverbs, words, events, quotations or famous people.
Time: No minimum time, but the contestant must cover the subject adequately, 6 min. max., 30 second grace period
Informative Speaking
Students deliver a self-written speech on a topic of their choosing. Limited in their ability to quote words directly (150 words maximum), Informative Speaking competitors craft a speech using evidence, logic, and optional visual aids. All topics must be informative in nature; the goal is to educate, not to advocate. The speech is memorized. Time: 10 minute maximum, including introduction (30 second grace); no minimum.
Multiple Reading
This event requires the use of a manuscript; students may speak or sing lines of text only if they are holding a manuscript. A group of 3-8 students will present a scene or scenes from published material (play(s), work(s) of prose, and/or work(s) of poetry). The material must be found in printed literature and may be either serious or humorous in nature. The students may use vocal skills, facial expressions, and/or hand gestures to develop a narrator and character/s; however, the focus of the performers should be off-stage. The students may only make eye contact during their own written introduction. Similarly, except during the introduction, students may not touch each other nor may they touch the binders of other students. If lines from the selection are used in the introduction, the contestants must adhere to the rules of the event. The presentation should include an introduction that cites the name(s) of all piece(s) and the author(s). The cutting should provide a cohesive scene or storyline (containing a definite beginning, middle and end). Speakers may not take lines belonging to one character and apply them to a different character in the performance. Theatrical props and costumes are prohibited, with the exception of reader's stands, chairs, tables or stools. Furniture may be simultaneously moved by more than one student, but if used as a hand prop, no more than one student may touch furniture at one time. Students are prohibited from placing chairs or stools on top of tables. Teams must provide any/all of their own furniture.
Time: 12 minute maximum, including introduction (30 second grace); no minimum
Novice Extemporaneous Speaking
Same as Extemporaneous Speaking. Limited to first year forensic competitors only.
Original Oratory
Oratory is a memorized event in which the student presents original thought and commentary on a topic of his/her choice. Generally, but not always, the speech is of a persuasive nature. A maximum of 150 directly quoted words is allowed in the oration. Students must use their own work, and may not copy the same speech or substantial sections of the same speech as another contestant. Students in Original Oratory are responsible for the accuracy of citations of evidence. Students must cite facts and analysis from source material accurately and in keeping with the author’s intent. Judges may request to see original copies of the sources cited, and bring discrepancies to the attention of the tournament director
Time: 10 minute maximum, including introduction (30 second grace); no minimum
Play Reading
This event requires the use of a manuscript. The material may be either serious or humorous in nature. The presentation should include an introduction that cites the name of the piece and the author. The selection must be from a single published play. Material from more than one source is not allowed. The author’s words as published in the play may not be altered for this presentation with the exception that cutting is permitted. Speakers may not take lines belonging to one character and apply them to a different character in the performance. No costumes or props may be used in the presentation.
Time: 10 minute maximum, including introduction (30 second grace); no minimum
Poetry Reading
This event requires the use of a manuscript. The student will present material chosen from published poetry. Students may present either a single, long poem or a program of several shorter poems connected either by theme or by author. The presentation should include an introduction that cites the name of the piece(s) and the author(s). The poetry need not have a rhyming pattern. Free verse poetry is acceptable in this event. Verse dramas such as For Colored Girls . . ., including the plays of Shakespeare, are not classified as poetry. Speakers may not take lines belonging to one character and apply the to a different character in the performance. No costumes or props may be used in the presentation.
Time: 10 minute maximum, including introduction (30 second grace); no minimum
Program Oral Interpretation
Using a combination of Prose, Poetry, and Drama, students construct a program using at least two out of the three genres. With a spotlight on argumentation and performative range, Program Oral Interpretation focuses on a student’s ability to combine multiple genres of literature centered around a single theme. Competitors are expected to portray multiple characters. No props or costumes may be used including the manuscript. Performances also include an introduction written by the student to contextualize the performance and state the titles and authors used in the program. Time: 10 minute maximum, including introduction (30 second grace); no minimum.
