1 Public Forum Debate ( Crossfire ) Public Forum Debate is debate for a genuinely public audience. Eschewing rapid-fire delivery or technical jargon, the focus is on making the kind of arguments that would be rewarded in a public forum such as the classroom or a civic gathering. At least %50 of the judges will be lay judges, that is, members of the community who can offer constructive criticism, but did not compete in or coach academic debate. The resolution will be announced via email on February 1 st. Here s the format. Time (minutes) Function Speaker 4 Present Arguments 1A 4 Present Arguments 1B 3 Crossfire 1A & 1B 4 Refute Position 2A 4 Refute Position 2B 3 Crossfire 2A & 2B 2 Summary 1A 2 Summary 1B 3 Grand Crossfire All Speakers 1 Final Focus 2A 1 Final Focus 2B Each team has 2 minutes of prep time to use throughout the debate. During the Crossfire, students take turns asking and answering each other s questions. Unlike some circuits that take the name Public Forum, the sides taken in the debate are determined by the schedule. The Affirmative team always speaks first, and there is no predebate meeting to determine anything. Teams should strive to provide a straightforward perspective on the resolution; judges should discount unfair, obscure interpretations that only serve to confuse the opposing team. Plans (formalized, comprehensive proposals for implementation), counterplans and kritiks (off-topic arguments) are not allowed. Quality, well-explained arguments should trump a mere quantity thereof. Debaters should use quoted evidence to support their claims. Clear communication is a major consideration. Judges will discount arguments that are too fast, too garbled, or too jargon-laden to be understood by an intelligent high school student. In short, Public Forum Debate stresses that speakers must appeal to the widest possible audience. You can read more about the National Educational Debate Association here: http://www.neda.us/neda-objectives-and-procedures.
2 Parliamentary Debate Parliamentary debate is an extemporaneous, generally policy-oriented form of two-person debate that values audience adaptation. In each debate, a two-student team represents the government side (or the side affirming the resolution); a second two student team represents the opposition side (or the side negating the resolution). Students are expected to present arguments supporting their side of the resolution while refuting arguments of the other team. NPDA privileges a breadth of knowledge about current events, domestic policy, and foreign affairs; embraces a range of argumentative forms, including both technical and more traditional styles of argument; and, rewards extemporaneous delivery, i.e., thinking on your feet. Highlights from the rules for this format of debate: A different resolution for each round will be presented to the debaters. The topic of each round will be about current affairs or philosophy. Prep time = 15 minute (plus time required to walk to the classroom). Any published information (dictionaries, magazines, etc.), which may have been consulted before the debate, cannot be brought into the debating chambers for use during the debate. First Proposition Constructive Speaker: 7 minutes First Opposition Constructive Speaker: 8 minutes Second Proposition Constructive Speaker: 8 minutes Second Opposition Constructive Speaker: 8 minutes Opposition Rebuttal by First Speaker: 4 minutes Proposition Rebuttal by First Speaker: 5 minutes Points of Information: A debater may request a point of information either verbally or by rising at any time after the first minute and before the last minute of any constructive speech. A complete description of the rules is available here: http://www.parlidebate.org/npda-rules/
3 Improvisational Duet Acting Preparation time for Improvisational Duo is three minutes. Preparation time is separate from performance time. Performance time must be a minimum of three minutes and a maximum of six with a 30-second grace period. Contestants going over or under the allotted time and grace period may not be ranked first in that round. The judge should clarify with the students before they begin how time signals will be communicated and must then give hand signals as the contestants are performing to help them stay within the time limit. No make-up, costumes, props, or lighting are permitted, but a table and/or two chairs may be used. Doors and walls are considered props and must not be used. The scene must contain only two characters with equal sharing of dialogue. An introduction by one or both students is REQUIRED to set the scene, and a resolution of the conflict must be evident at the end of the scene. Excessive profanity, sexual innuendo, or excessive physicality (i.e. pushing, shoving, and striking) will NOT be tolerated. Contestants are to remain outside of the room until it is their time to perform. Once they have finished with their performance they must remain in the room (unless they are cross entered) until the round is complete. Hints for Improvisational Duo Judges: The scene must be a self-contained unit holding together a story itself. Students must resolve the conflict presented in the topic. Criteria for judging include teamwork of the actors, timing, movement, consistent characterization, good speaking skills, pantomime of props, and the comedic or dramatic effect of the scene on the audience.
