Client: Maine Forensic Association.
The Maine Forensic Association hosts tournaments in which students can complete in any of 13 speech events. Since the mid-1990′s, they’d been working with an unwieldy document. When I finally tackled the document in the summer of 2011, I hacked the language down by half, parsed out redundancies into a general section, and added missing context. Since the MFA’s leadership, rules, and trends change from year to year, I opted to keep the layout simple (in Microsoft Word) for easy editing.
In contrast to my other portfolio pieces, this one is free for the taking as an educational resource.
Role: Content expert, copywriter, and editor.
Maine Forensic Association Speech Handbook
The Maine Forensic Association Speech Handbook addresses criteria for MFA-sponsored events only. While most events follow National Forensic League (NFL) or National Catholic Forensic League (NCFL) guidelines, there are some details unique to the Maine District. For full rules and regulations regarding the MFA, see the MFA By-laws. Questions about specific NFL and NCFL events should be directed to the District Chair of those respective leagues. and the published information on NFLonline.org and NCFL.org.
Scripts
The ideal script is a small black 5 in. x 8 in. binder available at an office supply store. While this style binder is not required, it is accepted as the most unobtrusive tool for presentation.
The following category may never use a script:
Storytelling
The following categories require scripts all season:
Novice Poetry Reading
Novice Prose Reading
Poetry Reading
Prose Reading
The following categories allow optional script use all season:
Ensemble
Oratorical Declamation
Original Works
The following categories may not use a script or earn penalty of final ranking in the round after November:
Dramatic Interpretation
Duo Interpretation
Extemporaneous Speaking
Humorous Interpretation
Original Oratory
Novice is defined as a first time competitor in any form of forensic competition.
Introductions
Nearly all events require an introduction that includes the name of the selection and the author. The purpose of the introduction is not just to provide necessary background material, but to engage the listener. These events include:
Dramatic Interpretation
Duo Interpretation
Ensemble
Humorous Interpretation
Novice Poetry Reading
Novice Prose Reading
Oratorical Declamation
Original Works
Poetry Reading
Prose Reading
Storytelling
By their nature as original events, the following events should build an introduction into the natural flow of the speech:
Extemporaneous Speaking
Original Oratory
It is not uncommon for introductions during interpretation and reading events to be inserted after a 30-second to one-minute teaser. When using a teaser, presenters should clearly delineate between the piece and the introduction through appropriate pauses, pops, or other transitions.
Timing and Grace
Each event must fall between a minimum and maximum length of time. All events must be five to ten minutes in length with the exception of:
Ensemble: 15 minute maximum
Extemporaneous Speaking: 3 minute minimum and 7 minute maximum
Every event grants a 30 second grace period on either end of the time requirements. If a speech falls outside the grace period, it may not be ranked first. Judges should not stop a speaker until a competitor has spoken a full minute beyond the maximum (i.e. at 11 minutes for a 10 minute event).
Unlike debate events, individual events do not demand that the judge provide time signals. However, it is acceptable for competitors to request hand signals in any category, and not uncommon in Extemporaneous Speaking and Original Oratory.
Often time signals are given showing fingers for the number of minutes remaining, a ‘C’ for 30 seconds remaining, and a fist when the countdown reaches zero. When a judge shows a fist, the competitor understands that only the 30 second grace period remains.
Decorum
All events call for basic presentation skills in:
Body language
Vocal control
Volume (loud/soft)
Rate (fast/slow)
Diction (word choice in introductions and original pieces)
Enunciation (clarity of words)
Pronunciation (accurate emphasis and sound of words)
Rhythm (general flow)
Originality within the constraints of each event
In addition competitors are strongly encouraged to participate in positive decorum including, but not limited to:
Professional attire
Polite disposition
Social and sportsmanlike etiquette
Fair and ethical practices
It is at the judge’s discretion to penalize competitors for violation of suggested decorum, but strongly encouraged that the judge justify any such decisions in writing on the ballot.
Props, Costumes, and Furniture
No costumes or props are allowed, except in Storytelling. No chairs or stools are allowed, except in Storytelling and Ensemble . No lecterns, podiums, or music stands are allowed, except in Oratorical Declamation (optional use of a podium or lectern) and Ensemble (optional use of music stands).