Prose Reading
This event requires the use of a manuscript. The student will present material chosen from a single published short story, novel, or essay, fictional or non-fictional. The material may be either serious or humorous in nature. Material from more than one source is not allowed, The presentation should include an introduction that cites the name of the piece and the author. Speakers may not take lines belonging to one character and apply them to a different character in the performance. No costumes or props may be used in the presentation.
Time: 10 minute maximum, including introduction (30 second grace); no minimum
Radio Broadcasting
Radio Broadcasting is a public address event in which a student presents a classic, "top-of-the-hour" news broadcast in the voice of a single professional broadcaster. In this event, each student will receive a packet of news-copy or a newspaper. The student will report to a preparation room where s/he will have 30 minutes to select and organize the material into a 5-minute radio news broadcast. Judges will listen (not watch) the presentation. Throughout the broadcast, the timekeeper or judge will keep the student informed of time. Students may use minimal introductory remarks and transitional material. Advertising, including sponsorship taglines, is not allowed even if it is included in the copy provided by the tournament staff.
Time: 5 minute maximum (5 second grace over or under-time.)
Student Congress
In this event, students simulate a working House of Representatives or Senate of the US Congress. Students debate legislation they have written, conduct the rules and regulations of the chambers, and vote on enacting bills and resolutions. Students do not pretend to be members of the real US Congress, but instead speak for themselves and debate their own viewpoints. Students should debate the issues with eloquence and strong analysis and research on the legislation, as well as answering and countering the arguments of the opposing side where appropriate. Students should also conduct themselves fairly and responsibly in the workings of the chamber, and may be penalized for inappropriate or disruptive actions therein. The Student Congress will be run under the direction of a league official called the Parliamentarian. The Congress Chair will maintain guidelines and rules of conduct for the Student Congress.
This event requires the use of a manuscript. The student should present material designed to read to children so that it may be understood and appreciated by a young child or children. (Note: This does not mean the literature must fall under nursery level only). The selection must be from a single published fictional or non-fictional story, play, a single poem or a program of poetry. Material from more than one source is not allowed, with the exception of programs of poetry. The author’s words as published in the literature may not be altered for this presentation with the exception that cutting is permitted. Speakers may not take lines belonging to one character and apply them to a different character in the performance. The presentation should include an introduction that cites the name(s) of the piece(s) and the author(s). No costumes or props may be used in the presentation.
Time: 10 minute maximum, including introduction (30 second grace); no minimum
Declamation
Declamation is a memorized event in which the student delivers a speech written by some other person. The speech must have been presented as a public address and found in print, on video, DVD or on an audio recording. Speeches that have been used only for forensic competition are not acceptable, even if they can be found in print. The presentation should include an introduction that provides the title of the speech and the author, and should include relevant information about the theme and date of the oration or its historical significance. Dialects of the original speaker need not be mimicked. No scripts, costumes, or props may be used in the presentation.
Time: 10 minute maximum, including introduction (30 second grace); no minimum
Dramatic Performance
This is a memorized event in which the student presents a selection of literature. The presentation should include an introduction that cites the name of the piece and the author, and should develop the narrative and/or character(s) via vocal and physical techniques. Neither monologues nor works with multiple characters are inherently better. The selection must be from a single published play, a fictional or non- fictional work, or a poem. Material from more than one author is not allowed. The author’s words as published in the literature may not be altered for this presentation with the exception that cutting is permitted. Speakers may not take lines belonging to one character and apply them to a different character in the performance. No scripts, costumes, or props may be used in the presentation.
Time: 10 minute maximum, including introduction (30 second grace); no minimum
Duo Interpretation
This is a memorized event in which the students present a selection of literature. The presentation should include an introduction that cites the name of the piece and the author, and should develop the narrative and/or character(s) via vocal and physical techniques. Neither monologues nor works with multiple characters are inherently better. The selection must be from a single published play, a fictional or non- fictional work, or a poem. Material from more than one author is not allowed. The author’s words as published in the literature may not be altered for this presentation with the exception that cutting is permitted. Speakers may not take lines belonging to one character and apply them to a different character in the performance. No scripts, costumes, or props may be used in the presentation.
