MIFA Fall 2012 Middle Level Forensics Events Guide

1. skljspoidfls Public Address EventsFall 2012 MIFA Middle Level Forensics

2. Oratory • Good orations include suitability of subject, originality, depth, orderly development of ideas • Manuscript or outline must be available upon request with appropriately documented quoted/paraphrased material • May be delivered from manuscript, memory, outline, or any combination • No visual aids are allowed at the MIFA middle school tournaments • 4 – 7 minutes time guideline • Oration must be student’s original work • Speaker must cite the source of non-original, quoted or para-phrased material • May alert audience to threatening danger, strengthen devotion to a cause, eulogize a person, present solution to a problem • Oration is persuasive in nature • Speech should be well organized with clear transitions between sections

3. Sales • 4 – 7 minutes time guideline • Original work • Must be an actual product • Manuscript or outline must be available upon request with appropriately documented quoted/ paraphrased material • May use visual aids, audio visual materials, or demonstrations, but not as major focus of speech • May be delivered from manuscript, memory, outline or any combination • Good sales speech combines informative and persuasive techniques to convince the audience to want to purchase the product

4. Informative • 4 – 7 minutes time guideline • Original work • Non-original, quoted & paraphrased portions must include source citations • Good informative speeches includes organization, clarity, amplification and interest • Speech should be written to achieve clarity for audience by explaining, defining or illustrating a subject • May use visual aids, audio visual materials, or demonstrations, but not as major focus of speech • May be delivered from manuscript, memory, outline or any combination • Manuscript or outline must be available upon request with appropriately documented quoted or paraphrased material

5. Declamation • 4-7 minutes time guideline • Speech must have been presented as a public address and published in print • Original speaker’s words may not be altered for this presentation with the exception that editing for time is permitted. • The presentation should include an introduction that provides the title of the speech and should include relevant information about the situation in which the speech was originally delivered. • This event is an exercise in interpretation, not mimicry, so the contestant should avoid trying to reproduce the delivery style of the original speaker. • May be delivered from manuscript, memory, outline or any combination

6. Impromptu • The first speaker will draw 3 questions and choose one, returning the other questions to the envelope. Prep time begins. • Speaker may use a blank note card and pen/pencil to make notes during prep and use during presentation • 1 minute maximum preparation time • 2 – 4 minute presentation time guideline • Speech is worded as it is delivered; the student can’t use any prepared materials during preparation or presentation • Speaker should express a personal opinion on topic • Organization is important • Question selected should be answered • Use of examples and illustrations is encouraged • Use of note card during delivery is optional • No two students will speak on the same question

7. Extemporaneous Speaking • 3-6 minutes time guideline • Prior to speaking, each contestant will have drawn 3 questions, chosen 1, then began their 30 minute preparation period. • Prep room officials know which topic each student is speaking on and their speaking time. No two students will speak on the same question. • Contestants are expected to base speech on factual material and interpret those facts in light of personal thinking and experience. • Contestants are judged on how well they address the question, use factual information to support, offer a unique approach to the problem and exhibit clear and direct oral delivery. • Organization and transitions are important. • Speakers must cite the sources of non-original, quoted or paraphrased material. • Speakers may only use notes made during their 30 minute prep period. Prepared notes or speeches are not allowed. • Use of a note card during presentation is optional.