How to Choose Your Speech/Debate Event

When first coming into speech and debate, it may be difficult to figure out what exactly you want to do. There are so many different categories, each with a slightly different catch or setup or structure. Each event has certain factors that make it stand out, and certain aspects that hinder it. If you are a student looking to choose your event for Speech and Debate and are unsure about what suits you best, here is a full breakdown of every single event and what it entails. 

Speech Events

Original Oratory

Original Oratory is a public address speech, in which the author writes and memorizes a 10 minute speech on an important topic or issue. The student will try to inform the audience about their viewpoints, or persuade them on the opinion that they are trying to state. The speech must be well researched and well rehearsed, using the three rhetorical appeals (Ethos, Pathos, and Logos) to solidify their stance. If you really like persuasion, while also incorporating a little bit of humor and acting to entertain and draw in the listeners, Original Oratory is the path for you. 

Informative Speaking

Informative Speaking is a 10 minute public address speech that is also memorized and rehearsed in front of judges. Similar to Original Oratory, Informative Speaking usually involves trying to explain or inform the audience about a certain topic or viewpoint. These speeches also incorporate visual aids to further clarify the concepts discussed and come across easier to the audience. The intended goal is to educate and give a fresh point of view while also further diving into depth about the little details. 

Impromptu Speech

Impromptu speech consists of competitors drawing three topics – usually consisting of concrete nouns, abstract nouns, quotations, or current events – and at random and choosing one they like the most to present. They are then given two minutes to brainstorm ideas about what to say in round and how to structure the information they wish to speak about. The speaker then gets five minutes to present their speech, all while delivering an engaging and entertaining performance to the judges and the audience. 

U.S. Extemporaneous Speaking

In this public address speech event, competitors draw three questions on current events in the United States and select one to their liking. Afterwards, they get 30 minutes to prepare a seven minute speech on the topic, citing sources that they have researched beforehand. This speaking event adds a little bit of a pressure environment, in which you have to improvise and memorise information that you want to talk about in your speech, all in 7 minutes.

International Extemporaneous Speaking

International Extemporaneous Speaking is, in fact, the counterpart to US Extemporaneous Speaking. The same format of getting 30 minutes to prepare for a 7 minute speech stays consistent, but the topics are based on international and global affairs. Having a general knowledge of world events and current situations really benefit in this event. 

Dramatic Interpretation

Dramatic Interpretation is a kind of interpretation speech, in which already existing material, speeches, dialogue, etc. are provided and the speakers have to provide their unique interpretation based on the event. In dramatic interpretation, the speaker provides a 10 minute speech on a piece of dramatic literature to portray an emotional journey of one or more characters, without using costumes. 

Humorous Interpretation

Similar to dramatic interpretation, speakers will speak for 10 minutes on a piece of humorous literature. In this event, comedic timing and the ability to develop a character during the speech is what enables the speaker to really connect with the audience through laughter. 

Duo Interpretation

Duo interpretation is an interesting event, because it involves two speakers instead of just one. This makes it more interesting to watch as the responsibility of the speech is divided amongst the two speakers. The catch? The speakers are forbidden from looking at each other during the entire performance. This emphasizes the need for synchronized movements, actions, and dialogue to really connect with the audience. 

Program Oral Interpretation

In program oral interpretation, the speaker is given a small black binder and a manuscript. From the three genres of literature – prose, poetry, and drama – the speaker uses two of the three to advance a certain argument or theme. The event is meant to blend the skills of literary analysis, argumentation, and performance. 

Declamation Speech

Declamation speech is an event involving the performance of a speech that has been delivered by another person. The speech is usually memorized and should not be longer than 10 minutes. The challenge arises in trying to match the original’s speaker’s with the same passion and conviction. 

Expository Speech 

Expository speaking is a five-minute informative speech with its main purpose to educate the audience. Since visual aids aren’t allowed during the round according to NSDA guidelines, the structure of the speech and the speaker’s delivery are of the utmost importance. 

Debate Events

Policy Debate

Policy debate is a 2v2 debate centered around one topic for the entirety of the year. In this event, the round is always structured around advocating for a policy action by the United States government. Teams are meant to spend months researching when forming their affirmative and negative cases. The entire event is oriented around the academic/policy-making model of argumentation, evidence quality, and the usage of technical terms. 

Parliamentary Debate

Parliamentary debate is a 2v2 style debate that stands out from the other forms of debate because the resolution to be debated in round is not announced until 20 minutes before the round actually starts. The general topic is given beforehand but the specific resolution to be debated isn’t, which means partners can research and draw evidence from general sources. During the round, competitors can interject during the opponents’ speech, known as Points of Information, and make comments. The speaker can, however, choose to accept or deny this request to speak. 

Lincoln-Douglas Debate

Lincoln-Douglas debate is a 1v1 style debate centered around debating the ethical and philosophical implications of the topic. It utilizes the idea of the value and the value criterion, two fundamental aspects to which the debate case is structured around and to which every argument will tie back to. The entire basis of the round is to be grounded in ethical and logical reasoning. 

Public Forum Debate

Public Forum debate is a 2v2 style debate centered around statistics and evidence based reasoning. It encourages a rhetorical level of argumentation, where persuading the judge and the general audience is key. The winning factor in public forum rounds are the strength of the evidence, persuasive speaking, and translating complex arguments into logical and convincing arguments.

Congressional Debate

Congressional debate models a session of the US Congress. There are Senators and there are Representatives, and they vote on resolutions and bills that are created and passed by their peers. The event is meant to promote skills in parliamentary procedure, coalition-building, and extemporaneous argumentation. 

World Schools Debate

World Schools debate is a three-on-three format that represents a diplomatic model of argumentation, emphasizing discussion of global affairs and teamwork. The topics are only announced an hour before the round starts. A key feature of the debate event is the “Point of Information”, in which speakers can request to make a brief comment during the opponents’ speech. 

Big Questions Debate

Big Questions debate is a 1v1 debate style in which debaters explore topics having a combination of science, philosophy, and religion. This debate event is unique in that it encourages to interact with profound ideas without intensive evidence and the procedural burdens of other formats. 

With so many diverse events, there truly is something for everyone in Speech and Debate—whether you’re a quick thinker, a passionate speaker, a creative performer, or a curious researcher. Don’t be afraid to experiment and step outside your comfort zone. Try an event, see how it feels, and don’t worry if your first pick isn’t your final one. Many competitors switch events before finding their perfect fit. What matters most is that you find a space where your voice feels powerful. So jump in, explore, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.