1. Rules and Regulations for NSDA Individual Events

2. Events we will cover . . . Dramatic Interpretation Duo Interpretation
Humorous Interpretation
Informative Speaking
International Extemporaneous Speaking
Original Oratory
Program of Oral Interpretation
United States Extemporaneous Speaking

3. Here’s What We Already Know . . .
Events (except POI) are memorized.
There is a 30-second grace period.
Over 30 seconds incurs a penalty
Cannot receive 1st in the round
Interpretation Events must follow a script
All sources must be published (including Extemp)
Sources can be reviewed at any point.

4. ORIGINAL ORATORY
Any appropriate subject may be used, but the orator must be truthful. Any non-factual reference, especially a personal one, must be identified.
10-minutes with a 30-second grace period.
Not more than 150 words of the oration may be direct quotation … must be identified in a printed copy of the oration.
Extensive paraphrasing from other sources is prohibited.
The Oration MUST INCLUDE a work cited page in APA or MLA format, and both the orator and coach must attest by signature that the speech is the original work of the contestant.
It is the responsibility of the contestant to have a script ready upon request.

5. INFORMATIVE SPEAKING
An informative speech is an original speech designed to explain, define, describe, or illustrate a particular subject.
Any other purpose such as to entertain or to convince shall be secondary.
If used, the audio/visual aids should enhance or support the message rather than distract from the overall effectiveness.
You may not . . .
Use Electronic Equipment
Use live animals or additional people.
Put on or remove items of dress as part of the presentation.
Distribute items to the judges/audience before, during, or after the round.

6. INFORMATIVE SPEAKING (cont.) . . .
10 Minutes with a 30-second grace period.
No more than 150 words may be direct quotation and such quotations must be identified orally and in a printed copy of the speech.
Manuscripts must be available at all district/national tournament contests in the event of a protest.
The script must identify the quoted materials, state the number of quoted words, include a work-cited page in APA or MLA format, and both the speaker and coach must attest by signature that the speech is the original work of the contestant.

7. PROGRAM of ORAL INTERPRETATION
A program of thematically-linked selections chosen from 2 or 3 genres: prose, poetry, drama. At least 2 pieces of literature that represent at least 2 separate genres must be used.
POI may use multiple sources for the program.
The title and author of all selections must be verbally identified in either the introduction and/or transitional phrases.
Prose can express . . .
Fiction (short stories, novels)
Non-Fiction (articles, essays, journals, biographies)
Poetry expresses ideas, experience, or emotion through the creative arrangement of words.

8. PROGRAM of ORAL INTERPRETATION
The use of a manuscript during the performance is required. Common practices include the use of a binder or folder. Reading from a book or magazine is not permitted.
10 minutes with a 30-second grace period.
All online material must first be vetted and approved through the NSDA national office. Approved material and/or sites will be listed on the NSDA website.
Song lyrics may be used if the performer has an original, hard copy of the lyrics such as sheet music or a CD jacket. Lyrics may only be used from online sources that appear on the approved websites list.

9. PROGRAM of ORAL INTERPRETATION
Adaptations may be used ONLY for the purpose of TRANSITION. Any word changes (to eliminate profane language must be indicated clearly in ink Failure to clearly indicate the addition of words will be subject to disqualification.
Transitions may be used to clarify the logical sequence of ideas. They are not to be used for the purpose of embellishing the humorous or dramatic effect of the literature.
The intact manuscript may be used by the contestant as a prop, so as it remains in the contestant’s control at all times. No costume or props other than the manuscript are permitted. The contestant must address the script. Introduction and transitional material may be memorized. No visuals inside the binder.

10. DRAMATIC, DUO, HUMOROUS INTERP
Includes selections drawn from published, printed: novels, short stories, plays, poetry, or other printed, published works, PDF’s, e-books, as well as limited works (listed on NSDA website)
10-minute events with a 30-second grace period.
Selections must be cuttings from a single work of literature.
One short story, play, or novel
Anthology - each selection is independent and only 1 selection can be used.
E-Books (such as Kindle, Nook, etc.) may also serve as eligible sources.
Movie script use - must use the original treatment.
Digital Material is only allowed from pre-approved online publishing sources:

11.
Make sure digital source material is from the approved website page.
Published, unaltered PDF documents that are commercially or professionally available are also eligible sources.
Unacceptable Sites Include:
Personal sites - social network content, unmoderated blogs
Personal Professional sites
Publish it Sites (those with one click upload or that accept submissions without a selection process
Prohibited Material
Recorded Material (videotape, DVD, BLu-Ray, audio tape, CD, MP3, phonograph)
Original material published in a high school publication

12. DRAMATIC, DUO, HUMOROUS INTERP
Artistic Plagiarism: Videos of previous final round performances are intended to provide educational examples for coaches and students. They are not intended to serve as a model to directly imitate or duplicate in performance. The wholesale impersonation of final round performances is strongly discouraged.

13. Extemporaneous Speaking
DIVISIONS
United States Division: Questions will cover U.S. domestic and U.S. foreign policy.
International Division: Questions will cover the domestic affairs of foreign countries and the foreign affairs of all countries, including the United States.
Thirty minutes before the contest is to begin, the first speaker draws 3 questions, choose 1, and return the other 2.
As soon as a question is chosen, the contestant will prepare a speech without consultation and without references to prepared notes.

14. Extemporaneous Speaking
Students may consult published books, magazines, newspapers and journals or articles, provided:
They are originals or copies of whole pages.
Provided those originals or copies are uncut.
There is no written material on that original or copy other than citation information.
Topical index without annotation may be present.
Extemp speeches, handbooks, briefs, and outlines are prohibited from the Extemp prep room.
Underlining or highlighting will be allowed if done in only one color on each article or copy.
Time limit - 7 minutes with a 30-second grace period.
Cross-Examination takes place in national semis and finals.

15. Extemporaneous Speaking
Guidelines for Laptop Use
Students can retrieve extemporaneous files to read, but cannot write speeches or organize their thoughts on the computers.
Cell phones or smartphones are prohibited from being used while preparing or before speaking at tournaments.
Power plugs or outlets may not be used in the prep room at any time.
No Internet or communication with any individual while in the prep room.
See Rule 8 pg. 48 in the Unified Manual for Internet rules.

16. NSDA NATIONAL TOURNAMENT
All scripts are turned in at Quarterfinals.
In Semifinals, an Auditor will follow along during each performance, as well as capture an audio recording of the round.
Their role is to observe, listen, and make notations as needed.
They are not there to be a test of perfect script memorization, but rather, to record any overt concerns such as written material being added to scripts to enhance the performance.
An Auditor will not lodge protests, make any adjudications, or share their concerns to the Budroom for consideration.
The Bud will collect any information from the auditor and determine if further action needs to be taken.
Copies are retained for a month to ensure there are no issues, then recycled. Originals are returned to the school.

17. NSDA NATIONAL TOURNAMENT
EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING
Auditors will record and check source citations.
Budroom process is the same as previous events.
ORIGINAL ORATORY & INFORMATIVE SPEAKING
Auditors record source information
Observe visual aids in Info