_ INFORMATIVE SPEAKING

Description:

Informative Speaking is an event in which the student presents an original informative composition. The purpose of Informative Speaking is to present information which the audience may or may not possess and which the student believes important for the audience.


Rules – Writing:

  1. Quality of thought, research, and composition, as well as delivery, will be considered
  2. No more than 10% shall be direct quotation.
  3. All materials quoted, paraphrased, or summarized from other sources must be documented both orally and in the written text.
  4. The use of visual aids is optional.
  5. Only two-dimensional aids such as charts, graphs and pictures may be used.
    1. These aids must be hand-held, free-standing or supported on tripods, easels or similar equipment.
    2. This equipment must be provided by the student.
    3. Electronic media and equipment may be used in the PREPARATION of visual aids for the speech.
    4. NO electronic media, or three dimensional OBJECTS may be used as visual aids.
  6. A copy of the script must be filed with the Contest Manager before each contest.
  7. Updated copies of the script must be submitted at Subsection, Section, and State levels.
  8. At the State Contest, the student must submit a copy of the script to the Room Manager in the first round.
  9. On-the-spot audience surveys adapted to the speech as given, audience handouts, or active audience involvement are not permitted.  
    1. The rule does not allow for any type of audience participation. 
  10. The speech is to be a self-contained presentation—eight (8) minutes in length—presented and controlled by the student.
 

 

Rules – Performance:

  1. Appropriate choice of subject and information for the audience.
  2. Clear organization.
  3. Direct and communicative delivery manner.
  4. Predominantly serious informative purpose (which may include the use of humor).
  5. Avoidance of predominantly persuasive subjects and techniques.
    1. Every Informative Speech has some elements of persuasion in it.
    2. The use of a script is optional, provided it is not used as a prop.
    3. THE MAXIMUM TIME OF PRESENTATION SHALL NOT EXCEED EIGHT (8) MINUTES.