Event Description:
An original, factual speech by the student on a “real” person (living or deceased) with the general aim to inform and enlighten the audience. Although the subject of this speech may be a person the audience is familiar with, the information included in the speech should enlighten the audience and not just reiterate past knowledge. In addition, the student must show a personal link to the topic, as well as the importance of the subject’s contribution to the world today (positive or negative). Audio-Visuals may or may not be used to supplement and reinforce the message. Multiple sources (not necessarily current or internet) should be used and cited in the development of the speech. Minimal notes are permitted. Maximum time is 10 minutes.
Justification for Event:
Informative Speaking appears to be heading in a new direction. What once was obviously a topic for Rhetorical Criticism or for Persuasion now shows up in an Informative Round. The art of purely adding to the listener’s knowledge and thus their understanding isn’t as evident today as it once was. In addition, some of the most interesting Program Oral Interpretations have been Biographical Interpretations. However, these leave us wanting to know more about the person and not just how the person supports some argument established by the performer. And, it has become more and more popular in Persuasion to give tidbits about the speaker in order to increase credibility about certain topics. However, these personal admissions sometimes come across as forced. These new trends should be combined into one new event: Biographical Informative.
Judging Standards:
- Uniqueness of topic (interesting person presented with new information)
- Contribution to the world today
- Link to the student (does the student justify why they picked this person and does the student share information about themselves)
- Organization and Structure
- Natural Delivery
- Use of Sources (varied, credible, and appropriate for biography)
Tournament Considerations:
- Each school may enter up to 2 Biographical Informative Speeches and must provide one judge.
- Entries will be taken on a first come basis with a cut off at 50 entries
- Prelims will occur at the same time as earlier LD rounds
- Semis and Finals will occur in the LD time period as needed