11 Different Speaking Events & Debate
Interpretation Events
Dramatic Interpretation
Students interpret a piece of dramatic literature performed by one individual utilizing two or more characters.
Duo Interpretation
Two students interpret a cutting from a play.
Poetry
Students interpret a poem or a selection of poems.
Program Oral Interpretation
Students interpret a themed program containing two of the three interpretive genres (prose, poetry, drama).
Prose
Students interpret a piece of prose literature using a manuscript.
Limited-Preparation Events
Extemporaneous Speaking
Students give a five- to seven-minute speech on a domestic, international or economic topic, delivered after a half-hour preparation period.
Impromptu Speaking
Students have seven minutes to prepare and deliver an impromptu speech, usually on a familiar saying or significant quotation; may also be an object or cartoon.
Public Address Events
After Dinner Speaking
Students deliver a humorous speech designed to entertain the audience while persuading or informing.
Communication Analysis
Students deliver a speech in which the speaker describes, interprets, and evaluates a speech or other rhetorical artifact.
Informative
Students deliver a speech that heightens the audience's awareness of some subject.
Persuasive
Students deliver a speech designed to persuade the audience.
Parliamentary debate
Parliamentary Debate is defined by the NPDA as “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 based loosely on the British model of parliament, with a bit of American academic debate style (such as the specific ‘flowing’ of arguments) thrown in.” Please see the NPDA website for additional information on the Parliamentary debate format.