4 Poetry Slam Contestants will perform one self-authored poem. No introduction, other than the title of the poem, will be giving. Scripts may not be used. Maximum time limit is 3 minutes. Poems and performance 1) Poems can be on any subject and in any style. 2) Each poet must perform work that he or she has created. 3) No props, blocking, musical instruments, pre-recorded music or costumes. The rule concerning props and blocking is not intended to squelch the spontaneity, unpredictability, or on-the-fly choreography that people love about the slam; its intent is to keep the focus on the words rather than poets who movement and/or dance to convey the ideas and meaning inherent in the words of the poem. Sampling It is acceptable for poets to incorporate, imitate, or otherwise "signify on" the words, lyrics, or tune of someone else (commonly called "sampling") in their own work. If they are only riffing off another's words, they should expect only healthy controversy; if on the other hand, they are ripping off another poet's words, they should expect scornful contumely. The No Repeat Rule Poems may not be repeated in prelims rounds. Students advancing to finals must perform one of their poems from prelims. Each poet should plan on bringing THREE original poems to compete. The Three-Minute Rule No performance should last longer than three minutes. The time begins when the performance begins, with the statement (or a similar equivalent): My poem is entitled (called, named, etc) No other introduction is necessary. Judges will provide time signals. Performances lasting longer than three minutes and ten seconds should not be ranked first in the round.
5 Program Oral Interpretation 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. (American Forensic Association: http://www.americanforensics.org/) The remaining individual speech events all follow the event rules of the National Forensic Association (http://www.nationalforensics.org). After Dinner Speaking PURPOSE: A speech designed to entertain by advancing a relevant point through the use of humor. DESCRIPTION: After-Dinner speeches are characterized by humorous content development, creativity, uniqueness, timeliness, clear organization, significance, credible sources, and vocal and nonverbal delivery choices that reflect the speech s purpose. a. All speeches should be original, constructed and delivered by the student. b. Speeches should adhere to the NFA Code of Ethics, Rules and Procedures. c. Plagiarism in any form is prohibited. d. Source citation should be specific, accurate and honest. e. Although limited notes are permitted, speeches should be delivered from memory. f. Audio-visual aids are permitted. g. Maximum time limit of 10 minutes.* Dramatic Interpretation PURPOSE: An interpretive performance designed to engage the audience through the development of character(s) within a dramatic context. DESCRIPTION: Students choose, excerpt and/or cut (with due respect paid to issues of literary integrity), and perform a selection or selections of original and/or published dramatic material of literary merit. 1. Dramatic material includes: plays, material written for stage/screen/radio, documentaries, and character(s) centered new media. Dramatic material from new media should first be referenced against the original source to ensure it is not Prose. If the original source is non-genre specific then material where the performance focuses on the development of character(s) would be
6 acceptable. Focus of non-genre specific material as described above will be critiqued by the preference of the judging pool, not cause for disqualification. 2. Use of manuscript is required. 3. Maximum time is 10 minutes, including any introductory and/or transitional comments. Duo Interpretation PURPOSE: An interpretive performance by two individuals designed to engage the audience through the interaction of multiple characters. DESCRIPTION: Students choose, excerpt and/or cut (with due respect paid to issues of literary integrity), and perform a selection or selections of original and/or published material of literary merit. This is not an acting event. Selected literature must present the perspectives of multiple characters, representing those different characters using voice and/or body. The focus of this event is the interaction of multiple and related voices. a. Any type of material(s) of literary merit may be used as long as the performance highlights interaction. b. Use of manuscript is required, which prohibits physical contact between performers. c. Off-stage focus is required. d. No costumes, props, etc. are to be used. e. Maximum time is 10 minutes, including any introductory and/or transitional comments.* Extemporaneous Speaking PURPOSE: A speech designed to motivate audience consideration of a significant argument related to a current domestic or international issue or event. DESCRIPTION: Extemporaneous speeches are characterized by content that is directly and specifically topical, clearly stated and well-supported arguments, demonstration of knowledge of current events, credible sources, timeliness, and vocal and nonverbal delivery choices that reflect the speech s purpose. Students will construct and deliver a 5 to 7 minute speech*, after choosing from among three questions, with 30 minutes of preparation. The use of limited notes is allowed. PROCEDURES: Standard time signals should be given noting the time remaining for the speaker beginning at five minutes remaining and indicating each minute thereafter, the final 30 seconds and the closing five seconds nonverbally. Impromptu Speaking PURPOSE: A speech designed to motivate audience engagement of a significant argument. DESCRIPTION: Impromptu speeches are characterized by a clearly articulated argument comprising a specific, direct response to the given prompt, well-supported claims, clear structure, uniqueness, and vocal and nonverbal delivery choices that reflect the speech s purpose.
