Category information taken from the MSHSL Website. Links are public Youtube videos of a National performance of a speech in that category. All categories listed are offered at the Minnesota State Tournament, while categories designated as “National Categories” are offered at the National Tournament.
Creative Expressions | |
Creative Expression is the performance of material written by the contestant. The objective is to encourage creativity in both writing and performance, through a variety of genre and performance styles.
No more than 20% may be material from other sources. All materials quoted, paraphrased, or summarized from other sources must be documented in the written text.
The mood may be serious, humorous, or both.
An introductory statement, which may include a “teaser,” must precede the presentation.
A copy of the script must be filed with the Contest Manager before each contest. Updated copies of the script must be submitted at Subsection, Section, and State levels.
THE TIME LIMIT IS TEN (10) MINUTES, INCLUDING THE INTRODUCTION. IF THE SPEAKER HAS BEEN WARNED THAT TIME HAS EXPIRED, THE SPEAKER MAY ONLY FINISH THE SENTENCE ALREADY BEGUN.
| Creative Expressions |
Discussion
Discussion is an effort on the part of a small group to reach a solution to a problem through informal interchange of facts, inferences, and judgments. This method of discussion seeks consensus rather than majority rule. The focus of this event should be the encouragement of cooperation and critical thinking to arrive at the collective goal of better understanding and problem solving. The discussion will be task-oriented where participants act as members of a group whose goal is most frequently an agreed-upon statement of policy, rules, lists, etc., which may also include rationale.
The Discussion group shall be composed of not more than eight contestants. Additional sections may be scheduled if the number of contestants exceeds eight.
The basis for judging Discussion should place emphasis on the task and social dimensions of group interaction. These questions may serve as a guide: – Did the discussant’s contributions add to the group effort? – Did the discussant possess sufficient information, and was the information of high quality? – Did the discussant’s contributions reflect an understanding of major issues? – Did the discussant’s behavior reflect a respect for the dignity and worth of other participants? – Did the discussant exhibit active listening skills?
THE DISCUSSION PERIOD SHALL NOT EXCEED ONE HOUR (60 MINUTES).
| Discussion |
Dramatic Interpretation (National Category) | |
Serious Drama Interpretation uses any published selection of dramatic literature (plays, radio plays, television plays, or screenplays) with literary merit and appropriate to the reader. The term “dramatic” here refers to the genre of the literature and does not include prose or poetry that is serious. The mood of the cutting must be essentially serious.
The student should be judged on ability to get and give meaning through the use of vocal and bodily expression. Poise, vocal and physical delivery, and appropriateness of the selection to the interpreter should be considered.
The student must select material from a published source of dramatic literature (plays, radio plays, television plays, or screenplays)
An introductory statement, which may include a “teaser,” must precede the presentation.
THE MAXIMUM TIME OF PRESENTATION, INCLUDING THE REQUIRED INTRODUCTION, IS TEN (10) MINUTES. IF THE SPEAKER HAS BEEN WARNED THAT TIME HAS EXPIRED, THE SPEAKER MAY ONLY FINISH THE SENTENCE ALREADY BEGUN.
| Dramatic Interpretation (National Category) |
Duo Interpretation (National Category) | |
Duo interpretation features two students interpreting together one or more selections from a single published source or a single anthology of prose, poetry, and/or dramatic literature, serious and/or humorous, with literary merit and appropriate to the readers. Duo Interpretation is an oral interpretation event and shall be judged as such.
The students’ script may be limited to a single author or genre but may include material from more than one genre and/or author so long as the material comes from that single published source. Each student may portray one or more characters.
An introductory statement, which may include a “teaser,” must precede the presentation and may be delivered by either or both of the participants.
There shall be no body contact between speakers, except during the introduction. Interpreters may refer to each other and make eye contact with each other during the introduction and/or transitions.
THE MAXIMUM TIME LIMIT IS TEN (10) MINUTES, INCLUDING A REQUIRED INTRODUCTION AND NECESSARY TRANSITIONS. IF THE SPEAKERS HAVE BEEN WARNED THAT TIME HAS EXPIRED, THE SPEAKERS MAY ONLY FINISH THE SENTENCE ALREADY BEGUN.
| Duo Interpretation (National Category) |
Extemporaneous Reading
Participation in Extemporaneous Reading teaches a student to introduce and read excerpts from prose or poetry for the purpose of appreciation or enjoyment. Specific sources for reading will be announced in the fall of each year.
The student will declare, prior to each draw, his/her choice of genre.
