Overview of Events

Overview of Events

Speech

In speech competition, students select the style of speech they like, as well as their topic. Style options fall into three categories: platform speeches, limited prep, and interpretation events.

Platform Speeches

  • Persuasive Speaking/Oratory
  • Informative Speaking
  • After Dinner Speaking
  • Rhetorical Criticism/Communication Analysis

Limited Prep

  • Extemporaneous Speaking
  • Impromptu Speaking

Interpretation Events

  • Prose Interpretation
  • Poetry Interpretation
  • Dramatic Interpretation
  • Program of Oral Interpretation
  • Duo Interpretation

Debate

In addition to speaking events, the IC Debate and Speech Team competes in National Forensics Association Lincoln-Douglas (NFA-LD) debate. Lincoln-Douglas debate style at the collegiate level is a one-on-one policy format, different from high school LD.

This debate style discusses US federal government policy over a certain topic area, such as nuclear weapons, immigration, alternative energy, etc. The resolution is developed and chosen by a committee, serving as the sole topic for the academic year.