7 a. Students will construct and deliver an original argument in response to a prompt. Limited notes are allowed. b. Impromptu prescribes a limit of 7 minutes, with speeches lasting at least 5 minutes.* Prompts include ideas that can be comprehended and interpreted quickly such as quotations, both actual (from history or contemporary culture) and fictional (from movies, plays, novels etc.), single-frame cartoons, song lyrics, proverbs, rhetorical situations etc.. PROCEDURES: a. Standard time signals should be given noting the expiration of preparation time verbally in 30- second intervals, and the remainder of speaking time beginning at five minutes remaining and indicating each minute thereafter, the final 30 seconds and the closing five seconds nonverbally. b. Contestants who have not spoken should not watch the performance of their competitors. c. One judge per section will receive a prompt with their ballot, and is responsible for delivering the provided prompt to each contestant in the round. Informative Speaking PURPOSE: A speech designed to clarify and/or explain a significant development, process, concept, person, place or topic. DESCRIPTION: Informative speeches are characterized by in-depth content development that likely enhances audience understanding beyond what was previously known, well-established topic relevance, clear organization, credible sources, timeliness, and vocal and nonverbal delivery choices that reflect the speech s purpose. a. All speeches should be original, constructed and delivered by the student. b. Speeches should adhere to the NFA Code of Ethics, Rules and Procedures. c. Plagiarism in any form is prohibited. d. Source citation should be specific, accurate and honest. e. Although limited notes are permitted, speeches should be delivered from memory. f. Audio-visual aids are permitted. g. Maximum time limit of 10 minutes.* Persuasive Speaking PURPOSE: A speech designed to influence audience attitudes and/or actions. DESCRIPTION: Persuasive speeches are characterized by sound rhetorical strategy, wellsupported arguments, credible sources, effective organization, timeliness, significance, and vocal and nonverbal delivery choices that reflect the speech s purpose. a. All speeches should be original, constructed and delivered by the student. b. Speeches should adhere to the NFA Code of Ethics, Rules and Procedures. c. Plagiarism in any form is prohibited. d. Source citation should be specific, accurate and honest. e. Although limited notes are permitted, speeches should be delivered from memory. f. Audio-visual aids are permitted. g. Maximum time limit of 10 minutes.*
8 Poetry Interpretation PURPOSE: An interpretive performance designed to engage the audience through the development of linguistic imagery. DESCRIPTION: Students choose, excerpt and/or cut (with due respect paid to issues of literary integrity), and perform a selection or selections of original and/or published poetry of literary merit. a. Poetry can include poems, slam poetry, and lyrics - any material with poetic elements. b. Use of manuscript is required. c. Maximum time is 10 minutes, including any introductory and/or transitional comments.* Prose Interpretation PURPOSE: An interpretive performance designed to engage the audience through the development of a story. DESCRIPTION: Students choose, excerpt and/or cut (with due respect paid to issues of literary integrity), and perform a selection or selections of original and/or published prose material of literary merit. 1. Prose material includes: short stories, novels, essays, and story-centered new media. Prose material from new media should first be referenced against the original source to ensure it is not drama. If the original source is non-genre specific then material where the performance focuses on the development of story would be acceptable. Focus of non-genre specific material as described above will be critiqued by the preference of the judging pool, not cause for disqualification. 2. Use of manuscript is required. 3. Maximum time is 10 minutes, including any introductory and/or transitional comments. * Unlike other event rules, minimum and maximum time limits provided for ALL events are enforced at the discretion of the individual judge rather than the association.