Individual Events (IE)

 

Original Events

Expository: A speech to inform; the original work of the speaker. Speakers pick a topic and explain it in a lively way, making the subject interesting to the audience. These speeches describe, clarify, illustrate and define. This is the only state event where props are allowed, and virtually all Expos speakers use visual aids to better explain the topic. As of 2015, Monroe has 16 state Expository titles, including two 1st places. Fun Fact: Monroe’s first state champion was an “expos” speaker: Nassira Nicola in 1998!

 

Original Prose & Poetry: For the most creative writers out there! Like interps, only ORIGINAL! Can be prose, poetry or a combination. As of 2015, Monroe has 11 state OPP titles, including three 1st places! Monroe’s most successful event!

 

Original Advocacy: A speech to convince, to persuade; the original work of the speaker. This event imposes a specific format: the speaker must identify a problem, explain why this problem should concern us, then offer a legislative solution. Topics are limited to public policy issues of a tangible nature for which the speaker must advocate a specific government action or remedy. As of 2015, Monroe has 14 state Original Advocacy titles.

 

Original Oratory: A speech to inspire; the original work of the speaker. Motivational in nature, the subjects will vary, but, regardless of the topic, the speaker’s aim is to arouse and persuade. As of 2015, Monroe has 4 state Original Oratory titles, including one 1st place.

 

 

 

 

Interpretation Events:

Oratorical Interpretation: Here the speaker interprets a speech previously given by a real person and which originated as a public address. The aim is to effectively convey the message intended by the original speaker. The speaker must identify the title, the original speaker, the date and the occasion of the original delivery when the selection is introduced. As of 2015, Monroe has 11 state Oratorical Interpretation titles, including one 1st place.

 

Dramatic & Humorous Interpretation: “Interpers” can play one character or multiple characters, and suggest the author’s meaning through voices, body language, and facial expressions. DI’s are usually heart-rending but may contain poignant humor as well. HI’s range from funny, feel-good performances to zany ones. As of 2015, Monroe has 13 state Dramatic Interp titles, including one 1st place. And as of 2015, Monroe has 3 state Humorous Interp titles.

 

Thematic Interpretation: Here the speaker gives a performance based on a particular theme by interpreting at least 3 different literary selections that develop that theme. The selections may be funny or dramatic, or a combination. Introductory and transitional material must be written by the speaker but cannot exceed 1/3 of the presentation. Manuscripts are required; a handheld script must be carried throughout, and may be used as a prop to enhance creative effect. As of 2015, Monroe has 2 state Thematic Interp titles, including one 1st place.

 

Duo Interpretation: In this event, 2 speakers interpret a selection taken from a single published literary source. The selection may be humorous or dramatic, or a combination. During the performance, off-stage focus (meaning speakers may not look directly at each other) must be employed by both speakers; and speakers may NOT touch each other. Speakers may touch and make eye contact during introductory material only. As of 2015, Monroe has 1 state Duo Interp title.

 

 

 

 

Spontaneous Events:

Extemporaneous: For speakers who are news junkies and have opinions on everything. “Extemp” comes in 2 categories: National and Foreign. Extempers draw a topic, consult articles stored on their laptops, and have 30 minutes to write a speech, 7 minutes to deliver it. As of 2015, Monroe has 5 state Extemp titles.

 

 

Impromptu: For speakers good at thinking on their feet! Speaker draws 3 topics, chooses one, takes 2 minutes to organize his or her thoughts, and then delivers a 5-minute speech on the spot.

 

Non-State Events:

*These are events not available at the State Tournament and can only be entered in our league tournaments.

Storytelling and SPAR: Fun league events! Storytelling is a great introduction to the State Interp events: speaker performs a childrens’ book—don’t forget to show the pictures! SPAR is an impromptu debate event between two opposing speakers—lots of fun and great practice!