I am a STAR!
I seek perfection in all that I do.
I do not settle for mediocrity.
I will look like a STAR, behave like a STAR, and
perform like a STAR.
I will encourage, praise, honor, and cheer for other STARS.
I will exhibit class and style when celebrating my successes and
maintain dignity and honor should I face defeat.
Being a STAR isn’t a geographical right but a choice made when
one realizes their potential.
WE ARE STARS:
SPEAKERS, THESPIANS, AND READERS
Try not to be blinded by our ability to shine!
2014-2015 Tentative STARS Schedule
STARS Student Handbook
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Meetings will be announced and posted throughout the year.
Speech & Debate EVENTS
Theater EVENTS
STARS CLUB EVENTS
September TBA
September 13
September 27
October 2-4
October 31
November 1
November 5
November 12
November 15
November 20-22
December 5-6
selections)
January TBA
January 9-10
January 12-14
January 16-17
January 30-31
February 14
February TBA
February 27-28
March 3-7
March 20-21
March 24
March 26
March 27
March 31
April 7
April
TBA
April 11
April 17-18
April 24-25
April 30 – May 2
MAY TBA
May 26-28
May 25-27
June 5
June 16 - 21
Auditions for Fall Production
LaVernia (TFA) (potentially overnight)
UIL Super Activities Conference @ A & M Corpus
TSCA Convention (For the teachers)
Trick-or-Treat so kids can eat
(Football Game booth)
Gregory Portland (TFA)
Renascence Festival Field Trip (ACTIVE STARS Members ONLY)
Congress District @ Victoria Performing Arts Center
Boling HS Tournament (UIL)
Fall Production
Bay City High School
UIL Tournament ( Prose/ Poetry must have both
OAP Auditions
West Columbia HS UIL Invitational Tournament
UIL Congress State Meet @ UT Austin **
El Campo High School UIL Invitational Tournament (MANDATORY) You
will need your parents to work or find judges for this meet.
Texas City TFA HS Tournament (overnight)
CX District – El Campo High School (will need club volunteers to time keep and help)
OAP Clinic
Galveston Ball
(Overnight TRIP: must qualify to go!)
TFA State **
CX State - University of Texas - Austin **
LD District –@ Old Needville High School
Journalism District @ Old Needville High School
District 27 4A Academic Meet @ WCJC
OAP Official Rehearsal @ Sealy high School 6 – 7:30
District OAP @ Sealy High School
OAP Official Bi District Rehearsal @ Bay City High School**
Bi-District OAP @ Bay City HS**
UIL Area OAP – Industrial HS**
UIL Regional Meet at Texas A&M Corpus Christi** (BOTH SPEECH & OAP)
NSDA District National Qualifying Tournament @ Galveston Ball*
ANNUAL STARS AWARDS BANQUET
UIL Academic State Meet at UT**(speech, ld debate, & Academics)
UIL 4A OAP State Meet at UT Austin**
ECHS TALENT SHOW (STARS FUNDRAISER)
NSAD – National Tournament @Dallas
*DENOTES participation is dependent upon qualification.
** Participation dependent upon prior performance
Sign up for reminders: This will allow us to get messages to you regarding meetings, tournaments, and general information.
Text @be542 to (469) 518 - 2974
Dates are subject to change.
STARS Student Handbook
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GUIDELINES FOR CLUB BEHAVIOR!
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All guidelines listed in the student code of conduct will be enforced at all times.
Students will abide by the ECHS alcohol and drug policy for ECISD.
Tangible courtship of ANY kind is NEVER allowed.
Members of STARS may NEVER use competition as an excuse to miss another class.
All practice should be done either in Oral Interp, Debate, Theater Arts, Comm. App.,
Independent Study, or before or after school during scheduled rehearsal time.
Members of STARS should not ask teachers for passes to practice for competition. If
a sponsor feels it is necessary to pull a student from class, the sponsor will clear it
with the teacher ahead of time.
All members of STARS must pass their classes in order to be active participants in
the club.
All members of STARS must turn in their contract, permission slip, medical
emergency form, and media form before being allowed to compete.
All students involved in PLAYS AND TORUNAMENTS will be required to keep a
“rehearsal journal.” This should be a spiral. This will be required at all levels of
participation.
Guidelines for behavior at Tournaments
Pre-Tournament/ Bus behavior
1. Students wishing to participate in competition, must practice and be deemed
tournament ready before the tournament by means of auditioning.
2. All students participating in a tournament is expected to arrive 15 minutes before the
departure time to load equipment, tubs, stools, chairs and any other competitive item
needed. NO PERFORMER IS EXCUSED FROM THIS ACTIVITY!!!!
3. All students will be DRESSED and ready to perform their first event from the
moment they get on the bus. Debaters and IE’ers who participate on Friday Night are
EXPECTED to wear competition attire to class on Friday.
