1. Speech Categories 13 Minnesota State High School League Categories
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2. A Typical Speech Day We provide bus transportation to and from JM.
We travel to schools.
You will present your speech 3 times.
You will receive a ranking Those with the lowest score will advance to a final round.
If you are not competing, you will watch a final round.
Awards are given to the top 6 individual performances.
Some schools give Honorable Mentions.
Team points are added up. Awards are given to the top 3 small/large teams.
We keep track of your points at meets and practices. This is how you letter!

3. Public Speaking Categories

4. Discussion
In this category, a small group of students research a current problem and discuss various solutions. Research and discussion last for no longer than an hour.
This year’s topic: Sports in America: Has Our Obsession Gone Too Far?
Why should you choose this one? If you like Fish Bowl discussions, small group work, and have good ideas, you will like this category where you are NOT presenting in front of an audience.

5. Example Task
EXAMPLE TASK: I. “We’re number one! We’re number one!” America has been known as a powerful and strong country for many reasons. However, when it comes to transportation and its infrastructure, are we really number one? You are a student panel in a Human Geography class. You have been asked to share with your class what other countries are doing with greater efficiency, less expense, and increased safety. What can we learn from these countries? What might we consider using to improve our current system? Prepare a plan and notes for your panel presentation with the answers to these questions.

6. Extemporaneous Speaking - Draw
Speakers draw 3 topics about current events and choose one topic to prepare and present. Speakers have 30 minutes to prepare.
Time limit: 7 minutes.
EXAMPLE QUESTION: Does the Obama administration need to pay more attention to the nations of Latin America in promoting economic and political stability?
Why should you choose this one? If you like current events and politics, this is your category.

7. Great Speeches
Students choose a speech given in history and use various techniques to analyze what makes the speech great. Speakers present analysis and parts of the actual speech.
Time limit: 10 minutes
EXAMPLE: See the Audition Sheet.
Why should you choose this one? If you are a good writer with analytical skills, this is your category. (It is also a small category with good opportunities to win.)

8. Informative Speaking
Speakers write and present an informative speech on a topic of their choice using visual aids and research.
Time limit: 10 minutes
EXAMPLE TOPICS: The Laws of Attraction, Illusions, Lies, Fear and Rationalization
Why should you choose this one? If you like learning new things and enjoy puns, you’ll like this one.

9. Original Oratory (Persuasion)
Speakers compose and present a persuasive speech on a current topic.
Time limit: 10 minutes.
EXAMPLE TOPICS: The Physical and Mental Effects of Technology on Teens, Life Moves Too Fast, Constructive Feedback
EXAMPLE: See Audition Handout.
Why should you choose this one? If you have a sense of humor, but like to talk about contemporary issues, you’ll be at home in this category.

10. Oral Interpretation Categories

11. Creative Expression
Students write and perform an original composition and perform it. It is important to have a theme as well as a range of characters.
Time limit: 10 minutes
EXAMPLE TOPICS: Great Expectations?, What Teachers Are Really Thinking, My Life As a Female Gamer
Why should you choose this one? Are you already a writer? Do you have a message you want to share? This is where you can reach an audience!

12. Dramatic Interp
Students perform a section from a published serious play with literary merit.
Time limit: 10 minutes
We have a data base with approved resources available.
Why should you choose this one? If you can’t get enough of acting, drama is calling you.

13. Duo Interpretation
Two students perform together a published section of a literary work – prose, play, poetry. There are some limitations for interpretation rather than acting.
Time limit: 10 minutes
We have a data base with approved resources available.
Why should you choose this one? If you have someone with equal acting skills and a coordinating schedule, you might like the interaction in this category.

14. Extemporaneous Reading - Draw
Students are given a book from which 15 short stories have been chosen. Readers pick 3 story titles and choose 1 to present. You may use the book to present.
Time limit: 30 minute prep time; 7 minute presentation
This year’s book: A Sound of Thunder and Other Stories by Ray Bradbury. We provide the book for you.
Why should you choose this one? Do you volunteer to read in class? Are you a talented “cold” reader? We need you!

