Contestants draw three current events topics and speak on one of them. Limited notes are allowed. The speaker has a maximum of 7 minutes to both prepare and speak, but each student must speak for a t least three minutes. Limited notes are allowed. The selection may be either serious or humorous in nature, but NO costumes, props, lighting, special make-up, etc. are to be used.
Manuscript is required.
The focus should be off-stage and the introduction should be original and involve both partners. Each contestant will present a program of single or multiple selections of poetry. No play or prose is permitted, and the time limit is 10 minutes. The program should include an original introduction. If multiple selections are used, a unifying thematic concept should be developed which emerges in the introduction and is carried thorough any appropriate original transitions.