4. All students are expected to have their necessary items for competition with them on
the bus. This includes interp folders, documentation, extemp note cards, files, debate
cases, cd players, cd’s, clothing or costuming, and debate files.
5. No loud music! Any music played may only be done with a headset.
6. No yelling, screaming, crying, or anything else LOUD will be done on the bus. (This
includes rehearsal for an event.) You should always be considerate of others on the
bus or van.
7. Boys and girls are not allowed to share seats with out the sponsor’s permission. NO
STUDENT is allowed to lean, lie, or rest with another student for any REASON!
STARS Student Handbook
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Behavior at the Tournament
1. All competitors will warm up before competition and recite the STAR pledge.
Extempers are expected to warm up as a group if the bus is running late.
2. All competitors will unload, regardless of the amount of supplies you need.
3. You are responsible for yourself! This includes finding your competition room,
documentation of material, keeping up with your supplies, bringing snacks, and
signing yourself into competition if you are cross-entered. If there are any problems
you must bring it to your sponsor’s attention immediately.
4. All members will dress according to specific dress and grooming guidelines.
5. All members will behave in a manner that is sports-man like and positive at all times.
NEVER is a student allowed to: approach a judge in dissent of a ballot, speak rudely
to another coach or adult, purposely skip or forfeit an event, curse or use obscene
language in competition, behave in an inappropriate manner in competition, speak
while another competitor is performing, enter a room with out a judge, make fun of
another competitor, or leave the competition. I understand that sometimes you may
face disappointment, however, YOU WILL NOT SHOW EMOTION OF THIS
DISAPPOINTMENT in front of fellow competitors. If you face such emotion, you
should excuse yourself and have a moment of privacy away from others.
6. NO WHINING! DO NOT COMPLAIN about the tournament, DO NOT
COMPLAIN about competitors from other schools, and DO NOT COMPLAIN about
judges. While many complaints and criticism’s are legitimate, you will save your
comments for van or bus talk. At no other time will negative comments be allowed.
If it is a complaint that you feels harms yourself or other competitors or is truly unfair
in nature, you should privately bring it to your sponsor’s attention as soon as possible.
7. YOU WILL SUPPORT OTHER STARS! If you are not in a round you are expected
to rehearse or watch others. You will only sit at the STARS table while waiting for
results. At no time are you allowed to leave with a person from another school.
8. You will support victory of STARS. In the event that another member of STARS
beats you in an event, you will treat them with courtesy and tact.
9. No one may leave early from a tournament without expressed permission from the
sponsor. Any one wishing to leave an event early, must have a note signed by the
principle or designated administrator one day prior to the tournament. Students may
only be released to the individuals specified in the permission letter signed by the
principle. (This is also an ECISD policy.)
10. You will observe during out round time, regardless of how tired you are.
11. No loud, rude, or improper behavior is permitted in any facet of the tournament. This
includes dancing at the awards ceremony or in the cafeteria.
12. You will only sit with STARS during the award ceremony. Likewise, students from
other schools are not allowed to sit with us, regardless of the rules of their school.
STARS Student Handbook
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13. During the award ceremony, you will stand for the person who won first in an event,
for the best of awards, sweepstakes, and for any member of your team who is
recognized.
14. Only designated members of stars may acquire a sweepstakes trophy.
NSDA: National Speech and Debate Association (former NFL)
NSDA is considered one of the most prestigious high school organizations in the
country. NSDA is a speech honor society that boasts many well-known speakers as
alumnus. Ex: Oprah Winfrey, Tom Brokaw, Jane Pauley. Students earn membership by
competing at tournaments. There are 2 levels of NSDA competition: District and
Nationals, but students earn NSDA points at every competition they attend. A student
must place 1st or 2nd in their event at the district level to qualify for nationals.
NSDA events are: Cross Examination (CX) and Lincoln-Douglas (LD) debate,
Public Forum Debate, foreign and domestic extemporaneous speaking, oratory, humorous
and dramatic interpretation (HI, DI), and Duo Acting and Congressional Debate;
prose/poetry and impromptu speaking are supplemental events.
UIL: The University Interscholastic League
UIL is a Texas-based high school organization that not only governs speech
competition, but also academic and athletic contests. UIL has 3 levels of competition:
district, region, and state. The top 3 students in each event advance to the next level of
competition.
UIL events are: Cross Examination (CX) and Lincoln-Douglas (LD) debate,
prose/poetry, and persuasive and informative extemporaneous speaking.
UIL Pilot event: Congress
UIL Technical Theatre contests: Makeup, Scene Design, Costumes, and
advertising.
TFA: Texas Forensics Association
TFA is the most active of the organizations with which we compete. TFA
sponsors tournaments throughout the state of Texas each weekend from SeptemberFebruary. The TEA State tournament is held in March. Students qualify to compete at the
state level by accruing points in finals at a TFA qualifying tournament and event.