Thirty (30) minutes before the contest begins, the first reader shall draw three cuttings. The reader shall immediately choose one of them, and return the other two which will then be placed with the other cuttings remaining to be drawn. The cuttings chosen shall be recorded by the event manager. Each of the succeeding readers shall, at intervals of eight (8) minutes, in turn, follow the same procedure. The student may not perform a cutting that she/he has performed in any round of that competition. In the event that the student draws a previously performed cutting, she/he shall draw a substitute cutting.
After the contestant has drawn a cutting, the student shall not confer or have any communication with a coach or others until the reading has been delivered. Each reader shall present the cutting draw slip to the Room Manager or Judge(s) in the round, if it is not electronically accessible.
While the inadvertent skipping or substitution of a single word or phrase in an Extemporaneous reading may occasionally and understandably occur, students must be careful that entire sentences or more are not skipped during the presentation. Contestants must not read more of the selection than is included in the drawn cutting.
An introductory statement, which may include a “teaser,” must precede the presentation. “Teasers” must be a part of the actual drawn section of the story or poem, and the “teaser” passage may not be eliminated within the reading subsequently presented.
Students are allowed to stop reading at any point within the last minute.
THE ENTIRE DELIVERY TIME, INCLUDING THE REQUIRED INTRODUCTION, SHALL NOT EXCEED SEVEN (7) MINUTES. IF THE SPEAKER HAS BEEN WARNED THAT TIME HAS EXPIRED, THE SPEAKER MAY ONLY FINISH THE SENTENCE BEGUN.
| Extemporaneous Reading |
Extemporaneous Speaking (National Category) | |
The Extemporaneous Speech should be an original synthesis of current fact and opinion on a topic drawn by the contestant. Speakers may choose from either International or U.S. topics.
The goal of this activity is the encouragement of extensive reading, understanding of many subjects, and the development of reasoned, supportable positions on current U.S. and international issues in the news. The Judge(s) should consider the quality of information presented by the speaker, together with the speaker’s use of that information to support the thesis. Questions shall require persuasive rather than informative speeches. The contestant in Extemporaneous Speaking is responsible for: A. Strict adherence to the question drawn. B. Well-chosen information relative to the question drawn. C. Organization of the material. D. Effective delivery.
The MSHSL will provide questions in both U.S. and International areas for each level of MSHSL competition. The questions will be furnished to the subsection and section Contest Manager prior to said contest.
The order of speaking each round shall be determined by lot. Thirty (30) minutes before the contest begins, the first speaker shall draw three questions. The speaker shall immediately choose one of them and return the other two, which shall then be put with the other questions remaining to be drawn. The questions chosen shall be recorded by the Event Manager. Each of the succeeding speakers shall, at intervals of eight (8) minutes, in turn, follow the same procedure. In the event that the student draws a previously performed question, she/he may draw a substitute question. The student may not perform a cutting that she/he has performed in any round of that competition. In the event that the student draws a previously performed cutting, she/he shall draw a substitute cutting.
During the thirty (30) minutes of preparation of the speech, students may consult published books, magazines, newspapers and journals and online sources provided: A. Printed texts are complete originals or photocopies of whole pages. B. There is no written material on that original or copy other than highlighting in a single color and citation information (such as publication title and date). C. Topical index may be present. No other material shall be allowed in the prep room other than stated above. Extemporaneous speeches, handbooks, briefs, and outlines shall be barred from the prep room. Outlines and notes created in the prep room during preparation time at the tournament are allowed. D. Students are permitted the use of computers and internet to do research during the preparation period and may use computers to retrieve already stored information. E. The host school and/or tournament staff are not responsible for providing any facilities, equipment, internet access, or assistance in a contestant’s use of their device.
After the contestant has drawn a question, the student shall not confer or have any communication in any way with a coach or others until the speech has been delivered. A contestant may use one side of one 3″ x 5″ note card during the delivery of the speech.
Each speaker shall present the question drawn to the Room Manager or Judge(s) of the round, if it is not electronically accessible. Upon completion of the speech, each speaker shall immediately present any notes used to the Room Manager or Judge(s) who will present the same to the Contest Manager. The Judge(s) shall not be permitted to ask questions of the speakers.
THE SPEECH SHALL BE EXTEMPORANEOUS AND SHALL NOT EXCEED SEVEN (7) MINUTES IN LENGTH. SPEAKERS WARNED THAT TIME HAS EXPIRED MAY CONCLUDE WITH ONE FINAL SENTENCE.
| Extemporaneous Speaking (National Category) |
Great Speeches
Great Speeches is an event in which the contestant speaks about either a single speech OR an anthology of speeches (not to exceed three) related by common author, theme, or another element.
The contestant’s analysis should convey the delight, edification, and challenge of contemporary or historical public address.
