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.