TFA events are: Cross Examination (CX) and Lincoln-Douglas (LD) debate,
Congressional Debate, foreign and domestic extemporaneous speaking, oratory,
humorous and dramatic interpretation (HI/DI), Duet and Duo Acting; prose/poetry and
impromptu speaking are supplemental events.
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WHAT COMPETITIVE EVENTS ARE AVAILABLE?
DEBATE:
Cross Examination (CX or Policy Debate): 2-person teams debate one resolution all
year that proposes a plan to solve a problem.
2014 - 2015 CX Topic: Resolved: The United States federal government should
substantially increase its non-military exploration and/or development of the
Earth's oceans.
Lincoln-Douglas (LD or Value Debate): 1-on-l debate about philosophical issues. This
topic changes every 2 months during tournament season for NFL competition, while the
UIL topic changes each semester.
Fall 2014 UIL LD Topic: Resolved: On balance, government restrictions on
threatening speech are desirable.
September/ October TFA-NSAD Topic: Resolved: A just society ought to
presume consent for organ procurement from the deceased.
Novice TFA – NSAD Topic: Resolved: Civil disobedience in a democracy is
morally justified.
Public Forum (Ted Turner Debate): a new form of debate focuses on team debate in
which a current hot topic is debated. Topics change each month. The time format is
shorter than CX debate, and, during CX, or Cross Fire rebuttals, all speakers from the
teams can participate. Although the research is less involved than CX debate, students
still must be extremely well read and well prepared for debate. The topic changes every
two months and can be found on the Speech and Debate website: www.nflonline.org.
September Topic: TOPIC AREA: Sports in the United States
Student Congress: Students debate legislation. They pretend they are members of
congress addressing lawmakers. A vote follows each legislative item. Parliamentary
rules are used. To view the docket, go to www.txfa.org
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SPEECH EVENTS:
Extemporaneous Speaking (Extemp): Speakers are given 30 minutes to prepare a 7-minute speech on
current issues. Speakers take information from our team files, which contain articles from magazine
subscriptions and other current event articles as collected by debate team members. The two arenas of
extemporaneous speaking are DX (Domestic Extemp), USX (US Extemp), FX (Foreign Extemp) and IX
(International Extemp).
Original Oratory (00): A 10-minute memorized speech written by the contestant, with no more than 150
quoted words. This speech maybe on any topic, and is oftentimes motivational in nature. You may perform
the same speech all year, or select a different one for different tournaments. Students must constantly be
"perfecting" and "fine-tuning" their orations.
Impromptu (Imp): Speakers are given 30 seconds to prepare a 3-minute speech. Topics are often
humorous in nature.
ACTING/ Interp
Dramatic and Humorous Interpretation (DI/HI): Students select and memorize a 10-minute scene that is
either dramatic or humorous in nature, depending on the event you enter. This is an individual event, so the
contestant portrays all characters in the scene. You can keep the same selection all year, or change.
Duet Acting (DA): Students select and memorize a 12-minute scene from a play. This scene can be either
dramatic or humorous and students are allowed to use only 2 chairs as props to perform the scene.
Duo (DUO): Similar to duet acting, but actors do not interact with one another. The scene is also memorized
and can be humorous or dramatic. There is a 10-minute time limit. Event is an NFL event
Prose/Poetry (PO / PR): This is a 7-minute prepared reading of a work of literature or poetry, depending
on the event you enter. You may choose your own literature in the fall or prepare the UIL topic which will
be required in the spring. This is not a memorized event.
UIL PROSE/ POETRY Categories and Requirements
Prose Category A Restrictions
Material chosen for use in Category A Prose Interpretation shall meet the following restrictions: (A) All selections shall be
published, printed material; Internet material shall be published concurrently in hard copy; (B) Selections from plays or
screenplays shall not be used in this category; (C) Speeches shall not be used in this category; (D) No contestant shall use an
individual writer in more than one category in the contest; (E) No contestant shall use selections from the same literary work
more than one year at UIL State Meet; and (F) Selections shall be read in the English translation; however, incidental use of
foreign language words and phrases in any selection may be used as in the original.
Category A: Inspiring My Journey
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The goal of this category is to explore the concept of past or present heroes/heroines or survivors. The contestant shall
perform a single prose selection. The selection may be fiction or non-fiction, written by one author or a collaborative
work by two or more authors or written anonymously.
The introduction should be used to define the contestant’s idea of a hero/heroine or survivor. The selection should
reflect these inspirational qualities.
The literary work for this category may include but is not limited to short stories, myths, legends, folk tales, science
fiction, memoirs and novels. The selection shall not include speeches or plays. The author used in this category shall not
be used in category B of prose.
