Extemporaneous Speaking: Individual contestants are given 25 minutes to write and memorize a speech answering a current events question of international, national or state importance. Contestants may consult their files of previously accumulated research. Speeches have a maximum 7-minute time limit.

Extemp Commentary: Individual contestants are given 25 minutes to write and memorize a speech on a current events topic. The speeches can make any kind of comment on the topic that the speaker chooses; much leeway is allowed for opinion as well as fact. Students present the speeches while seated. Maximum time limit is 7 minutes at the state tournament, 5 minutes at NFL nationals.

Original Oratory: Individual contestants write and memorize a speech on any topic of importance to young adults. Speeches may be persuasive or informative in nature. Maximum 10-minute time limit.

Cross-Ex (Policy) Debate: One policy issue is debated per season. A two-member team must accumulate evidence and prepare both pro and con arguments.

Lincoln-Douglas Debate: Individual contestants debate value-based topics, which change every two months. Debaters develop philosophical arguments for both pro & con sides.

Public Forum Debate: A team of students argue against a team from another school in forum fashion. Topics are based on current events and change monthly.

Student Congress: Students may submit bills or resolutions to be debated in a legislative format. Robert’s Rules of Order is used to elect a Presiding Officer, establish a legislative calendar, proceed with debate, amend the bills/resolutions and vote on the legislation. Outstanding and Superior Speaker Awards are given in each house.

Interpretive Events

Prose Reading: Individual contestants perform an interpretive reading from a published short story or novel, using different voices, gestures and facial expressions. A handheld script is required. Maximum 10-minute time limit.

Poetry Reading: Individual contestants perform an interpretive reading of a poem or a collection of related poems. A handheld script is required. Maximum 10-minute time limit.

Dramatic Or Humorous Interpretation: Individual contestants perform multiple-character cuttings or monologues from published plays or movie scripts, using different voices, facial expressions and body positions. There is more freedom of movement than in Prose or Poetry. Pieces must be memorized. Maximum 10-minute time limit.

Duo Interpretation: Two-member teams perform a cutting from a dramatic or humorous published play or movie script. Partners are not permitted to face each other or touch each other while performing. Pieces must be memorized. Maximum 10-minute time limit.

Events Available At Limited Tournaments

Impromptu: Individual contestants are given 5 minutes to write and memorize a speech on any single-word topic. Requires creativity and a broad base of knowledge, although files of previously accumulated research may be consulted. Speeches are a maximum of 5 minutes.

One-Act Play: Students perform a published one-act play as a fully realized theater production (costumes, simple sets, lighting and sound). This is part of PHSSL state competition. Plays are a maximum of 20 minutes.

Radio Announcing: Individual contestants write and deliver a timely 2-minute news broadcast in a radio studio. This event is part of the PHSSL State Tournament.

Declamation: Individual contestants deliver a speech previously delivered by another person. Winning oratories from prior years’ national tournaments or famous speeches are often used. Open only to freshmen and sophomores as part of CFL competition. Maximum 10-minute time limit.