What does Anderson Speech and Debate have to offer?
Interpretation/Speech Events
Humorous Interpretation – The student will perform a memorized cut from a play, short story, novel or poem that is humorous in
nature. The student may portray more than one character and may use a variety of voices and bodily expressions. The contestant is required to
have an introduction that states the title and author of the selection. The student may choose to perform a short portion of the selection prior
to the introduction as a preview or “teaser.” During competition, the time limit is 10 minutes with a 30 second grace.
Dramatic Interpretation – Same as HI, but the selection will be dramatic in nature.
Prose Interpretation – The student will present a cut from a short story or novel. The selection does not have to be memorized. The
student will have a small black binder that contains their script. The contestant is required to have an introduction that states the title and
author of the selection. The student may choose to perform a short portion of the selection prior to the introduction. During competition, the
time limit is 7 minutes with a 30 second grace.
Poetry Interpretation – Same as prose, but the cut must be from a poetic selection. The contestant may
present a variety of poems that are thematically linked.
Duet Acting – Two students will present a cutting from a play, short story, novel, or poem. The contestants will have 2 chairs to use
in their scene. Selections may be humorous or dramatic in nature. During competition, the time limit is 12 minutes with a 30 second grace
period. The contestants should have an introduction that states the title and author of the selection. The students may choose to perform a
short portion prior to the introduction.
Duo Interpretation – Two students present monologues simultaneously and do not interact. During competition, the time limit is 10
minutes. Other than time and a lack of physical interaction, it is similar to Duet Acting.
Public Speaking Events
United States or Domestic Extemporaneous Speaking – Students will draw a topic in another room (usually a library or auditorium).
They will have 30 minutes to prepare a speech on that topic. Topics are generally current and relevant to the United States. When they come
to the room of competition, the student has 7 minutes to present their prepared speech, with a 30 second grace. The speech should be
structured with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Students will cite the sources from where they got their information. Time signals are
given to speakers.
International or Foreign Extemporaneous Speaking - Same as U.S.X. or D.X., but the topics deal with affairs typically associated
with the international community.
Congressional Debate – A mock legislature where students are provided legislation that they research and prepare speeches for
before the competition begins. Each student will have opportunities to debate, either affirming or negating the legislation. Each speech is 3
minutes, with a questioning period often following.
Original Oratory – The student will present an original speech. Students pick their own topic and present a structured speech that is
memorized. The speech should make a point or have a lasting meaning. The speech should be informative and persuasive in nature. Humor is
acceptable. Students offer sources from where they did their research. The time limit is 10 minutes with a 30 second grace.
Debate Events
Lincoln-Douglas or Value Debate – LD Debate involves two debaters opposing each other on one resolution or topic. One debater
from one school affirms the resolution. The second debater from another school negates the resolution. The two debaters research the topic
thoroughly and prepare speeches before the round. During the round, the debaters respond to each other and cross-examine each other.
Cross Examination or Policy Debate – Policy Debate involves four debaters with two on each side debating one resolution or topic.
Two debaters offer one policy that the body in question should employ, while the other two debaters offer another policy as a solution to the
same problem. Like LD Debate, this event requires thorough research before the round begins.
Public Forum Debate – PFD involves two pairs (teams) debating monthly controversial resolutions that usually come from current
events. Rounds begin with a coin toss between the competing teams to determine side and order (Pro-Con or Con-Pro). Public Forum tests
skills in argumentation, cross-examination, and refutation. Unlike other debate events, the central idea behind Public Forum Debate is that the
arguments should be understandable and accessible for anyone.