Events Description
Individual Event Rules:
1. Extemporaneous Speaking: Topics will be based on current events. There will be no distinction
between U.S. and Foreign topics. Draw will be conducted at 5-minute intervals with 30 minutes
preparation time. Students will perform in the order in which they draw. The SIGNED topic slip
must be presented to the judge at the time of performance. Students entered in extemp cannot be
entered in improv duet.
Time limit: 7 minutes.
2. Original Oratory: The speech must be the original work of the student. It must be memorized
with not more than 150 words of quoted material. Note-cards are prohibited.
Time limit: 10 minutes.
3. Radio Speaking: Scripts must contain news, weather, and sports from sources not more than 24
hours old as of the first round of the tournament. Judges will be separated from the contestant so as
to judge the radio presence and sound quality of the contestant. Dead air and overflow should be
minimal.
Time limit: 5 minutes.
4. Humorous and Dramatic Interpretation: Selections must be memorized and possess literary
merit. Selections may come from any published source and the selection must be true to the author’s
intent. An introduction must be provided. Only minor stance alterations are allowed. No props or
costumes are allowed.
Time limit: 10 minutes.
5. Prose and Poetry Reading: Any published prose or poetry that possesses literary merit may be
used. The selection must be read from a manuscript (and can be in a notebook). Selections must be
introduced. Prose must be less than 50% dialogue. Only minor stance alterations are allowed.
Time limit: 8 minutes.
6. Storytelling: A story is told by the contestant using a combination of his/her own words and
original essential phrases without the use of notes or a copy of the story. The contestant must present
the story from a seated position in a chair or on a stool (provided by the host school.) The story must
be intended for children ages 6-12. An introduction must be provided.
Time limit: 8 minutes.
7. Duet Acting: Selections may be cuttings form any appropriate play, novel, or short story that
possesses literary merit. Must be memorized. An introduction must be provided. No props or
costumes are allowed. Two chairs and a table will be provided.
Time limit: 10 minutes.
8. Improvisational Duet Acting: Improvisational acting event for two contestants. Draw will be
conducted at 5-minute intervals with 30 minutes of preparation time. Topics will be based on random
situations or word associations. Contestants will perform in the order in which they draw. No props
or costumes may be used. Two chairs will be provided. An appropriate introduction to the scene is
required. The topic slip must be presented to the judge at the time of performance. Students
entered in improv may not be entered in extemp.
Time limit: 7 minutes.
With the exception of improvisational duet acting, MSHSAA rules will be followed .