NDSU LINCOLN SPEECH AND DEBATE ESTABLISHED 1892
EVENTS
Event Types
NDSU Lincoln Speech and Debate members compete in all events of collegiate competition. You can compete within several categories and those are broken down into individual events. Click on the category to see the different events available at the collegiate level.
INTERPRETATION EVENTS
What Are Interpretation Events?
These are individual or duo events that don't involve writing a speech. These events are prepared ahead of time and based off of literature. People giving these speeches are allowed to hold a book. Interpretation events include: Prose, Poetry, Duo, Drama, and Program.
What is Prose Interpretation?
Prose Interpretation is:
An original or selection of prose material of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source. Focus of this event is on the development of the narrative/story. Play cuttings and poetry are prohibited. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time is 10 minutes including introduction.
What is Poetry Interpretation?
Poetry Interpretation is:
A selection or selections of poetry of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source. A primary focus of this event should be on the development of language. Play cuttings and prose works are prohibited. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.
What is a Duo Interpretation Event?
Dramatic Duo is:
A cutting from one or more texts of literary merit, humorous or serious, involving the portrayal of two or more characters presented by two individuals. The material may be drawn from any genre of literature. This is not an acting event; thus, no costumes, props, lighting, etc, are to be used. Presentation is from the manuscript and the focus should be off-stage and not to each other. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.
What is a Dramatic Interpretation Event?
Dramatic Interpretation is:
A cutting that represents one or more characters from a play or plays of literary merit. The focus of this event is on the development of characterization. This material may be drawn from stage, screen, or radio. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.
What is a Program Oral Interpretation?
Program Oral Interpretation is:
A program of thematically-linked selections of literary merit, chosen from two or three recognized genres of competitive interpretation (prose/poetry/drama). A primary focus of this event should be on the development of the theme through the use of narrative/story, language, and/or characterization. A substantial portion of the total time must be devoted to each of the genres used in the program. Different genre means the material must appear in separate pieces of literature ( e.g., A poem included in a short story that appears only in that short story does not constitute a poetry genre.) Only one selection may be original. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.
LIMITED PREPARATION EVENTS
What are Limited Preparation Events?
Limited Preparation, or Limited Prep, are events where competitors get the topic they will be speaking on at the tournament. These events include Extemporaneous and Impromptu Speaking.
What is Extemporaneous Speaking?
Extemporaneous Speaking is where:
Contestants are given three topics in the general area of current events, choose one, and have 30 minutes to prepare a speech that is the original work of the student. Maximum time limit for the speech is 7 minutes. Limited notes are permitted. Students speak in listed order. Postings of topics are staggered.
What is Impromptu Speaking?
Impromptu Speaking is:
Substantive in nature, with topic selections varied by round and by section. Topics are derived from quotations. Speakers have a total of 7 minutes for both preparation and speaking. Timing commences with the acceptance of the topics sheet. Limited notes are permitted.
PUBLIC ADDRESS EVENTS
What is a Public Address Event?
Public Address events are those in which students write their own speeches and are allowed some props. The types of Public Address Events include Informative, Persuasive, After Dinner Speaking, and Communication Analysis.
What is Informative Speaking?
Informative Speaking is:
An original, factual speech by the student on a subject to fulfill the general aim to inform 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. Minimal notes are permitted. Maximum time is 10 minutes.
What is Persuasive Speaking?
Persuasive Speaking is:
An original speech by the student designed to inspire, reinforce, or change the 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. Minimal notes are permitted. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes.
What is After Dinner Speaking?
After Dinner Speaking is:
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 comic dialogue. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforced the message. Minimal notes are permitted. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes.
What is Communication Analysis?
Communication Analysis is:
An original speech by the student designed to offer an explanation and/or evaluation of a communication event such as a speech, speaker, movement, poem, poster, film, campaign, etc., through the use of rhetorical principles. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Manuscripts are permitted. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes.
DEBATE EVENTS
What is a Debate Event?
These are the events where students get to work in teams or individually to find resolutions to a topic. These events include Parlimentary Debate.
What is Parliamentary Debate?
Parliamentary Debate is:
A partnered debate, following NPDA rules with a changing resolution each round. Resolutions can be policy, value, or fact. Parliamentary debate is only available at some tournaments.