Public Speaking Information

Original Oratory- This persuasive speech must be the student's work and be presented from memory. No more than 150 words of quoted material will be allowed. The time limit is 10 minutes.
Extemporaneous Speaking--You receive three topics and have to choose one that you will speak on in the competition. Thirty minutes will be allowed for preparation of a speech to answer a question on current events. Drawings will be held at seven minute intervals. Maximum time limit is 7 minutes.
Radio Speaking- The student will read a five-minute broadcast of international, national, and state/local news. Sports, weather, and a commercial should be included. News and sports should be no more than 24 hours old. Time should be exactly five minutes.
Impromptu Speaking-You receive three topics and have to choose one that you will speak on in the competition. Then you have a short time to prepare a five minute speech. In some tournaments, you can use a 3x5 index card of notes. Most prefer that you use no notes during the delivery. Check the specific tournament for exact preparation and delivery times.