Time: 10 minute maximum, including introduction (30 second grace); no minimum
Extemporaneous Speaking
In a prep room, the students will draw three topics of current interest; the student must pick one to prepare for a presentation. In the prep room, the students will have a 30-minute preparation period during which evidence may be used to put together the presentation. After the preparation period, the student should deliver a speech to be evaluated for content and delivery. A single note-card with no more than 50 written words is permitted. If a note-card is to be used, the judge must review it prior to the presentation. Any note-card violation should be brought to the attention of the prep room coordinator prior to the speech; or, the student may choose to proceed without the use of the note-card. The topic slip must be presented to the judge in the round. No visual aids are allowed. Students must cite facts and analysis from source material accurately and in keeping with the author’s intent.
Time: 7 minute maximum (30 second grace); no minimum
Group Discussion
Group Discussion is an event in which students discuss and argue a topic set at the beginning of the round. The topics will present an issue, designed to introduce a variety of conflicting opinions. Students will be given the generic nature of the issue in the invitation, with a specific focus to be discussed at the start of the round. Students should research the topic in advance and may bring notes and outside resources into the competition. After the topic is revealed, students will be given 5 minutes to formulate their argument, draw for speaking order, and then each shall be given 2 minutes to deliver an opening statement. Then an open discussion period of up to 15 minutes shall follow in which the issue is discussed and criteria for a resolution or recommendation are established, followed by another period of open discussion of up to 15 minutes to present and discuss possible solutions that meet those criteria. The students will then have 1 minute to prepare their final arguments and 2 minutes to present their final argument in the reverse order of their opening.
Impromptu
On the speaker’s turn, he/she will select three topics from an envelope (or other such container), choosing one of them to perform. After the choice is made, the judge begins to time the event. The contestant has a total of 6 minutes to prepare and deliver his/her presentation. The time may be divided up as the contestant chooses. (Ex: 2 minutes prep, 4 minutes speaking). No outside materials, notes, props or costumes shall be used during presentation. A student has the option of using up to one 3”x5” index card of notes created during the preparation period. Impromptu topics may include proverbs, words, events, quotations or famous people.
Time: No minimum time, but the contestant must cover the subject adequately, 6 min. max., 30 second grace period
Informative Speaking
Students deliver a self-written speech on a topic of their choosing. Limited in their ability to quote words directly (150 words maximum), Informative Speaking competitors craft a speech using evidence, logic, and optional visual aids. All topics must be informative in nature; the goal is to educate, not to advocate. The speech is memorized. Time: 10 minute maximum, including introduction (30 second grace); no minimum.
Multiple Reading
This event requires the use of a manuscript; students may speak or sing lines of text only if they are holding a manuscript. A group of 3-8 students will present a scene or scenes from published material (play(s), work(s) of prose, and/or work(s) of poetry). The material must be found in printed literature and may be either serious or humorous in nature. The students may use vocal skills, facial expressions, and/or hand gestures to develop a narrator and character/s; however, the focus of the performers should be off-stage. The students may only make eye contact during their own written introduction. Similarly, except during the introduction, students may not touch each other nor may they touch the binders of other students. If lines from the selection are used in the introduction, the contestants must adhere to the rules of the event. The presentation should include an introduction that cites the name(s) of all piece(s) and the author(s). The cutting should provide a cohesive scene or storyline (containing a definite beginning, middle and end). Speakers may not take lines belonging to one character and apply them to a different character in the performance. Theatrical props and costumes are prohibited, with the exception of reader's stands, chairs, tables or stools. Furniture may be simultaneously moved by more than one student, but if used as a hand prop, no more than one student may touch furniture at one time. Students are prohibited from placing chairs or stools on top of tables. Teams must provide any/all of their own furniture.
Time: 12 minute maximum, including introduction (30 second grace); no minimum
Novice Extemporaneous Speaking
Same as Extemporaneous Speaking. Limited to first year forensic competitors only.