“Propping” is classified as using any object including those on the body to enhance a piece. For example, if a character is shown as inserting a hand into a pocket, the speaker should not use his/her own pocket, but rather should mime the gesture outside any existing pocket. Ambiguous violations are valued on the judge’s discretion and should be clearly noted on the ballot.
“Costuming” is signified by any piece of clothing outside of traditional decorum that clearly relates to or enhances a piece. Ambiguous violations are valued on the judge’s discretion and should be clearly noted on the ballot.
Ballots and Comments
Judges should record as many comments as reasonably allowed on the ballots provided. Other sections of the ballots should be completed in full, including competitor code, judge code, reason for rank, and rank.
At no time should a judge provide verbal comments to a competitor while the tournament is in session. If a competitor asks, it is acceptable to provide the length of the presentation.
Other Rules and Guidelines
Selections from Previous Years.
Speakers may not use a selection presented by themselves or a teammate from a previous year.
Singing.
Singing is limited to 30 cumulative seconds.
Dramatic Interpretation (DI)
Dramatic Interpretation primarily follows National Forensic League guidelines. It is a category for an individual speaker using a piece dramatic in nature. Selections must be “published-printed [i.e. have an ISBN or Library of Congress number] novels, short stories, plays, poems, or other printed-published materials” (nflonline.org). Adaptations such as insertion of connecting phrases, names, etc. shall be for the purpose of continuity only.
Dramatic Interpretation presentations should create strong, believable characters and a mood conducive to the subject matter. The category allows for movement and dramatization to build vivid scenes, as well as the assumption of more than one persona to establish interaction, relationships, and a complete story. The gender as presented by the author must be honored, but presenters need not match that gender.
Time: 5-10 minutes.
Memorization: Memorized after November. Optional script otherwise.
Duo Interpretation (Duo)
Duo Interpretation follows both NFL and NCFL guidelines; conflicts in regulations should be reconciled at judge’s discretion. It is a category for two speakers using a piece dramatic, humorous, or both in nature. Selections must be “published-printed [i.e. have an ISBN or Library of Congress number] novels, short stories, plays, poems, or other printed-published materials” (nflonline.org). Adaptations such as insertion of connecting phrases, names, etc. shall be for the purpose of continuity only.
Duo Interpretation presentations should create strong, believable characters and a mood conducive to the subject matter. The category allows for movement and dramatization—sometimes by popping or snapping quickly and simply between characters—to build vivid scenes. Each speaker may assume more than one persona, or speakers may share personas (like the narrator), to establish unique characters, clear interaction, distinct relationships, and a complete story. Genders as presented by the author must be honored, but presenters need not match those genders. Speaking roles should be balanced.
Since Duo is not an acting category, partners are challenged to interact and react to one another without looking at or touching each other except during the introduction. At minimum, presenters are expected to stand nearly shoulder-to-shoulder, but use of space and blocking is flexible and encouraged so long as the presenters follow these two rules and maintain a coherent presentation. Broad use of space often detracts from the piece.
Time: 5-10 minutes.
Memorization: Memorized after November. Optional script otherwise.
Ensemble (ENS)
Ensemble is a unique MFA category. Selections must be “published-printed [i.e. have an ISBN or Library of Congress number] novels, short stories, plays, poems, or other printed-published materials” (nflonline.org). Adaptations such as insertion of connecting phrases, names, etc. shall be for the purpose of continuity only.
The style of the category ranges widely from choral reading to reader’s theater and distinguishes itself from acting by suggestive or inter¨pretative movement. Selections may be humorous or dramatic in nature. Each speaker may assume more than one persona, or speakers may share personas (like the narrator), to establish unique characters, complete interaction, and clear relationships. The gender as presented by the author must be honored, but presenters need not match that gender. Eye contact and physical interaction are allowed.
Stools, chairs, or music stands may be used in the performance, but not as props.
Time: 5-15 minutes.
Memorization: Optional script.
Extemporaneous Speaking (XT)
Extemporaneous Speaking is both an NCFL and NFL event. Prompts are divided into United States and International subjects, which a competitor selects at the start of the tournament. Extemp is a limited-preparation event based around current events. Each competitor is assigned a speaking time; prior to that time, the competitor selects a prompt or question in the Extemp Prep Room (moderated by a tournament official) and spends 30 minutes synthesizing a response from published sources (books, magazines, newspapers, online articles, etc.). The response can agree, disagree, or qualify the prompt, but it must follow the accepted structure. Judging evaluates both the synthesis and presentation equally.