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Documentation Requirements
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In order to meet category restrictions, the contestant shall provide proof the selection is published in hard copy.
Examples of acceptable proof include the original published source or a photocopy or online printout of Library of
Congress cataloging information. If the selection is drawn from a literary collection, the contestant shall supply the
original source or a photocopy of the table of contents that designates the title of the book and proof the selection is
included in that book, such as a photocopy of the first page of the selection. A printout from an online source proving the
selection is included in the published collection is acceptable.
Bibliographic Information
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Students are urged to take to the contest site the original published source of the selection.
Prose Category B Restrictions
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Material chosen for use in Category B of Prose Interpretation shall meet the following restrictions: (A) All selections
may be published, printed material or transcribed material from movies or documentaries; (B) Selections from plays,
screenplays, movies and documentaries may be used in this category; (C) Speeches may be used in this category; (D)
No contestant shall use an individual writer in more than one category in the contest; (E) No contestant shall use
selections from the same literary work more than one year at UIL State Meet; and (F) Selections shall be read in the
English translation; however, incidental use of foreign language words and phrases in any selection may be used as in
the original.
Category B: Expanding the Journey
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The goal of this category is to develop a thematic program using different types of literature. The contestant shall read a
minimum of two but no more than four sources; however, the majority of the program must be prose in nature. For this
category only, prose includes fiction, nonfiction, news sources, speeches and essays. In addition, for one of the sources,
contestants may use a script from a movie, documentary, television show or movie, radio show or play (see limitations
below).
The intent of this category is not to encourage originally authored material but to give the contestant the freedom of
expanding prose to include different types of literature. Contestants shall not use poetry, song lyrics, musicals, plays
written in verse or novels in verse. The selections may be woven. Original transitions may be used.
Thematic programs may include, but are not limited to: social/cultural issues, archetypes or individuals. The introduction
shall state the type of literature used and include all titles. Also, the thematic significance of the program should be
included. If the program is woven, the contestant shall state it in the introduction. Anonymous authors may be used. The
author(s) used in this category shall not be used in Category A of prose.
Documentation Requirements
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All selections may be published, printed material, online material or transcribed material. The contestant shall prepare
and provide a list of sources with authors and/or screenwriters for the purpose of insuring that no author is being used in
both categories. No proof of publication for Category B is required.
POETRY
Poetry Category A Restrictions
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Material chosen for use in Category A Poetry Interpretation shall meet the following restrictions: (A) All selections shall
be published, printed material; Internet material shall be published concurrently in hard copy; (B) Selections from
plays or screenplays shall not be used; (C) Song lyrics published only as music may be used but only as transitions; (D)
No contestant shall use an individual poet in more than one category in the contest; (E) No contestant shall use
selections from the same literary work more than one year at UIL State Meet; and (F) Selections shall be read in the
English translation; however, incidental use of foreign language words and phrases in any selection may be used as in
the original.
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Category A: A Journey Through Time
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The goal of this category is to examine a decade(s) and/or a social/political movement. In this category, the contestant
shall perform a program centered on a time period and/or movement such as but not limited to: The Roaring 20’s, The
Great Depression, Animal Rights, Anti-War, Apartheid, Arab Spring, Black Consciousness, Chicano Movement, Civil Rights,
Human Rights or Women’s Liberation.
The thematic program shall include at least two poems or excerpts of poems by two or more poets. Poems shall be
published in hard copy. The program may be woven or may incorporate verbal and/or nonverbal transitions. Song lyrics
may be used as transitions only, unless published as poetry.
If the program is woven, it shall be stated in the introduction. The introduction should be used to identify the significance
of the decade, social or political movement. Works co-authored or by anonymous poets are permissible. The poets used
in this category shall not be used in Category B.
Documentation Requirements
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In order to meet category restrictions, the contestant shall provide proof the selections are published in hard copy.
Examples of acceptable proof include the original published source or a photocopy or online printout of Library of
Congress cataloging information. If the selections are drawn from a literary collection, the contestant shall supply the
original source or a photocopy of the table of contents that designates the title of the book and proof the selection is
included in that book, such as a photocopy of the first page of the poem. A printout from an online source proving the
selection is included in the published collection is acceptable.
Bibliographic Information
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Students are urged to take to the contest site the original published source of the selection.
Poetry Category B Restrictions
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Material chosen for use in Category B Poetry Interpretation shall meet the following restrictions: (A) Selections may be
published, printed material or online material; (B) Selections from plays or screenplays shall not be used; (C) Song lyrics
published only as music shall not be used. If song lyrics have been published as poetry, the poet shall be listed on the
prescribed website; (D) No contestant shall use an individual poet in more than one category in the contest; (E) No
contestant shall use selections from the same literary work more than one year at UIL State Meet; and (F) Selections
shall be read in the English translation; however, incidental use of foreign language words and phrases in any selection
may be used as in the original.
