1. Duo Interpretation

2. What is Duo?
Duo is an IE (individual interpretation) pertaining to the speech part of speech and debate. Unlike majority of IE’s, Duo is a partnered event at which you and your partner must act out an interpretation of a piece of literature. This is really good for those wanting to go into the field of acting. Duo can either be humorous or dramatic or both!

3. Finding a Book and Script Cutting
When finding a book, make sure that:
The book has an ISBN number (To make sure it is a published work)
That the book is long enough
That it can relay a real life message
Make sure you and your partner agree with it

4. What is Script Cutting?
When a piece of literature is found that follows the previous guidelines, you then must cut the piece which means to create a script from it after you read the book of course. When creating the script, make sure you can relay a message behind your interpretation to show the judges and give purpose for your piece. You must also create an introduction to your piece, which will tell the judges/audience what your piece is about. We have phenomenal interpers at Northwest that can help with this.

5. Judges?!?!?!?
Don’t worry, majority of the judges in speech and debate are parents themselves at majority of the tournaments in town. The tournaments will be held at various hosting schools within the clark school district. The rounds will take place inside classrooms, not on big large stages.

6. Rules for Duo
Must have the interpretation in between 8-10 minutes with a 30 second grace period (if you go over 10 minutes, you have 30 seconds to finish and will not be penalized). It sounds much harder than it actually is
You and your partner can not touch
Can not use props
You and your partner can not make eye contact
When cutting a piece, only 150 additional words are able to be added which include the intro

7. Why to Join Speech and Debate?
Speech and Debate not only helps with public speaking skills but helps with research skills as well as acting, ways to interpret literature, and looks phenomenal on a resume. There are many scholarship opportunities that open up just by being in Speech and Debate.

8. Here Is an Example of Duo