UNLIMITED PREPARATION EVENTS :

    These rules apply to the events of Persuasion, Informative, Speech to Entertain, Program Oral Interpretation, Interpretation of Prose, Interpretation of Poetry, Duo Interpretation, Communication Analysis and Dramatic Interpretation.

      a.   The Persuasion, Informative, Speech to Entertain, Interpretation programs, Duo Interpretation scenes, or speech(es) or communication act, selected for criticism, may be on any subject the speaker may desire.

      b.   The speeches and the personalize introductions of interpretive programs in these events must be the original work of the student.

      c.   No portion of the speeches and programs in these events shall be identical material used in competition prior to the preceding September.

      d.   The time limits in these events shall be ten (10) minutes maximum, with no minimum time limit specified. A 30-second grace period will be allowed with the judge having the discretion to determine if the overtime is due to audience response. Timing of the event shall begin with the performance; however, set-up time is to be kept to a minimum.

      e.   With the exception of Program Oral Interpretation, Interpretation of Prose, Interpretation of Poetry, Duo Interpretation and Dramatic Interpretation which require an extemporized introduction, transitions, and the reading of selections from manuscripts, the speaker must use, as means of presentation, memorized delivery, without notes.

      f.   Each contestant shall have available a bibliography, footnotes outline, or manuscript for examination by the Tournament Committee at its request. The intent of this rule is to prevent plagiarism.

      g.   No contestant may use any portion of a speech or program in more than one event.

      h.   Contestants may not rewrite a prose, a poem, or a dramatic text so that the work differs form the original text.

       i. Contestants may not add or reassign scenes or lines to the performed cutting. Although an occasional line might be added especially if a character has been deleted, this practice should be discouraged.

       j. Contestants may not rewrite the ending of a work.

       k.Contestants may not change the point of view or gender of a character.

       l. Contestants may not perform a text in a genre for which it has not been written. If material has appeared in more than one form, i.e. novel, play, essay etc., the classification of literature shall be determined by the source from which the cutting was taken. In cases of confusion as to which genre best encompasses a selection, the Library of Congress system shall be the basis for final arbitration.

       m. If challenged, the coach is responsible for providing the original source or a photocopy, along with a copy of the copyright page.

SPECIFIC EVENT RULES

  1) PERSUASION: The purpose of the persuasive speech shall be to convince, stimulate, or actuate (to win belief, to reinforce conviction, or to ask for or move to action Y speeches of eulogy, condemnation, inspiration, and problem-solving are equally acceptable). Not more than 10% of speech may be direct quotation.

2) INFORMATIVE SPEAKING: The purposes of the informative speech are to describe, clarify, explain and/or define an object, idea, concept or process. (A speech explaining the nuclear test ban treaty would classify as an informative speech, while a speech giving a value judgment or advocating a position concerning the treaty would classify as a persuasive speech).

  Audio-visual aids may be used so long as they do not interfere with the speaker's ability to communicate effectively with the audience. Contestants are advised that the Tournament Committee will not supply special features for the use of aids.

3)    INTERPRETATION OF POETRY: Poetry shall include one or more selections written in rhymed or unrhymed meter or cadence of some regularity, excluding drama. If more than one selection is used, these selections should be linked thematically. All programs must include an introduction.

  4)    INTERPRETATION OF PROSE: Prose shall consist of single or multiple selections of literature printed mainly in paragraph form, excluding drama. If more than one selection is used, these selections should be linked thematically. All programs must include an introduction.

  5)    DRAMATIC INTERPRETATION: This event shall consist of a cutting or cuttings from a play, teleplay or screenplay, featuring monologue or dialogue. If more than one selection is used, these selections should be linked thematically. All programs must include an introduction.

  6)    PROGRAM ORAL INTERPRETATION: This event is to consist of unified presentation made up of at least two selections of different genre (i.e. prose, poetry, dramatic literature, play). A contestant may use the works of one or more authors. The selections should develop of theme.

  7)    COMMUNICATION ANALYSIS: Speeches of Communication Analysis may be   a spoken event (i.e., speech, speaker, movement, etc.) or of other Communication events (i.e., songs, posters, cartoons, slogans, symbols, etc.). The analysis should be critical rather than descriptive, in nature, strictly historical or biographical analysis is not acceptable. The speaker is to apply principles of rhetorical and/or communication theory to the event in order to contribute to a better understanding of that event.

  8)    SPEECH TO ENTERTAIN: The Speech to Entertain shall be an original speech, the primary purpose of which is to entertain. Just as in any other speech, there should be a central topic sentence or thesis statement which the speaker develops. This event is not merely a series of jokes or a "stand-up" routine.

  9)    DUO INTERPRETATION: A cutting from source(s) of literature (prose, poetry, drama) involving the portrayal of two or more characters presented by two individuals. This is not an acting event; thus, no costumes, props, lighting, etc., are to be used. Presentation is from the manuscript, with the focus not to each other. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.

LIMITED PREPARATION EVENTS

    These rules apply to the events of Extemporaneous Speaking and Impromptu Speaking.

  a. Rules pertaining to the specific events in this category are as follows:

•  EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING: The general topics shall be National and International Events in the areas of Politics, Economics and International Relations of the three months preceding the National Tournament.

Thirty (30) minutes prior to speaking, each contestant will be given a choice of three topics. Drawing will be posted at seven-minute intervals. The speech should be the work of the student, but notes, books, and magazines may be used in preparation.

As passed April 2001:

Competitors may use a self-contained laptop computer during prep time, but may not use printers. Phi Rho Pi will provide neither Internet, nor electrical access.

** Please Note: In the event computers are used, neither Phi Rho Pi nor the Tournament Hotel shall be held accountable for securing said computers, or financially responsible in the event of computer loss.

Time limit for speaking is seven (7) minutes maximum, with no specified minimum. The speaker may use, for reference while speaking, a maximum of one note card, not to succeed 5" x 8" in size.

2)    IMPROMPTU SPEAKING: The topics for all rounds shall be drawn from a variety of slogans, maxims, objects, lyrics or other creative topics exclusive of areas covered by extemporaneous speaking. One note card, not to exceed 3in x 5in, may be used by each speaker for reference.

  Speakers will be given (3) topics as outlined above from which to select one topic on which to speak. The seven (7) minutes maximum time limit will begin when the speaker receives the topics. The speaker may divide the seven (7) minutes between preparation and presentation as desired. (The event will be held with all speakers in the room.)