Written by Jason Stansell

Sometimes, finding the right Speech event can be daunting since they are all a lot of fun! So, how do you choose? Well, the long answer is that you will have the opportunity to compete in all speech events if you so choose. However, for the short answer, we’ve crafted a quick guide to assist in your decision making. It is designed to help you discover what event is right for you to start with. Keep in mind, that just because your background or interests lean one way or another does not mean that you won’t succeed well in an event that doesn’t play to your current strengths. Speech and Debate is about growth, so don’t be afraid to push yourself if an event sounds interesting. In most cases, that interest can make the difference.

Step 1: The first thing we need to figure out is if you’re more of a fit for Interpretation, Informative, or Limited Prep. So, let’s try with a few questions. Ask yourself, which sounds more like you:

• Are you more of a performer? An actor who loves to entertain? — Then you may want to lean into the Interpretations.
  • So then, which do you enjoy more:
    • Tugging at heartstrings? — That’s literally Dramatic Interpretation.
    • Making people laugh so hard they cry? — That’s Humorous Interpretation in a nutshell.
    • Using different pieces to illustrate a theme that you create? — Then Program Oral Interpretation may be the event for you.

• Are you someone who wants to express their mind? Possibly change opinions? — Then you may want to lean into the Platform Events.
  • Now, we have to ask:
    • Do you want to advocate to your audience about something that matters to you? — Original Oratory may be the right pick.
    • Do you want to inform your audience of something that interests you? — Informative Speaking does have informative right there in the name.

• Do you enjoy thinking on your feet? Speaking about something on the spot? — Then you may lean into the Limited Prep.
  • Lastly we ask:
    • Would you like to give a speech off-the-cuff about any random topic you pick from, in whatever way you see fit? — Then Impromptu might be the right choice.
    • Would you rather be given a topical subject and have time to research your speech before you deliver it off the top of your head? — Then Extemporaneous might be for you.

That sounds simple right? Just a process of elimination. However, we all have multiple interests and talents, and many such talents cross over into various events. Maybe a flow chart or a Venn diagram might help. After having read the above, what “sings” to you right now? What calls your name more at this moment? If something stands out, even just a little bit, you have a starting point. Thus we move onto… 

Step 2: YouTube is a great source for examples of all of these events. While sitting with your parents, look up performances to watch how it is done and see if a particular event is for you. If the questions in Step 1 didn’t help, that’s okay. These videos may be the deciding factor for you.

Here are a few good examples:

• Dramatic Interpretation: https://youtu.be/HzJsomXT-VU
• Humorous Interpretation: https://youtu.be/cr8sHRzhrYU
• Program Oral Interpretation: https://youtu.be/hrqJVG0k5j8
• Original Oratory: https://youtu.be/9Q_uRUP
• Informative: https://youtu.be/pRNa6d9NP_E
• Impromptu: https://youtu.be/m5PrRSl1Y5s
• Extemporaneous: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-KT48GDLDNE

Step 3: Now that you have watched each event and have an active understanding (as opposed to just what you’ve read on paper), if you’re still undecided, try speaking to your parents, siblings, and friends. They know you best after all. They may be able to give you insight you never thought of.

With a list of events available, try asking things like: Would you say I’m more of a Performer (Interpretations), an Advocate and Explainer (Platform  Events), or more of a Off-The-Cuff Speaker (Limited Prep)? Which would you believe I am currently better equipped to take on?

Step 4: Talk to your coach. Your coach brings years of Speech and Debate experience to the table and can help point you in the right direction (or offer guidance so you can find that direction yourself). That is what we are here for after all! Not only do we have coaching experience to help guide you, but we have direct, personal experience in these events as well, having also competed at least one, if not several, of them ourselves.

No matter what event you choose, you’re going to have a lot of fun and learn so much. Don’t be afraid to expand your horizons, don’t be afraid to push yourself. We can’t wait to see your Speech Event Performance.