Category B: Journey With Poets
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The contestant shall perform a poem, multiple poems or excerpts of poems, written by one or more poets listed on the
website PoetryFoundation.org. Poetry not appearing on PoetryFoundation.org may be used as long as the poems are
written by the poet(s) found on PoetryFoundation.org. Blogs, essays, prose and other non-poetic material found on this
website shall not be used.
If using multiple poems, the contestant may weave the program or may incorporate verbal and/or nonverbal transitions.
If the program is woven, it shall be stated in the introduction. The poet(s) used in this category shall not be used in
Category A of poetry.
Documentation Requirements
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In order to meet category restrictions, the contestant shall provide proof that the poet(s) is/are listed on the website
PoetryFoundation.org. Printouts of the online documentation shall include the URL from PoetryFoundation.org. Example
of acceptable documentation is the poet’s biographical page from the PoetryFoundation.org website.
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I will look like a STAR.
Aristotle tells us the way a speaker dresses and behaves directly relates to how the audience perceives him or her. It is because of this
fact competitive members of STAR’s will dress appropriately and professionally in every aspect of competition. Students failing to
follow these guidelines, despite their competitive level and ability, will not be able to COMPETE for El Campo High School Speech
and Drama.
Dress guidelines for male competitors
Dress
Pants
Ties & Blazers
Hair
Shoes
Miscellaneous
All shirts warn shall have buttons and a collar. Sweaters are allowed, but only with a
collard shirt under. Male students should never wear a short sleeve shirt with out a
jacket or blazer in a speaking, interp, or debate event. All shirts shall be tucked in
unless its design makes it inherently impossible or unattractive for it to be tucked into
pants. No tee-shirts are allowed (unless wearing uniform STAR tee-shirt), nor are any
shirts which have any words or messages on them.
No blue jeans, denim, or ripped pants may be worn. (EXCEPT IN GROUP IMPROV)
If pants are designed to have a belt, a belt should be worn. Absolutely no shorts are
allowed. Pants shall be the appropriate size for your body. If in doubt, the sponsors
judgment is final
All debaters, speakers, and interpers must wear a tie. Blazers or jackets must be worn
with short sleeve shirts. Ties should not be distracting and should be the proper length.
All male performers hall be clean shaven. Pony tails are not permitted. Men’s hair shall
not cover the eyes and shall be kept out of the performers face at all times. Multicolored
hair is not allowed.
Absolutely NO flip flops! Speakers, debaters, or interpers should not wear tennis shoes
with their competition attire. However, tennis shoes may be permitted for group
improv. No open toed shoes for any male student.
No tattoos or body piercing of any kind shall be exposed on a competitor. All
competitors will wear the proper undergarments and make sure they are not exposed.
No earrings, no spiky jewelry of any kind.
Dress guidelines for female competitors
Dress
Blouses
Pants
Hair
Makeup
Shoes
Miscellaneous
Skirts or dresses may not: be denim, 3 or more inches above the knee, tight fitting, or see-though.
Blouses and shirts may not reveal any cleavage. No shirt or blouse worn in competition may be
see through, glittery or distracting, tee-shirt (unless wearing uniform STAR tee-shirt for acting
performances), or have any words or messages on them.
Pants may not be blue jeans, ripped, denim, tight fitting, or too long for appropriate movement. No
shorts are allowed.
Hair may not be multi colored, must be pulled out of face (all females with long hair should have
their hair pulled back in a clip or up in a pony tail or bun.)
No heavy eyeliner (gothic in style), No un-natural color lipstick (no blue, black, purple, or glitter),
eye make up should be conservative and professional, no bright finger nail or toe nail polish.
NO FLIP FLOPS of ANY KIND!!!! Speakers, interpers, & debaters should never wear tennis
shoes of ANY KIND!!! All shoes should match your clothing (they should be the same color or
darker than your hem line), and appear professional. Girls shall not wear stiletto heals. Keep in
mind the black/ brown rule.
No tattoos or body piercing of any kind shall be exposed on a competitor. All hosiery should blend
with the hemline of skirt or dress worn. All competitors will wear the proper undergarments and
make sure they are not exposed or visible in any way, shape or form. No dangle earrings, no spiky
jewelry of any kind.
STARS Student Handbook
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Writing a Speech
A Mini Tutorial for STARS
An Introduction has four parts:
1. The Attention Getter (you must begin by grabbing the attention of your
audience). There are five ways you may begin your speech.
A. Ask a question.
B. Tell a story
C. Make a profound statement
D. Use a quotation
E. Make a reference to the audience.
2. The Link (some how connect your attention getter to your thesis or purpose
statement.
3. The Thesis (This explains exactly what your purpose of giving your speech
is. It summarizes the entire goal of your speech in one sentence.)
