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Scroll down for descriptions of public speaking and performance of literature categories.
2023-24 Topics #
Extemporaneous Speech #
This year’s questions focus on technology and society.
- How has artificial intelligence changed assistive technology for people with disabilities?
- In what ways does artificial intelligence endanger our society?
- How should students responsibly use generative artificial intelligence in the classroom?
- What are the biggest problems with social media, and what should be done to fix them?
- Who gains the most from generative artificial intelligence?
- wWhat should the U.S. government do to protect against cyber threats?
- How has access to technology increased during and after the COVID-19 pandemic?
- What should be done to counter “deepfake” disinformation?
- What can be done to better promote rural access to the Internet?
- How can the U.S. improve upon the skills gap in technology?
- Are U.S. privacy laws strong enough to protect technology users?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of augmented reality?
Moments in History #
Choose one or both time periods:
- 1900-1919
- 1970s (1970-1979)
Examples of areas students might consider: politics, military action, historic sites, monuments, natural disasters, ethnology, legends, folklore, science, inventions, medicine, arts, entertainment, geography, transportation, sports, religion, heroes, villains, personalities, significant speeches, fashion, and fads.
Pro-Con #
Select one question and develop two contrasting speeches of up to four minutes apiece:
- To what degree, if any, should generative artificial intelligence be regulated and by whom?
- To what extent, if any, should schools require community service as a graduation requirement?
- What actions, if any, should be taken by the government to ensure an individual’s right to privacy?
- What standards and processes, if any, should be used in determining appropriate content/books/texts in classrooms and school libraries?
- What, if anything, should the government do to address economic inequality (e.g., minimum wage, jobs programs, food/housing security)?
Special Occasion #
Choose one occasion:
- A public apology
- Address to Board of Education
- Speech delivered to a school assembly of current students
- Wedding toast
Category Descriptions #
Brief descriptions are not a substitute for full rules. Please consult the Middle Level Speech Handbook on the Middle Level Speech Contests page.
Public Speaking #
Students write original speeches, and may use one 4″ x 6″ note card, where students are encouraged to outline or include speaking points, rather than word-for-word manuscripts (so they can engage better with audiences).
| Max. Time | Max. Time | Visuals | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expository Speech | 4 min. | Present a speech with a narrow enough topic to be developed adequately in the time provided to share knowledge, educate and/or raise awareness. | |
| Extemporaneous Speech | 6 min. | 30 minutes prior to speaking, the contestant will select a question from which to phrase a direct and clear answer and support it with evidence and reasoning. | |
| Informative/Demonstration Speech | 10 min. | 1-2 speakers offer new information, fresh perspective, and/or instruction to allow an audience to gain knowledge and understanding of a topic and/or process. | |
| Moments in History | 6 min. | Explore an historical topic within prescribed topics, using such sources as archival records, diaries, personal interviews, letters, newspapers, etc. | |
| News Reporting | 10 min. | 1-3 students develop a newscast surrounding current events, suitable for TV or radio, reading from a manuscript. | |
| Persuasive Speech | 8 min. | Persuade with compelling language by offering a solution to a problem; to take action in response to a situation; or potentially reinforce and strengthen attitudes. | |
| Pro-Con (Pilot) | Two X 4 min. | Present two speeches of up to 4. min. with contrasting viewpoints on one of the prescribed annual questions provided by WISDAA. | |
| Special Occasion | 4 min. | Responding to a prescribed topic area, deliver a speech appropriate to a specific occasion and its probable audience by entertaining, persuading, or informing. |
Performance of Literature #
Contestants interpret literature to convey the human existence, exploring psychology of characters, to mine the artistry of language, and/or cultivate arguments surrounding themes/issues. Key: Book = performed from manuscript; Brain = memorized.
| Category | Max. Time | Mode | Genres | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Original Oratory | 8 min. | / | Speech | The contestant presents a speech originally delivered by someone else. |
| Play Acting | 10 min. | Single play (dramatic literature) | 2-7 performers act a scene or cutting from a single play with emphasis on character development, ensemble, and appropriate physical movement. | |
| Poetry Reading | 8 min. | Poetry, verse, song lyrics | One or more poems center on a theme or emotion; delivery mines the artistry of language. | |
| Prose Reading | 8 min. | Short stories, cuttings from novels, drama, essays, nonfiction | One or more works of prose -- including short stories, cutting from novels, drama, essays, or other non-fiction work -- center on a specific theme or emotion. | |
| Readers Theatre | 10 min. | Any genre | 2-7 readers compile and present a script with symbolic interpretation such that the audience imagines action being described rather than witnessing it being performed. | |
| Solo Acting | 8 min. | Any genre | The contestant convincingly acts characterization(s) to transport the audience to the world of the material peformed. | |
| Storytelling | 8 min. | / | Any genre; most often, narrative prose | Chronicle and perform events in a coherent, unified, clear, and interesting manner, while seated and conveying a sense of audience for one of the prescribed topic areas. |