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Speech
 Speech is a fine arts performance activity that consists of 13 separate speaking categories. Students enter the category of their choice and, under the direction of their coach, learn how to structure a speech and analyze material as well as performance techniques. Competitive speaking focuses on improving public speaking and presentation skills.
Hill-Murray Speech Team practice begins in October and ends after sections/regions/finals, poetry read-in, and new-student picnic. Practice sessions include group and individual coaching time. Competitions usually occur on Saturdays in January, February, and March. Meets consist of three preliminary rounds and sometimes a final round at a weekend invitational. Rounds consist of 5-8 students of the same category and one judge.
After each round, students are given a rank and percentage. Rounds are added up to determine the overall standings. If there is a final round, top competitors go on in each category. A team award ceremony follows the rounds.
 Head Coaches:
Renae Elert, relert@hill-murray.org
Useful Web Addresses: MSHSL web site
Event Description
(Complete description and rules – MSHSL Fine Arts Rules and Policies Manual)
Interpretation Categories
Serious Prose: This category consists of any published selection of prose. Any selection of literary merit and appropriate to the reader that is not poetry, a play, part of a play, or a delivered speech is considered prose.
Serious Drama: This category consists of any published selection of drama. Any selection of dramatic literature (plays) with literary merit and appropriate to the reader is considered drama. The mood must be serious. The maximum time of the presentation, including the introduction is 8 minutes. The use of a script is optional.
Dramatic Duo: This category consists of any published selection of drama. Any serious or humorous dramatic literature (plays) with literary merit and appropriate to the reader is acceptable. The selection must include only two characters--one character per interpreter. The maximum time of the presentation, including introduction and any transitional remarks between scenes, is 8 minutes. The use of a script is optional.
Serious Poetry: This category consists of any published selection of poetry. Any selection with literary merit and appropriate to the reader is acceptable. The mood must be serious. The maximum time of the presentation, including the introduction, is 8 minutes. The use of a script is optional.
Humorous: This category consists of any published selection of prose, poetry, or dramatic literature. Any selection with literary merit and appropriate to the reader is acceptable. The selection cannot be taken from a record, tape, or CD.It should amuse, give enjoyment, or create laughter. The maximum time of the presentation, including the introduction, is 8 minutes. The use of a script is optional.
Speaking Categories
Informative Speaking: This category consists of an original composition of the speaker. The topic should be of general informative interest that is predominantly serious in nature. The use of visual aids is allowed but optional. The maximum time limit is 8 minutes.
Creative Expression: This category consists of the performance of original material organized and written by the speaker. Eighty percent of the presentation must be material, which is original by the speaker. Material from other sources must be acknowledged. Mood of the material may be serious, humorous, or both. The speaker may be use pantomime, storytelling, interpretive reading, impersonation, or any combination of these styles. The maximum time limit is 8 minutes. The use of a script is optional.
Original Oratory: This category consists of speaker analyzing and critiquing a speech that has been delivered and given special recognition as a great speech. A minimum of 25% of the script must be the speaker’s own words. The maximum time is 8 minutes. The use of a script is optional.
Discussion: This category consists of a blending of cooperation and critical thinking to arrive at a collective goal of better understanding and problem soloing. Students will develop a file of information of the chosen topic to refer to and quote from during a discussion. (The MSHSL names the topic and provides a limited bibliography to begin the search for materials.) A discussion group is limited to no more than 8 members (in competition) and the discussion period will be limited to 60 minutes (in competition.)
Draw Categories
Storytelling: This category consists of a recreation of a familiar story by the speaker. The story is to be told in his/her own words. The speaker shall, in order to participate, draw three titles, choose one, and return the other titles to the box. The speaker shall then prepare before speaking. No books, notes, or properties shall be used. The time limit is 6 minutes. No script can be used.
Extemporaneous Reading (Prose or Poetry): This category consists of reading excerpts from various forms of literature for the purpose of enjoyment. The speaker shall draw three selections, choose one, and return the other titles to the box. The speaker shall then have 30 minutes to prepare an introduction and rehearse the selection. Only the introductions are to be memorized; no script or note cards can be used for them. The time limit is 6 minutes. The appropriate book must be used.
Extemporaneous Speaking: This category consists of a persuasive speech on a current issue. The speech is to be researched and composed by the speaker. Speakers may choose from the U.S. or international topics – a list of the topics is provided by the MSHSL. The speaker shall draw three topics, choose one, and return the others to the box. The speaker then shall have 45 minutes of preparation time. The speaker is allowed one note card with 50 words and/or symbols on it. The time limit is 7 minutes. |