4. The preview (You preview each main idea in the body of the speech.)
The Body is the center of the speech. It contains your main ideas support, and details.
Most of your research is found in the body as well. You should have at least two main
ideas, no more than five. Supporting materials explain your main ideas. Details, take
your support one step further by illustrating them to pin point accuracy.
The conclusion leaves the audience with a final impression of your speech. It is
important that you end with a bang. A conclusion has two requirements.
1. A summary statement. This should summarize the main ideas of your speech.
2. A concluding statement. This should remind us of what you said in your
attention getter and leave the audience with a sense of finality.
Writing an Extemp Speech
Different organizations have their own set of rules. The following extemporaneous
speaking guidelines are to help ECHS novices in our regional competitive area.
1. First you will be asked to select a topic. You will draw three to five topics
(depending on the tournament) and select the one you like best. Topics may be
divided up into persuasive, informative, domestic, or foreign.
2. You have 30 min. to research and write your speech.
3. You may ONLY use a note card to deliver your speech with.
4. You may use extemp files, evidence gathered by your speech team to help you
write your speech.
5. Your speech should not exceed 7 min. in length.
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Tips for Writing an Extemp Speech
Step One- The files--Before you even go to a tournament, make sure you keep up your
teams extemp files. This will get you familiar with what you have information on and
expose you to more current events. Watch the news daily or read the news paper daily.
Keep a current events journal, which outlines major happenings weekly.
Step Two- Choosing a topic-- You only have a short while to pick a topic. Choose the
topic you feel most comfortable with and that you will be able to find support.
Step Three-- Using your research time-- For beginners it is best to divide up your time
wisely.
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10 min to research,
10 min to write the speech on a note card
10 min to practice the speech.
Some people are able to write the speech and research as they go. This is fine. Be sure to
reserve at least 10 min. to practice the speech. The longer you participate in extemp, you
will tend to use less prep time and more practice time.
Step Four-- Writing the speech-- The speech should be written in outline form and you
should follow the Basic Speech Outline format. If you are answering a persuasive
question, make sure you include an action step in your outline. Use the following
guidelines:
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Verbally cite all evidence used. A proper extemp speech will cite the author, magazine
title, and date of magazine of any evidence used. However, when an article quotes a
person, and you use the quote, make sure you give credit to who actually said it.
Use evidence wisely. Try to vary your sources. Also, you should have two pieces of
support for each main idea you have.
Do not write down every thing. Less is more! The more you write, the more dependant
you will be on your note card. Only write information that you feel you would not be
able to remember.
Relate your points to your audience. Many beginning extempers have a habit of just
reciting information to their audience. After every point you make, you should explain,
in your own words, what your point means. Use analogies, metaphors, and similes. A
good speaker uses language and analysis to relate to the audience.
Rehearse your speech in your head as you write it. This will help you remember key
ideas and parts of your speech. It also will help your fluency.
Have fun with this event! This event is fun if you make it fun. Don't be afraid to add
some of your own personality and style to the speech.
While, you should be aware of your audience, and be respectful of other peoples views
and ideas, its okay to throw humor, comparisons, your own experiences, and your own
ideas in to the speech. Be creative. This makes speaking more fun!
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A brief guide to getting started in an Interp Event:
Step One: Picking your selection
Go with your strengths. Draw on your experiences with literature, stories, and poetry.
Ask yourself; what are your likes and dislikes. Brainstorm. Read. Become a constant
reader. The best selections are those which you pick for yourself, not those which are
given to you by some one else. A good selection will have literary merit, universal
appeal, and send a definite message to the listener. While emotions are powerful and will
play a part in your performance, a selections purpose should be to leave the listener with
a full package of beginning middle and end. Talk to your sponsor if you need help.
Step two: Analysis
When you interpret prose you are telling a story. Therefore every aspect of the piece
must be closely analyzed. You should analyze who is telling the story and why. You
should know the plot of the selection and the theme. You should know who all of the
characters are, their relationships, personalities, physical and vocal characteristics. Take
a few minuets to reflect and write on this.
Step three: Cutting
Interp is a timed event. Cutting a selection may be difficult. Begin with these simple
tips:
1. Always cut in, not out. Build your performance around the lines you like best and
those you feel are the most important in understanding the selection.
2. Eliminate dialogue tags. (Parts of the written dialogue that explains who is
speaking.)
3. Eliminate most lines that describe physical action.
4. Eliminate minor characters who may confuse the audience.
5. Cut reference to events that you do not have time to explain.
Never change the Author's INTENT!!!!!!
Step four: Writing the Introduction
1. Many performances begin with a teaser which is a brief snip of the selection. It is
kind of like a sneak preview. Sometimes a teaser is a wise choice for an intro, for
other performances it may actually take away from the interper's selection. Speak
with your sponsor about what they feel may be right for you with your particular
choice.
