FORENSIC EVENTS/GUIDELINES 2005-2006 Oral Interpretation of Prose or Poetry (3 to 5 minutes) – Read Read a selection(s) of literature in a creative manner that conveys the impression that the author intended. Selections should be taken from established, published authors. Readings range from 3 to 5 minutes. Poetry readers may choose one long poem or a program of several shorter pieces. Interpretation of prose and poetry is done with a manuscript. It requires reading, not acting. Do, however, develop eye contact, appropriate facial expressions, and effective vocal variety to capture the mood and meaning. The participant should strive for a unique and impressionable interpretation. Oral Interpretation of Dramatic Literature (4 to 6 minutes) – Memorized Present a 4 to 6 minute memorized scene from dramatic literature with no script, props, or costumes. Portray the situation without a narrator intervening between the action and the audience. Dramatic literature includes monologues, soliloquies, film scripts, and scenes from plays of published authors. After a brief introduction to set the scene and introduce the characters, use appropriate vocal variety, gestures, facial expressions, and movement to capture the emotions, attitudes, and actions of the characters. Performance should reinforce, not overwhelm, the language of the piece. Duo Dramatic Interpretation (up to 10 minutes)- Memorized This event, new to VDFL in 2004, is a two-person category. It shares many of same guidelines as single Dramatic Interpretation, but has some specific guidelines and a longer time limit. In Duo Drama participants may not establish direct eye contact with each other (except during transitions.) They must focus on points during dialogue or at the audience during narration. The selection should contain characters of reasonable depth and development. Characterization should be maintained throughout (except during the introduction) and must be distinct from narration. Physical movement should be restrained. Physically, the characters should react to each other's verbal and non-verbal expression, but they may not touch. The performers may assume bodily stances appropriate to the characters being portrayed and may pivot only to suggest exits and entrances. They must remain standing. Original Oratory (6 to 8 minutes) – Memorized Memorize and deliver a 6 to 8 minute speech that they have written without notes. The speech should be persuasive. It should try to change attitudes and/or advocate action. Limit your use of quotations to a maximum of 150 words and cite your sources. Use of manuscript or notes will not eliminate contestants but will detract from the overall score. Creative effort of the participants in handling their subject intelligently will be considered along with their skill in delivery. Extemporaneous Speaking ((5 to 7 minutes) - impromptu w/notes Speak for 5 to 7 minutes on a contemporary controversial topic that has been in the local, state, national, or international news over the last six months. Draw three topics and choose one to prepare with 30 minutes of preparations. You may use the library or bring a collection of vital information. Internet access is common, but not guaranteed. Have a clear focus and a persuasive presentation. Be well organized. Confine remarks to the topic and do not shift to related ideas. You may have notes (limited to one index card) for the delivery of the speech. The judge will collect your topic slip before you start your speech. Impromptu Speaking (2 to 3 minutes) Speak for 2 to 3 minutes on a topic without notes. Draw 3 topics each round and prepare 1 topic during a 1 minute prep time. The topics may be light or serious and on a single world, phrase, quotation, or question. You will be judged on the clarity of thinking, specifics, creativity, flow, organization, diction, and vocal variety. Radio Announcing – (3 minutes EXACTLY!) Deliver a 3 minute radio broadcast. Include a 30-second commercial, local and national or international news, weather, and sports. You have 30 minute prep time during which you may use wire copy or newspapers to gather your materials. You may use the same commercial each round but must create the rest of the radio spot anew. You MUST surrender all copy, except commercials, after each round. Under NO circumstances may you bring personal copy to the tournament, other than the commercial. Students select and arrange their material, rearranging and rewording them to suit their purposes. Strict adherence to the lime limit is essential and is important in judging. Other factors include overall coherency, flow, sales effectiveness, articulation, pronunciation, personality and vocal variety. |