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INDIVIDUAL SPEECH

Individual Speech is an extracurricular activity where students have the opportunity to compete individually. Each category appeals to various speaking skills and interests. Individual speech participants build a level of confidence that will serve them throughout life! No prior experience is necessary, only an interest in developing your speaking skills and being a part of a team.

DESCRIPTION OF INDIVIDUAL EVENTS

For each category, we may submit three entries for upperclassmen (sophomores, juniors and seniors) and three for ninth graders. In acting, six entries are allowed.

ACTING CATEGORIES

ACTING

- Length: up to 8 minutes memorized

The student performs a memorized monologue or multiple character acting scene. Material can be from a play, novel or student-written. The piece is introduced by the student and then performed using blocking and projection of character.

IMPROVISATIONAL ACTING

- Length: up to 5 minutes IMAGINATION NEEDED

Five minutes before performing, the student draws a situation and two characters and creates a scene using all three in a 5 minute performance. 

PUBLIC ADDRESS

- Length: up to 8 minutes memorized with notes not to exceed 50 words on a note card

(This is borderline acting. Actors usually do well with this category) The student chooses a famous speech to memorize, although material is not always well-known. The student may use a note card of 50 words or less, but this is not encouraged beyond the state competition level. The student introduces the speech and performs the speech as if it were his/her own.

STORYTELLING

Length: up to 5 minutes memorized

(This is borderline acting. Actors usually do well with this category) The student recreates an author's story using his/her words. No notes are used. The storyteller assumes the role of the narrator and assumes voices for dialogue. Since the storyteller is seated on a stool, movement is only through gesture.

INTERPRETIVE READING CATEGORIES

In all of the following categories, the student will choose a piece(s) of literature to read interpretively to the audience. An introduction to the literature is given and transitions are used between pieces of literature to link them together.

POETRY

Length: up to 6 minutes with script

The student chooses a long poem or a collection of poems on a similar theme-- “Vanity comes in many forms”, “Love is often unrequited,” etc. The student reads from a script using appropriate vocal techniques and facial expression. There should be evidence of analysis when the student reads.

PROSE

Length: up to 6 minutes with script

This is considered anything that is not poetry--a story from any area of literature. The student reads from a script using appropriate vocal techniques and facial expression. There should be evidence of analysis when the student reads.

LITERARY PROGRAM

- Length: up to 8 minutes with script

The student chooses a combination of poetry and prose based on a theme-- “People wear masks hiding their true identity”, “Beauty comes in many forms,” etc. The student reads from a script using appropriate vocal techniques and facial expression. There should be evidence of analysis when the student reads.

SPEAKING CATEGORIES

All of the following categories require that the student develop his/her own speech with the exception of radio news announcing.

AFTER DINNER SPEAKING

- Length: up to 5 minutes memorized with notes not to exceed 50 words on a note card

Primarily an entertaining, humorous speech that relates to a particular theme or group of people--Society for Paranoid People, Association Against Aging Drivers, Girls Interested in Dating Young UPstanding Cowboys who Love Us Best (GIDYUP CLUB). 

EXPOSITORY ADDRESS

- Length: up to 6 minutes memorized with notes not to exceed 50 words on a note card

An informative speech in which the student uses visual aids to enhance the message, similar to the final speech for Speech I class. Some sample topics could include: the food pyramid, European travel tips, sales techniques, basic techniques in golf, sharks.

REVIEW

- Length: up to 8 minutes memorized with notes not to exceed 50 words on a note card

The student chooses a book, movie, play, music or made- for- TV movie to review. Critical analysis of character, plot or any other literary techniques could be covered, as well as film techniques, acting, comparisons between book and movie etc..

ORIGINAL ORATORY

- Length: up to 8 minutes with notes not to exceed 50 words on a note card

An inspirational or persuasive speech written by the student, backed by some research.

RADIO NEWS

Length: between 4-5 minutes with script

The student has 30 minutes to prepare a 4-5 minute newscast from a prepared unedited script. The ability to read well and edit is key to this event. Within the newscast a newsflash is given to the student that must be read as soon as possible.

SOLO MUSICAL THEATRE

Length: up to 5 minutes memorized

Now an official category so students can qualify for All-State this year. The student selects one song from an established musical (not original or from a movie, but one from a stage show). The song may have dialogue within the song and the song must have pre-recorded musical accompaniment..

SPONTANEOUS 

Length: up to 5 minutes

The student draws 3 current events topics 2 minutes prior to speaking time, selects one and prepares a 3-5 minute speech on one side of the issue. No previously written outlines or speeches may be used. It’s good to be well-read and able to think on your feet for this event. You may use a note card with as many words as you can write in two minutes!!