Judging should be on the general effectiveness of the student’s interaction with the audience to share the greatness of the speech. The Judge’s primary attention should be on the participant’s judgment in choosing and editing the material, sensitivity to the author’s ideas and purpose, and, especially, the speaker’s analysis of historical potential, and/or rhetorical importance of the speech. Secondly, delivery emphasis should be on communication. Since this is not a prose interpretation event, posturing, impersonation, and imitation are to be avoided. Caution is given to judges that the word ‘great’ does not denote changing the world, but rather is worthy of our consideration or study.
The student may analyze either a single speech or a set of up to three speeches. Each speech (public address) must have been delivered by the speaker before the speaker’s intended original audience. For example, “Sermon on the Mount” is Biblical Prose; “Antony’s Funeral Oration” is Shakespearean Drama.
Information about each author/speaker, subject, original audience, and occasion must be included in an introduction. During the presentation, the contestant must also justify the selection for presentation to the contestant’s immediate audience. The justification need not be an explicit statement but may include such subjects as the historical or potential importance, language style, rhetorical technique and audience appeal. Comments about textual accuracy and ghostwriting style may be included where appropriate. All materials quoted, paraphrased, or summarized from other sources must be documented both orally and in the written text.
A minimum of 25% of the presentation must be the contestant’s own material. How portions of the original speech text are incorporated into the participant’s presentation shall be at the discretion of the participant. Statements, analysis and exposition may be either interspersed throughout the presentation or contained in only one or a few portions of the presentation.
For purposes of documentation, the student is required to provide a citation indicating the source of the selected speech within the written and oral text of the student’s speech. Recorded speeches may be used only if their texts have also been published in print or online.
The student may, but is not required to, use a rhetorical model.
THE MAXIMUM TIME OF THE PRESENTATION SHALL NOT EXCEED TEN (10) MINUTES. IF THE SPEAKER HAS BEEN WARNED THAT TIME HAS EXPIRED, THE SPEAKER MAY ONLY FINISH THE SENTENCE ALREADY BEGUN.
| Great Speeches |
Humorous Interpretation (National Category) | |
Humorous interpretation features a student interpreting a selection from published literature with the intent to amuse, give enjoyment, or create laughter.
The student should be judged on ability to get and give meaning through the use of vocal and bodily expression. Poise, vocal and physical delivery, and appropriateness of the selection to the interpreter should be considered.
The student must select material from a published source, either prose, poetry, or dramatic literature.
An introductory statement, which may include a “teaser,” must precede the presentation.
THE MAXIMUM TIME OF PRESENTATION, INCLUDING THE REQUIRED INTRODUCTION, IS TEN (10) MINUTES. IF THE SPEAKER HAS BEEN WARNED THAT TIME HAS EXPIRED, THE SPEAKER MAY ONLY FINISH THE SENTENCE ALREADY BEGUN.
| Humorous Interpretation (National Category) |
Informative Speaking (National Category) | |
Informative Speaking is an event in which the student presents an original informative composition of which no more than 10% shall be direct quotation. Quality of thought, research, and composition, as well as delivery, should be considered by the Judges. The purpose of Informative Speaking is to present information that the audience may or may not possess and that the student believes important for the audience.
Judges should consider the following: 1. Appropriate choice of subject and information for the audience. 2. Clear organization. 3. Direct and communicative delivery manner. 4. Predominantly serious informative purpose (which may include the use of humor). 5. Avoidance of predominantly persuasive subjects and techniques (Every Informative Speech contains some elements of persuasion).
All materials quoted, paraphrased, or summarized from other sources (including visuals) must be documented in the submitted script (within the text or in a Works Cited listing or both) and orally and/or visually during the presentation.
The use of visual aids is optional. Visual aids may be two-dimensional and/or three dimensional but may not violate law (weapons, drugs, for example). The use of animals or any additional people as visual aids is not allowed during the speech. Maximum set-up time is two (2) minutes. When set-up is completed or all of the setup time has been used, timing the speaking begins. Expedient take-down is expected.
On-the-spot audience surveys adapted to the speech as given, audience handouts, and active audience involvement are not permitted. The rule does not allow for any type of audience participation. The speech is to be a self-contained presentation— presented and controlled by the student.
THE MAXIMUM TIME OF PRESENTATION SHALL NOT EXCEED TEN (10) MINUTES. IF THE SPEAKER HAS BEEN WARNED THAT TIME HAS EXPIRED, THE SPEAKER MAY ONLY FINISH THE SENTENCE ALREADY BEGUN.
| Informative Speaking (National Category) |
Original Oratory (National Category) | |
Original Oratory is an event in which the contestant presents his/her own PERSUASIVE composition Because these orations have been written by the contestants, judges should consider the high quality of thought and composition, as well as, communicative delivery. All materials quoted, paraphrased, or summarized from other sources must be documented orally and in the written text.
