Persuasive Speaking

An original speech by the student designed to inspire, reinforce or change the beliefs, attitudes, values, or actions of the audience. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Multiple sources should be used and cited in the development of the speech. Minimal notes are permitted. Maximum speaking time is 10 minutes. (AFA Description)

Informative Speaking

An original, factual speech by the student on a realistic subject to fulfill the general aim to inform the audience. Audio-visuals may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Multiple sources should be used and cited in the development of the speech. Minimal notes are permitted. Maximum time is 10 minutes. (AFA Description)

After-Dinner Speaking

An original humorous speech by the student, designed to exhibit sound speech composition, thematic coherence, direct communicative public speaking skills, and good taste. The speech should not resemble a night club act, an impersonation, or comic dialogue. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Minimal notes are permitted. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes. (AFA Description)

Communication Analysis

An original speech by the student designed to offer an explanation and/or evaluation of a communication event such as a speech, speaker, movement, poem, poster, film, campaign, etc., through the use of rhetorical principles. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Manuscripts are permitted. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes. (AFA Description)

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Impromptu Speaking

An impromptu speech, serious in nature, with topic selections varied round by round, section by section. Topics will be of a proverb nature. Speakers will have a total of 7 minutes for both preparation and speaking. Timing commences with the acceptance of the topics sheet. Limited notes are permitted. Each speaker in a given section will choose to speak from one of the same two topics offered. (AFA Description)

Extemporaneous Speaking

Contestants will be given three topics in the general area of current events, choose one, and have 30 minutes to prepare a speech. Maximum time limit for the speech is 7 minutes. Limited notes are permitted. Students will speak in listed order. Posting of topics will be staggered. (AFA Description)

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A selection or selections of prose material of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source. Play cuttings are prohibited. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction. (AFA Description)

Dramatic Duo

A cutting from a play, humorous or serious, involving the portrayal of two or more characters presented by two individuals. This material may be drawn from stage, screen, or radio. This is not an acting event. Thus, no costumes, props, lighting, etc., are to be used. Presentation is from the manuscript and the focus should be off-stage and not to each other. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including the introduction. (AFA Description)

Drama Interpretation

A cutting which represents one or more characters from a play or plays of literary merit. This material may be drawn from stage, screen, or radio. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction. (AFA Description)

Poetry Interpretation

A selection or selections of poetry of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source. Play cuttings are prohibited. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes, including introduction. (AFA Description)

Program Oral Interpretation

A program of thematically linked selections of literary merit. Chosen from at least two of the three recognized genres of competitive interpretation (prose, poetry, drama). A substantial portion of the total time must be devoted to each of the genres used in the program. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time limit is ten minutes including the introduction and/or transitions. (AFA Description)