What Is Speech And Debate Anyway?

The following events are offered by the Ohio High School Speech League (OHSSL) and/or the National Forensics League (NFL). Below, you will find a brief description of each category. You may even see some of these events this evening at our “Forensics in the Round”!

Speech Events

Oratorical Interpretation- (OHSSL) Students in this category are required to memorize and deliver a prepared manuscript. The speech is not their own writing—rather, the student must interpret the words of someone else.

Original Oratory- (OHSSL & NFL) This is similar to Oratorical, except the student must write his/her own speech. The speech is then memorized and delivered.

Prose Poetry- (OHSSL) The student is required to select poetry and story excerpts related to his/her chosen theme (for example, poems and stories about friendship). In competition, the selections are read, not memorized.

International Extemporaneous Speaking- (OHSSL & NFL) In this category, the student is given a question concerning foreign affairs. He/she then has a half-hour to research and prepare an answer to the question. The speech is then delivered to the judge. No notes or research is used during delivery.

United States Extemporaneous Speaking- (OHSSL & NFL) This is the same as International Extemp, except the student is given a question concerning domestic affairs.

Impromptu Speaking- (OHSSL) In this category, students must research and prepare a speech on a selected topic in a short amount of time. Each round of competition may present topics of a similar theme, such as quotations.

Dramatic Interpretation- (OHSSL & NFL) A student in drama is required to select a cutting from a story or a play, memorize, and perform the piece in competition. He/she must play the role of every character involved in the cutting.

Humorous Interpretation- (OHSSL & NFL) This is similar to drama, except the selection the student performs should make the audience laugh!

Duo Interpretation- (OHSSL & NFL) Two students perform a selection. The piece performed can be serious or humorous. In duo, the students must interpret the piece without ANY contact.

Debate Events

Policy Debate- (OHSSL & NFL) The oldest event of all, policy debate consists of two students that research a topic of governmental policy. The students write and present a plan (complete with evidence). The opposing team then presents arguments against the plan. Plans written, presented, and defended in a policy round are similar to the resolutions debated in Congress.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate- (OHSSL & NFL) Modeled after the famous debates between Abe Lincoln and Stephen Douglas, this type of debate is a one-on-one debate of values. Students debate the morality of issues, rather than proposing a plan. The “evidence” used in the round is philosophical in nature.

Public Forum Debate- (OHSSL & NFL) This event is modeled after popular media debates, such as the T.V. show Crossfire. Teams are given a controversial topic to debate and research each month. Arguments can be a combination of moral reasons and statistical evidence.

Student Congress- (OHSSL & NFL) Student Congress is open to members of the speech and debate portions of the team. In this event, groups of students present and debate student-generated resolutions, just like a real legislative body of government. Students must have knowledge of the issues and of Parliamentary Procedure.

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Perry High School Speech And Debate