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2. Attention Getter: There are five basic ways to get the audiences attention. Some
are much better than others.
1. Ask a question.
2. Tell a story.
3. Make a profound statement
4. Use a quotation
5. Make a reference.
As an interp coach I feel that using literary quotations which are relevant to the theme
communicated in the selection is the best way to begin with an interp selection.
3. Link: Link the introduction in some way to the selection. This should briefly set
up any necessary information the audience may need in making a connection with
the performance in the beginning. Give the audiences the information needed to
understand the selection (characters should be identified, relationships need to be
explained, important plot points need to be outlined).
4. Purpose: Relate the link to the purpose. Some how explain why you are reading
this selection. What is your goal? What is learned in the message?
5. Preview: State the name of the selection and the author.
Step Five: Performance Ready
1. Go through the script. High light each characters voice in a separate color.
2. Read the script again for meaning. Look for words which trigger specific
emotions and mark them.
3. Divide up breaks in the story with marked page turns.
4. Place your selection neatly in a binder.
5. Practice! Practice! Practice!
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A Guide to LD Debate
Introduction to Lincoln Douglas Debate
I. In debate there are 3 types of propositions: propositions of fact, propositions of policy
and propositions of value. Lincoln Douglas debate uses propositions of value.
A. Propositions of value- cannot be answered by knowing the facts or by predicting
the effects of a plan. These propositions involve philosophical judgments where
there are not true right or wrong answers.
B. What is a value? Value- a standard we apply to judge something right, wrong,
good, bad. Examples of values are: justice, security, freedom, equality, progress,
liberty, life, and quality of life
II. Voting issues. In L-D debate the voting issue includes value, criteria, and arguments.
A. Criteria- a set of goals which define the standards your case will meet in the
debate. How to weigh the round. Here, the debater is telling the judge what goal
they should meet in order to win the debate.
B. Arguments- your primary reasons for supporting or disagreeing with the
resolution.
C. Cases- Both affirmative and negative prepare their cases.
III. Writing the case
1. Introduction- catch the judges attention, state the resolution
2. definitions- define the key terms in the debate
3. Present your value, define it, and give value justification. This means you explain
why your value should be considered important in the debate.
4. Present your arguments. These are called contentions. Contention means belief.
Affirmative should have at least three contentions.
5. Support your arguments. Each argument must be backed up with evidence and
analysis.
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IV.
Getting started
STEP ONE: Research the current topic.
Find out what is happening now concerning the topic. How do you feel about the issue?
What arguments can you find to support both sides?
STEP TWO: Brainstorm!
Find reasons both for and against the resolution. Add examples, analogies, and evidence
to help illustrate your reasons.
STEP THREE: Making them Solid:
Put your arguments into outline form. At this point you need to come show your work to
Mrs. Skinner and she will help you put it all together.
FORMAT AND TIME LIMITATIONS
Continuous speaking time and order of speeches shall be as follows:
Affirmative 6 minutes
Cross-examination by Negative 3 minutes
Negative 7 minutes
Cross-examination by Affirmative 3 minutes
Affirmative Rebuttal 4 minutes
Negative Rebuttal 6 minutes
Affirmative Rebuttal 3 minutes
1. Preparation Time. A maximum of three minutes of preparation time per debater is
allowed during the course of the debate.
2. Overtime. Overtime may count against a team at the discretion of the judge.
3. Abuse of Time. Excessive abuse of the time allotments may result in disqualification
at the discretion of the contest director.
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ECHS STARS LETTER JACKET FOR SPEECH/ DEBATE
In order to earn a letter jacket in speech, debate, or oral interp, a student must complete a component of the
following criteria:
Option 1: A student must compete in either extemporaneous speaking, Lincoln Douglass Debate, CX
Debate, Poetry or Prose in at least 7 competitive tournaments.
Option 2: A student is awarded First, Second, or Third place in Prose, Poetry, Persuasive Extemp,
Informative Extemp, or Lincoln Douglass Debate at the District UIL Academic Meet or First or Second
place in Cross Examination Debate at the District Cross Examination Debate Meet.
In order to earn a letter jacket in DRAMA, a student must complete a component of the following criteria:
Option 1: A student fully participates in either cast or crew in
 2 long public performance plays and 2 short public performance plays or
 4 short public performance plays or
 4 long public performance plays
o A long play is considered any play which consists of at least two acts unless it is the UIL
One Act Play. Examples of long plays are 3 Act Fall Productions, Musicals, and UIL
One Act Play. A short play is considered a stage performance less than one hour long.
Examples of short plays are Children’s Plays, Musical Reviews, or Drug Education
Plays.
Option 2: A student is awarded UIL District, Area, Regional, or State All Star Cast, Best Actress, Best
Actor, or is a cast or crew member of an advancing One Act Play at the District, Area, Regional, or State
Level.