The orator should not be expected to solve any of the great problems of the day but must offer some insight and guidance. The contestant should be expected to speak intelligently and with a degree of originality about the message chosen.
The composition should be especially adapted to oral presentation, and the orator should employ a variety of persuasive skills and strive for eloquence in style. No particular manner of delivery is required, nor is any particular manner of content organization.
No more than 10% of the student’s composition shall be direct quotation.
The student may not incorporate any type of audience participation in the speech.
THE MAXIMUM TIME OF PRESENTATION SHALL NOT EXCEED TEN (10) MINUTES. IF THE SPEAKER HAS BEEN WARNED THAT TIME HAS EXPIRED, THE SPEAKER MAY ONLY FINISH THE SENTENCE ALREADY BEGUN.
| Original Oratory (National Category) |
Poetry | |
Serious Poetry Interpretation features a student performing a selection or selections of published poetry. The mood of the cutting must be essentially serious.
The student should be judged on ability to get and give meaning through the use of vocal and bodily expression. Poise, vocal and physical delivery, and appropriateness of the selection to the interpreter should be considered.
Selections for poetry may include one poem or several clearly identified poems. Published poetry selections include novels in verse, with literary merit and appropriate to the reader. Serious dramatic literature written in verse, such as a tragedy by Shakespeare, is considered “Serious Drama” rather than “Serous Poetry.”The titles and authors of each poem must be stated either in the introduction or throughout the performance.
An introductory statement, which may include a “teaser,” must precede the presentation.
THE MAXIMUM TIME OF PRESENTATION, INCLUDING THE REQUIRED INTRODUCTION, IS TEN (10) MINUTES. IF THE SPEAKER HAS BEEN WARNED THAT TIME HAS EXPIRED, THE SPEAKER MAY ONLY FINISH THE SENTENCE ALREADY BEGUN.
| Poetry |
Prose Interpretation | |
Serious Prose Interpretation features a student performing a selection of published prose. The mood of the cutting must be essentially serious.
The student should be judged on ability to get and give meaning through the use of vocal and bodily expression. Poise, vocal and physical delivery, and appropriateness of the selection to the interpreter should be considered.
Selections for prose may be any published selection of prose, fiction or nonfiction. “Novels in verse” are typically considered Serious Poetry. Any selection, with literary merit and appropriate to the reader, that is not poetry, a play or part of a play, or a delivered speech is considered prose.
An introductory statement, which may include a “teaser,” must precede the presentation.
THE MAXIMUM TIME OF PRESENTATION, INCLUDING THE REQUIRED INTRODUCTION, IS TEN (10) MINUTES. IF THE SPEAKER HAS BEEN WARNED THAT TIME HAS EXPIRED, THE SPEAKER MAY ONLY FINISH THE SENTENCE ALREADY BEGUN.
| Prose Interpretation |
Storytelling | |
Participation in storytelling should train students to recreate a familiar story extemporaneously. Because this is not a recitation, the contestant will be judged on the ability to recreate the story in his/her own words, with emphasis on a direct conversational style and spontaneous bodily action.
The contestant must maintain the story’s mood and format and must deliver the story extemporaneously.
The contestant must not add subplots or make revisions to the story’s actual events that change the original plot or violate the story’s style, intent, and mood. Cutting of a lengthy story is allowable to meet time constraints. The use of a concluding statement that ties back to the introduction is allowed but not required.
A selected list of fifteen (15) stories will be announced in the fall of each year. Thirty (30) minutes before the contest begins, the first storyteller shall draw three titles. The storyteller shall immediately choose one of them and return the other two, which will then be placed with the other stories remaining to be drawn. The title chosen shall be recorded by the Event Manager. Each of the succeeding performers shall, at intervals of eight (8) minutes, in turn, follow the same procedure.
In all rounds, including finals, in ALL levels of competition, a student may NOT repeat a story previously performed in preliminary round at that level of competition. In the event that the student draws a previously performed story, she/he shall draw a substitute story.
After the contestant has drawn a title, the student shall not confer, or communicate in any way with a coach or others until the presentation has been delivered. Each storyteller shall present the storytelling draw slip to the Room Manager or Judge(s) in the round, if it is not electronically accessible. No books, notes or properties shall be used in the performance
An introductory statement, which may include a “teaser,” must precede the presentation.
THE MAXIMUM TIME OF PRESENTATION, INCLUDING THE REQUIRED INTRODUCTION, IS SEVEN (7) MINUTES.IF THE STORYTELLER IS WARNED THAT TIME HAS EXPIRED, THE STORYTELLER MAY CONCLUDE WITH ONE FINAL STATEMENT.
