COMPETITION EVENTS

Details for each WACFL Speech and Debate event
Speech Events

Speech (sometimes called forensics) are seven different events, grouped into two categories: Interpretative and Public Address.  “Interp” events are performance focused, ideal for students with an interest in theater or acting.  They are Dramatic Performance, Duo Interpretation and Oral Interpretation. 

Public Address events require students to prepare a speech that can answer a question, share a belief or persuade an audience. They are ideal for students interested in current events, government, politics or philosophy.   These events are Declamation, Extemporaneous Speaking, Impromptu and Original Oratory.   Both Extemp and Impromptu are “limited-prep” events.  Students choose topics at the tournament and create speeches just prior to presenting.  

Beginning students typically compete in a single event.  After gaining experience, students have the option of  “double entering”, which allows competing in two different events at a tournament.  In a speech “round”, students typically perform in a classroom in front of 5 other students and one adult judge.

Speech Event Information

Dramatic Performance (DP) is an event in which the student memorizes and presents a selection of literature. Contrary to its name, selections can be either dramatic or humorous. The presentation should include an introduction that cites the name of the piece and the author. Speakers should develop the narrative and/or character(s) via vocal and physical techniques, without the use of props or costumes.

The presentation must be from a single published play, script, or fictional or non-fictional work, not poetry. Material from more than one author is not allowed. The author’s words as published in the literature may not be altered for this presentation with the exception that cutting is permitted.

Competitors often use multi-character selections to tell relatable stories, suspending the disbelief of the audience by portraying a realistic, emotional journey of a character(s). When doing multiple characterizations, the performer should create effective interaction between the characters. While singing is permitted, it should not be excessive or dominate the performance. Judges will rank students based on which performer best captured the essence, characteristics, and emotions of the character or characters that they were portraying.

Time limit: Maximum of 10 minutes. While no minimum is prescribed, performances of less than 7-8 minutes often receive lower scores.

Summary of Judging Criteria

  • Introduction: The introduction should name the work and author, provide necessary background information, and establish the mood.
  • Material: Single or multiple character cuttings should be considered equally. The student should be able to capture and convey the emotional and intellectual depths of the characters, as well as the development of both the characterization and plot.
  • Characterization: Each character should be interesting, engaging, and lifelike. The performer should create a physical, vocal, and temperamental existence suited for each character. The performer should use their face, eyes, and body to create the characters effectively. Each character should show the intent of what he/she is wanting, thinking, feeling, and remembering when speaking and reacting.
  • Environment: Each character should create a world around him or her. Movement should be used to create a three-dimensional environment in which the characters exist. Pantomime, if used, should be accurate and realistic.
  • Overall Effect: The overall performance should build to various moments and have a climax. The story should be complete and easy to follow. The performance should display another world outside of the performance space.
Debate Events

Debate consists of 4 different events.  In Public Forum and Policy, students work in teams of two.  In Lincoln Douglas and Student Congress, students compete as individuals.  At WACFL tournaments, Policy, Public Forum and Lincoln-Douglas  students are split into Novice, Junior Varsity and Varsity divisions.  In Student Congress, competitors are assigned to a “chamber” of approximately 15 – 20 students, with all experience levels combined in the same chamber.

WACFL tournaments use topics selected by the National Speech and Debate Association. Policy topics remain the same for the entire school year. Lincoln-Douglas topics change every two months. Public Forum topics remain the same for Sept./Oct. and Nov./Dec. Beginning in January, Public Forum topics change monthly. Student Congress topics are chosen by WACFL league officials and change for each tournament. They are provided to students and coaches approx. three weeks before each tournament.

Debate Event Information

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Lincoln-Douglas (LD) is a one-on-one format where students debate questions of ethics, philosophy and their practical applications. The debate typically focuses on topics related to values and principles, such as moral dilemmas, social justice, government policies, and individual rights. Typically, debaters establish a value or a principle that serves as the central criterion for evaluating arguments. For example, justice, freedom, or the protection of individual rights. Debaters present criteria to show how their arguments align with the chosen value.

WACFL tournaments use LD topics chosen by the National Speech and Debate Association. Topics change every two months.  (NSDA lists a novice LD topic, which WACFL does not use.  All LD debaters, regardless of experience level, will debate the same topic.) At WACFL preliminary tournaments, students debate twice on the Affirmative and twice on Negative.

LD debate provides an opportunity for students to develop their research, public speaking, critical thinking, and persuasive skills. It encourages participants to analyze complex topics, consider ethical implications, and construct coherent arguments based on logic and evidence.

Sequence of speeches and timing in a Lincoln-Douglas debate round

SpeechTime LimitPurpose
Affirmative Constructive6 minutesPresent the affirmative case
Negative Cross-Examination3 minutesNegative asks questions of the affirmative
Negative Constructive7 minutesPresent the negative case and refute the affirmative case
Affirmative Cross-Examination3 minutesAffirmative asks questions of the negative
First Affirmative Rebuttal4 minutesRefute the negative case and rebuild the affirmative case
Negative Rebuttal6 minutesRefute the affirmative case, rebuild the negative case, and provide reasons why negative should win the round.
2nd Affirmative Rebuttal3 minutesAddress negative voting issues and offer reasons for why the affirmative should win.

Each debater is entitled to 4 minutes of preparation time during the round.

Summary of Judging Criteria

At a high level, the judge serves three primary purposes during each debate round.

  1. Determine the winner and assign speaker points. In most cases, you will be the only judge in the competition room.
  2. Provide constructive feedback. Students will want to know why you voted the way you did. You should comment on areas of strength and weakness, with the goal of helping competitors improve.
  3. Tournament official. You will keep time for the speeches and prep time. Judges also ensure tournament rules are followed and keeps the experience positive for both students and the host school.

Judges should also bring the following to the tournament

  • Notepad and pen/pencil. You’ll use these to keep track of arguments during the debates.
  • Laptop or tablet computer. You’ll need this to access Tabroom.com, which is where you will enter your decisions, speaker points and comments to the debaters.