Letter Jacket Form: If a student wishes to receive a letter jacket or patch they must complete the following
form and return it. All students wishing to receive a jacket for participation must complete this by May 8th.
Any student wishing to receive the jacket for their performance should return the form by May 8th.
No exceptions!
Name: _________________________________________
Grade: ________
Check all that apply: ____ Speech Jacket
_____ Drama Jacket
I already have a jacket, I need a patch in:
speech
Which option plan are you following? Option 1
drama
_____Debate Jacket
debate
Option 2
If Speech/ Debate or Drama Option 1, list all events you participated in to meet the requirement:
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
If Option 2, write the award you received and the event you received it for:
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
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El Campo High School Speech & Drama Club
Travel Contract 2014-2015
Any student who wishes to travel to speech and or theater competitions with the El Campo High
School Speech & Drama Club must read and sign the following contract. The student's parent or
guardian must sign the contract as well. A student who does not turn in a signed contract may not
compete with El Campo High School speech and drama.
I, ________________________________, as a student and participant of El Campo High School
Speech and Drama understand and agree to the following rules and regulations as authorized and
described by the sponsors of El Campo High School Speech and Drama.
1. All school rules, including the code of conduct and the dress code, apply at any speech or
drama contest. Also, the Speech and Drama Code of Behavior and Conduct and Dress Code will
be followed at all times.
2. It is the student's duty to report to the sponsors (Mrs. Skinner or Mr. Woodworth) interest in
participating in any speech or drama activity.
3. All students must audition for any and all speech and drama competitions or PLAYS and must
be given permission by the sponsor before they may attend.
4. A student must notify a sponsor at least one week in advance if he or she will not attend a
speech or drama competition.
5. It is a student’s responsibility to inform the instructor (Mrs. Skinner or Mr. Woodworth) if
they will miss a scheduled practice or rehearsal.
6. Any student who is signed up for a competition and misses, without giving the sponsor due
notice, will be required to pay the speech and drama club back for his or her entry fees. (This only
applies if it is deemed an unexcused absence.) Examples of excused absences: sick with note
from doctor, death in the family, family emergency. For absence to be considered excused, the
student must provide the sponsor with a note from his or her parent or guardian.
Note: an entry fee is paid per event entered by students.
7. Proper attire must be worn to tournaments and plays. (See ECHS STARS Tournament Dress
Code Guidelines)
8. After a student is finished with competition, he or she may change into more comfortable
attire as long as the ECHS speech and drama T-shirt or sweat shirt is worn. (NO SHORTS or
holey blue jeans)
9. Students are responsible for their own belongings. Lost or stolen items are not the
responsibility of the Speech and Drama club or its sponsors. Limit what you bring to
tournaments, contests, and rehearsals.
10. No student may leave a speech and drama event for any reason. (Unless approved in advance
with the sponsor and principal)
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11. NO TANGIBLE COURTSHIP of ANY KIND is allowed at any speech and drama event.
12. All students must ride to an event with the sponsor and home with the sponsor.
13. During award ceremonies the student is required to sit with the El Campo High School
speech & drama team.
14. All members of the ECHS Speech and Drama Club are to exhibit sportsman-like attitudes at
all times. No member of the club is to ever approach a judge or member of another team in an
aggressive manner.
15. All members traveling to a tournament should arrive 10 minutes before the departure time to
help load all material needed on the bus.
16. All members traveling home are required to wait until the sponsor gives permission to leave.
The bus must be cleaned, all trash must be picked up, all materials must be loaded neatly back
into the class room. A student leaving early without permission will not be allowed to attend the
next tournament.
17. All students planning to travel to competitions with El Campo High School Speech & Drama
must participate in the El Campo High School Speech and Drama Tournament on the given date.
This may include turning in judges forms, time keeping, or helping monitor halls.
_________________________________
(Student signature)
_________________________________
(Signature of parent or guardian)
_________________________________
_________________________________
(Student Cell Phone Number)
(Parent Cell Phone Number)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------2014-2015 El Campo High School Speech & Drama Parent Permission Form
I give my child _______________________ permission to attend the events and activities of El
Campo High School Speech and Drama for the current school year. This includes plays, field
trips, meetings, debate tournaments, and play competition. I do not hold El Campo High School
or the sponsors of El Campo Speech and Drama responsible for accidents. I give the sponsors of
ECHS Speech and Drama permission to seek medical treatment for my child. In an emergency,
the sponsors should contact the following people:
Name: ______________________
Phone_______________________
Cell Phone: __________________
Name: ____________________
Phone: ____________________
Cell Phone: ________________
Physician’s name: ______________________
Phone: _______________________________
_______________________________
Parent or guardian’s signature
__________________________
Date
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