There are 11 AFA events that are often referred to as “speech” or “individual events.”
There are also 2 debate events, Parliamentary Debate and International Public Form Debate or
IPDA.
Videos for every event can be found here on this page.
For additional information on different events consult these resources:
Interpretation Events
Interpretation events can be described as competitive acting. Each event is 10 minutes long. Each of these events also includes what we call a “black book”. The black book has your script within it, and it can be used as a prop. We refer to this category of events as “interp”.
Duo Interpretation (DUO)
A cutting from one or more texts of literary merit, humorous or serious, involving the portrayal of two or more characters presented by two individuals. The material may be drawn from any genre of literature. This is not an acting event; thus, no costumes, props, lighting, etc., are to be used. The presentation is from the manuscript and the focus should be off-stage and not on each other.
Dramatic Interpretation (DI)
A cutting that represents one or more characters from a play or plays of literary merit. The focus of this event is on the development of characterization. This material may be drawn from stage, screen, or radio. The use of a black book is required. The maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.
Prose Interpretation (PRO/PROSE)
An original or selections of prose material of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source. The focus of this event is on the development of the narrative/story. Play cuttings and poetry are prohibited. Use of manuscript is required. The maximum time is 10 minutes including introduction.
Poetry Interpretation (POE/POETRY)
A cutting that represents one or more characters from a play or plays of literary merit. The focus of this event is on the development of characterization. This material may be drawn from stage, screen, or radio. The use of a black book is required.
Program Oral Interpretation (POI)
A program of thematically linked selections of literary merit, chosen from two or three recognized genres of competitive interpretation (prose/poetry/drama). A primary focus of this event should be on the development of the theme using narrative/story, language, and/or characterization. A substantial portion of the total time must be devoted to each of the genres used in the program. Different genre means the material must appear in separate pieces of literature (e.g., A poem included in a short story that appears only in that short story does not constitute a poetry genre.) Only one selection may be original. Use of manuscript is required.
Public Address Events
Public address events are probably what you first think of when you hear “speech”. Each event is also 10 minutes long like in interpretation events. These events range from persuasive to informative and everything in between. We refer to this category of events as “PA”.
Persuasive Speaking (PER)
An original speech by the student designed to inspire, reinforce, or change the beliefs, attitudes, values or actions of the audience. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Multiple sources should be used and cited in the development of the speech. Minimal notes are permitted.
Informative Speaking (INF/INFO)
An original, factual speech by the student on a realist subject to fulfill the general aim of informing the audience. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Multiple sources should be used and cited in the development of the speech. Minimal notes are permitted.
Communication Analysis (CA)
An original speech by the student designed to offer an explanation and/or evaluation of a communication event such as a speech, speaker, movement, poem, poster, film, campaign, etc., using rhetorical principles. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Manuscripts are permitted.
After Dinner Speaking (ADS)
An original, humorous speech by the student, designed to exhibit sound speech composition, thematic, coherence, direct communicative public speaking skills, and good taste. The speech should not resemble a night club act, an impersonation, or comic dialogue. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Minimal notes are permitted.
Limited Preperation Events
These events are like public address events but you don't have a speech prepared. Part of the event is preparing the speech at the tournament. We refer to these events as “LP”. It is also important to note that these events require extra team coaching that the other two categories often time don't have.
Impromptu Speaking (IMP/IS)
An impromptu speech, substantive in nature, with topic selections varied by round and by section. Topics will be derived from quotations. Speakers will have a total of 7 minutes for both preparation and speaking. Timing commences with the acceptance of the topics sheet. Limited notes are permitted.
Extemporaneous Speaking (EXTEMP/EXT/ES)
Contestants will be given three topics in the general area of current event, choose one, and have 30 minutes to prepare a speech that is the original work of the student. The maximum time limit for the speech is 7 minutes. One note card is permitted.
The descriptions here are adapted from the AFA event description which can be found
here
The example videos here are complied from past NIU student performance, NSDA final rounds, NFA
final rounds, and AFA final rounds.
Debate Events
Debate unlike speech involves the clashing of two opposing views at the same time. Both debate events we participate in are limited preparation like the extemp and impromptu events. Topics for each debate are decided by a strike process anywhere between 15-30 minutes before the round starts. To practice for debate the team has weekly practice sessions where teammates debate each other. Topics in debate can range from silly like, “This house believes TikTok is better than Vine” to more serious, “This house believes that capital punishment is moral” and everything in between. More detailed information on rules and procedures in each event than can be found here can be found in the debate practice packet.
Parliamentary Debate (Parli)
Parliamentary debate is a two versus two debate that lasts from 45 minutes to an hour. This form of debate focuses more on debate technique and terminology than delivery style. Each team has 15 minutes after strike to create their case. This form of debate has its roots in British Parliamentary procedure with some adaptations.
Full RulesIPDA
IPDA is a one versus one debate that lasts around 30 minutes. This form of debate focuses more on delivery style than it does on debate technique and terminology. Each debater has 20-30 minutes, depending on the tournament, to create their case. This form of debate is meant to better simulate real life debate scenarios where both argumentation and delivery are considered.
Full RulesDebate Practice Packet
This packet is the NIU road guide to debate. It has details on each debate format's
structure
along with argumentation blocks that come up commonly. It is recommended that you either
save
this packet or print it for competition, because we often reference it while debating.
If you
are new and do not understand everything that is okay! Part of the weekly debate
coaching is
teaching from the practice packet.
This packet is the NIU road guide to debate. It has details on each debate format's structure along with argumentation blocks that come up commonly. It is recommended that you either save this packet or print it for competition, because we often reference it while debating. If you are new and do not understand everything that is okay! Part of the weekly debate coaching is teaching from the practice packet.
Last Updated 2/13/23