4n6 Resources
The "Speech and Debate Forensics Community" that has info on cutting and other topics. Good site.
Abbreviated Descriptions of Individual Events
Dramatic Interpretation (DI): 10 minutes, memorized, must be published (cannot be written by the competitor). This is a single person event in which the competitor performs a serious work for the audience. Monologues may be used, but pieces with more than one character usually final more often. [districts event]
Humorous Interpretation (HI): 10 minutes, memorized, must be published (cannot be written by the competitor). This is a single person event in which the competitor performs a humorous work for the audience. Monologues may be used, but pieces with more than one character usually final more often. [districts event]
Duo Interpretation (DUO): 10 minutes, memorized, must be published (cannot be written by the competitors). This is a two person event. Materials may be humorous, dramatic, or a mixture of both. The competitors may not touch or look at each other, and limited movement is allowed. This means no running around, jumping around the room, kneeling, etc. Imagine you are (each) in a hula-hoop. [districts event]
Expository (Expos): 8 minutes, memorized, written by the competitor. A speech designed to inform. You are required to have visual aides (at least 3, but no more than 8) that must supplement your speech. Past topics include Diamonds, The Seven Wonders of the World, Jellybeans, Castles, Monopoly, Palm Reading, etc.
Extemporaneous (US and Foreign): 7 minutes, impromptu, 30 minutes prep time. Limited notes are allowed for novice competitors, however, if you are competing in senior or open ‘division’, notes are not allowed. Topics are based on current events from the past 3 months. The competitor will have three topic options on which to present a speech. US Extemp will cover topics dealing with the US; Foreign will cover topics concerning anything outside the US. Newspapers, magazines, and other reliable news sources may be used during preparation, but contestants may not confer with any other people. Competitors will compile a file of information to refer to during their 30 minute prep period. [districts event]
Original Oratory (OO): 10 minutes, memorized, written by the competitor. A speech designed to persuade. No visual aids are allowed. An original approach to the topic is likely to be more competitive. A copy of this speech and a bibliography must accompany the competitor to tournaments. [districts event]
Poetry Reading: 8 minutes, read from a script with memorized introduction and transitions. Contestants read at least 3 poems related to a central theme. One of these poems may be your own. The poems must be at least 8 lines long, or a section of a longer poem. Each poem should be appropriately introduced (this part is memorized). Frequent references to the script must be made, but memorization of some passages may occur (this means: even if you have it memorized, pretend to be reading!) Limited gestures are permitted, but bear in mind you will be holding a small black binder in one hand.
Prose Reading: 8 minutes, read from a script with memorized introduction and transitions. Contestants read from a single source identified as prose (i.e. a book, short story, or essay). The piece should be appropriately introduced (this part is memorized). Frequent references to the script must be made, but memorization of some passages may occur (this means: even if you have it memorized, pretend to be reading!) Limited gestures are permitted, but bear in mind you will be holding a small black binder in one hand.
Impromptu: 5 minutes, unprepared. The competitor is given 30 seconds to choose his topic and begin speaking. These speeches should begin with a clear roadmap – tell the audience what you are going to talk about. Then, talk about it – usually you want to have 3 main “points”. Then finish your speech by reviewing what you have gone over (say what you’re going to say, say it, then say what you said).
How to do a Great I.E.!
One of the most important things to do with Individual events is choose your piece! This is a video on doing just that.Monroe's Motivated Sequence defined - Wikipedia article on how to construct motivational speeches. Understanding and practicing Monroe's sequence is the way to get started in doing great IE's.
Monroe's Motivated Sequence example
Bartleby - Great books and speeches on line, for free!
The "Three Part Speech" defined
Impromptu speaking tips
The thing about impromptu is it is the easiest event to get started in, and the hardest to master.
Impromptu using Unified Analysis by Robert C. Carroll