Original Oratory
Oratory is a memorized event in which the student presents original thought and commentary on a topic of his/her choice. Generally, but not always, the speech is of a persuasive nature. A maximum of 150 directly quoted words is allowed in the oration. Students must use their own work, and may not copy the same speech or substantial sections of the same speech as another contestant. Students in Original Oratory are responsible for the accuracy of citations of evidence. Students must cite facts and analysis from source material accurately and in keeping with the author’s intent. Judges may request to see original copies of the sources cited, and bring discrepancies to the attention of the tournament director
Time: 10 minute maximum, including introduction (30 second grace); no minimum
Play Reading
This event requires the use of a manuscript. The material may be either serious or humorous in nature. The presentation should include an introduction that cites the name of the piece and the author. The selection must be from a single published play. Material from more than one source is not allowed. The author’s words as published in the play may not be altered for this presentation with the exception that cutting is permitted. Speakers may not take lines belonging to one character and apply them to a different character in the performance. No costumes or props may be used in the presentation.
Time: 10 minute maximum, including introduction (30 second grace); no minimum
Poetry Reading
This event requires the use of a manuscript. The student will present material chosen from published poetry. Students may present either a single, long poem or a program of several shorter poems connected either by theme or by author. The presentation should include an introduction that cites the name of the piece(s) and the author(s). The poetry need not have a rhyming pattern. Free verse poetry is acceptable in this event. Verse dramas such as For Colored Girls . . ., including the plays of Shakespeare, are not classified as poetry. Speakers may not take lines belonging to one character and apply the to a different character in the performance. No costumes or props may be used in the presentation.
Time: 10 minute maximum, including introduction (30 second grace); no minimum
Program Oral Interpretation
Using a combination of Prose, Poetry, and Drama, students construct a program using at least two out of the three genres. With a spotlight on argumentation and performative range, Program Oral Interpretation focuses on a student’s ability to combine multiple genres of literature centered around a single theme. Competitors are expected to portray multiple characters. No props or costumes may be used including the manuscript. Performances also include an introduction written by the student to contextualize the performance and state the titles and authors used in the program. Time: 10 minute maximum, including introduction (30 second grace); no minimum.
Prose Reading
This event requires the use of a manuscript. The student will present material chosen from a single published short story, novel, or essay, fictional or non-fictional. The material may be either serious or humorous in nature. Material from more than one source is not allowed, The presentation should include an introduction that cites the name of the piece and the author. Speakers may not take lines belonging to one character and apply them to a different character in the performance. No costumes or props may be used in the presentation.
Time: 10 minute maximum, including introduction (30 second grace); no minimum
Radio Broadcasting
Radio Broadcasting is a public address event in which a student presents a classic, "top-of-the-hour" news broadcast in the voice of a single professional broadcaster. In this event, each student will receive a packet of news-copy or a newspaper. The student will report to a preparation room where s/he will have 30 minutes to select and organize the material into a 5-minute radio news broadcast. Judges will listen (not watch) the presentation. Throughout the broadcast, the timekeeper or judge will keep the student informed of time. Students may use minimal introductory remarks and transitional material. Advertising, including sponsorship taglines, is not allowed even if it is included in the copy provided by the tournament staff.
Time: 5 minute maximum (5 second grace over or under-time.)
Student Congress
In this event, students simulate a working House of Representatives or Senate of the US Congress. Students debate legislation they have written, conduct the rules and regulations of the chambers, and vote on enacting bills and resolutions. Students do not pretend to be members of the real US Congress, but instead speak for themselves and debate their own viewpoints. Students should debate the issues with eloquence and strong analysis and research on the legislation, as well as answering and countering the arguments of the opposing side where appropriate. Students should also conduct themselves fairly and responsibly in the workings of the chamber, and may be penalized for inappropriate or disruptive actions therein. The Student Congress will be run under the direction of a league official called the Parliamentarian. The Congress Chair will maintain guidelines and rules of conduct for the Student Congress.