Competitive Speech 101
There are four sections of competitive speech under which the Michigan Intercollegiate Speech League competes. Presentations typically last between seven and ten minutes.
Prepared Speeches / Public Address
Original works written and delivered by the competitor, memorized and polished over the season.
Informative Speaking
A speech with the intent to inform.
Persuasive Speaking
A speech with the intent to persuade the audience to a point of view.
Rhetorical Criticism
A speech comparing a communication theory with a communication event or artifact. (Also called Communication Analysis.)
After Dinner Speaking
A humorous informative- or persuasive-style speech.
Limited Preparation
Characterized by regulated preparation time — competitors think and organize on the clock.
Extemporaneous Speaking
A speech with a 30-minute preparation time, usually without internet access.
Impromptu Speaking
Prompted by a quotation, editorial cartoon, object, or rhetorical situation; within seven minutes the competitor must prepare and deliver an organized speech.
Interpretive Performance
A performance of a previously written work. Each is 8–10 minutes and performers hold a manuscript during the performance.
Prose Interpretation
A cutting from a short story or longer novel.
Poetry Interpretation
One long poem, or many shorter poems unified by a theme.
Dramatic Interpretation
A cutting that can be drawn from stage, film, or radio.
Duo Interpretation
Two people performing any combination of prose, poetry, and drama.
Program Oral Interpretation
One person performs from two or more genres of literature.
Debate
Characterized by its multi-perspective, combative structure. May be offered for team or individual competitors.
Parliamentary Debate
Often characterized by Points of Interest — the ability to interrupt to question or rebut, which can be accepted or denied.
Lincoln-Douglas
A firmly structured debate style centered around logic and moral understanding.
For fuller event descriptions, coaches and students often reference the National Forensic Association individual-event rules. Not all national events are offered at every MISL tournament.