15. Humorous Interp
Students perform a humorous section of a literary work – prose, drama, poetry, or essay.
Time limit: 10 minutes
We have a data base with approved resources available.
Why should you choose this one? Do you have comic timing? Can you do a variety of voices? If so, this is where you will find success.

16. Poetry Interp
Poets perform a published poem or program of poems that have a serious tone.
Time limit: 10 minutes
We have a data base with approved resources available.
EXAMPLE: See Audition handout.
Why should you choose this one? If you like the beauty of words and can bring them to life, look no further.

17. Prose Interp
Presenters perform a published section of a serious story or essay.
Time limit: 10 minutes
We have a data base with approved resources available.
Why should you choose this one? Are you moved by a good story? If you also like acting, but don’t mind doing some narration to fill in the gaps, Prose wants you.
EXAMPLE: See the audition handout.

18. Storytelling - Draw
Storytellers receive a book from which 15 stories have been chosen. Speakers pick 3 story titles and choose 1 to tell. You may not use the book for the presentation.
Time limit: 30 minute prep; 7 minute presentation
We provide the book for you.
This year’s book: An assortment of stories from The Gutenburg Project. See the MSHSL website.Why should you choose this one? If you love telling stories, can portray a variety of voices, and are intrigued by the darkness found in folktales, you’ll like these stories.

19. Applications Go to http://jmspeech.weebly.com/
Complete the online form ASAP, please.
Please take the quick skills survey on

20. Auditions – Next Wednesday December 12
We will hear auditions from 3:15 – 5:15. Once you have finished, you are free to go.
Come with one section prepared to present. We may have you read something else for us.
Have your Top 3 categories in mind.
You may use the script!
We’ll talk about where we need you and where you will best fit.
Next week we will help you find a selection from our collection. Work Days are Wednesday and Thursday, December 19 and 20.

21. Practice Expectations
You will be assigned one 25 minute session a week with a coach. Practices begin the week of January 15.
We will have a Captains’ meeting every Monday; the first one is Jan. 7. These are an hour+ long, 3:15-4:30. Please plan to be there the entire time.
You will also have a category meeting once a week. All categories will meet and practice on Mondays during the 3:15-4:30 time frame.
You will be expected to come to practice with a Saturday Goal prepared.
In addition to practicing with coaches and captains, team members are expected to practice outside of scheduled time. When given an assignment by a coach, team members are expected to complete that assignment by the deadline set forth by the coach.

22. Tournaments Invitationals are on Saturday mornings.
This will take up the whole day on Saturday. We will try to be home by 5:30 p.m., but if we have speakers make it to finals then it could be later.
You are expected to attend at least 3 invitationals to compete at Big 9 and Sections.
Inform your employers now that you will not be able to work on Saturdays (or only after 6 p.m. on Saturdays) from February- March.

23. Fees ISD 535 Activity Fee = $100
*You MUST register online from home or school by January 11. We will NOT be able to practice with you if the form and fee are not completed.
Free and Reduced lunch? Be sure to click which one applies to you and you can participate for free.
Don’t let the fee stop you from participating. Talk to Ms. Nieland. We have resources.

24. JM Speech Team Website http://jmspeech.weebly.com/ Facebook Remind 101
Communication
JM Speech Team Website
Facebook
Remind 101

25. JM Home Speech Meet February 9 – 3 rounds/ No final/Novice awards!
Many people are just starting their seasons. This is a good time to compete!
We will need help after school on Friday to set up and prepare.
Report to school at 7 a.m. to check in, warm up, and prepare to speak.
Awards are scheduled for 2 p.m.
Everyone stays to clean up. We usually send you home around 3:30.
You can do both Polar Plunge and the speech meet.
More details will follow.

26. Thank you! We appreciate your time.
Thanks for considering JM Speech Team.