F.A.Q.
What are the different events?
How many events can I enter? Or how many speeches a year?
How does competition at a tournament work?
How does the tournament determine a champion?
How do the judges decide your rank?
What if someone in the same room gives my speech?
How much time and effort does competing in speech require?
The term "individual events" refers to the speech events of forensics. We call them "individual events" because they do not require speakers to directly interact with other speakers. Basically, that means you do not question or debate another speaker from another team.
What are the different events?
Individual events range from theatrical performance to speech making. Whether you want to deliver a rehearsed performance or an improvised one, speak on current events with research or act different characters, individual events offers something for every speaker.
IE speakers must practice consistently outside of school. Good speakers rehearse, research, and/or drill often on their own. In addition, speakers must commit to one practice session per week with a coach. During this practice session, speakers receive feedback to help fine tune their performance. Coach practice times are very lenient and can be molded to fit your schedule. If Ms. Shepard has a free period during school, you may be able to practice with her in her room during that time.
That depends on the event you have chosen. Refer to the events page for more information.
How many events can I enter? Or how many speeches a year?
Usually, you would focus on one event for the season, but flexibility is always possible. Here are the possibilities.
You can stick to one event but change your speech between any tournaments.
You can change your event between any tournaments.
You can double-enter in a tournament. This means that you compete in two events at the same time. It's a bit of a challenge, but dedicated speakers can do it.
The only rule is that if you enter a tournament for an event, you must participate in each round of that event.
How does competition at a tournament work?
The tournament divides competition into events, and those events are grouped into rooms. So, one room would hold speakers from one event only, like dramatic interpretation. In that room, five to seven speakers from the event participate. Here's the course of the round:
1. The tournament randomly orders the speakers.
2. The first speaker performs while the judge observes and writes a critique.
3. The rest of the speakers perform in order, and the judge critiques each. The judge only writes critiques. No oral critiques are given or allowed.
4. Once each speaker has finished, they leave and the judge ranks them in order from strongest to weakest. A rank of one is the best rank and indicates the number one speaker in the room.
Speakers participate in three to five rounds in a tournament. They do not see their ranks until the tournament has ended.
How does the tournament determine a champion?
In a short tournament, the tabulation room adds the three ranks, and the lowest overall rank wins. The tabulation room uses a system for tie-breaking. In a long tournament, semi-final and final rounds follow the preliminary rounds. Again, the lowest cumulative score wins.
How do the judges decide your rank?
Judging criteria vary from event to event, and you can check the ballots on the events pages for details. Of course, all good speaking requires clear and audible delivery, effective poise, and understanding of the subject.
What if someone in the same room gives my speech?
It’s okay if someone else chose your speech and you compete at the same tournament, in the same round, right after each other. It’s awkward. It happens. And it can be fun. This is the time for your individual speaking style to shine.
How much time and effort does competing in speech require?
As in all extracurricular events, you get as much as you give. Some speakers only participate in their minimum three tournaments per year and practice on the side in addition to other school work. Some speakers focus on individual events as their core activity through the year, speaking in most tournaments and spending hours practicing. You should tailor your effort to your abilities and interests.