Preparation Room Regulations
Prior to tournaments, competitors collect sources in tubs. Tubs may be physical (file boxes with folders) or digital (laptop, netbook, tablet, etc.) and organized at the discretion of the competitor. Physical sources must be complete articles and complete pages with no notations and highlighting only in one color per document. A topical index is acceptable so long as there are no notations.
Digital sources must be complete articles with no notes, stickies, or comments, and highlighting or underlining in only one color. No other manipulations are allowed. Access to the internet, cell phones, and smart phones is prohibited.
During preparation, competitors may not consult with one another. Students from the same school may share evidence, but not discuss topics or arguments.
Each competitor may write on the front and back of a 3×5 note card whatever deemed necessary to prepare. That note card may be used as a script within the competition room prior to December 1. Pre-written arguments or speeches are not allowed.
Competition Room Regulations
Judges for Extemporaneous Speaking must be in the competition room at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the round. Competitors will enter the room, present, and leave the room one at a time and in specific order at seven minute intervals. The prep room official ensures that competitors do not enter the competition room or speak out of turn.
Upon entering the room, the competitor should share the prompt with the judge and wait for the judge’s signal to begin. Often the competitor requests that the judge provide time signals. The competitor understands that he/she must complete the sentence or thought within the 30 second grace period.
When a competitor completes the presentation, he/she leaves the room prior to the next competitor.
Evidence
Presentations should include at least two sources per point or a minimum of six sources overall. Sources should be authoritative, timely, and relevant. Citations should include title of publication, date of publication, and accreditation of primary information (i.e. author, researcher, theorist, philosopher).
Organization
While there is no hard-and-fast rule for organization, common structure is 1-3-1 (introduction, three points, and a conclusion). Variations may be used, but there must be an introduction and conclusion. Physical sign-posting may need to be adapted accordingly.
Introductions must include the exact iteration of the prompt or question, a clear thesis statement, and an outline of points that will be addressed. Beyond that, introductions should be engaging and thoughtful.
The overall speech should remain on topic as clear, cohesive, and coherent, and use verbal sign-posting to signify the flow of information. For a complete argument, the speaker should include adequate reasoning and evidence to support all claims.
Sign-posting
Sign-posting is defined both verbally and physically.
Verbal sign-posting is used to make the organization of the presentation absolutely clear. It is common to hear the actual words “My first point…, My second point…, and My third point…” The more creative (while still clear) the integration, the better.
While verbally sign-posting, a speaker should also physically move to signify structure. The general form starts with the speaker standing central to the audience while introducing the speech. While transitioning to the first point, he/she takes a few casual steps to the right, where he/she remains until transitioning to the second point, which occurs back in the center. The third point then takes place to the left, and the conclusion back to center. Variations are common and should not be penalized unless deemed unsuccessful.
Time: 3-7 minutes.
Memorization: Memorized after November. Optional 3×5 note card handwritten otherwise.
Humorous Interpretation (HI)
Humorous Interpretation primarily follows National Forensic League guidelines. It is a category for an individual speaker using a piece humorous in nature. Selections must be “published-printed [i.e. have an ISBN or Library of Congress number] novels, short stories, plays, poems, or other printed-published materials” (nflonline.org). Adaptations such as insertion of connecting phrases, names, etc. shall be for the purpose of continuity only.
Humorous Interpretation presentations are not stand-up comedy, but rather should create vivid characters and a funny mood conducive to the subject matter. The category allows for movement and exaggeration—often by popping or snapping quickly and simply between characters—to build complete scenes, as well as the assumption of more than one persona to establish interaction, relationships, and a full story. The gender as presented by the author must be honored, but presenters need not match that gender.
Time: 5-10 minutes.
Memorization: Memorized after November. Optional script otherwise.
Oratorical Declamation (ODec)
Oratorical Declamation is derived from NCFL guidelines. Selections must be a cut or fully intact publicly delivered oration; the strongest selections often come from historical orators or events. Speakers must deliver the speech without mimicking the original delivery, but rather interpreting the selection with their own vocal nuances and interpretations that complement and enhance the purpose and message. The selection allows for dramatic vocal interpretation, gestures, and minimal movement.
A lectern or podium will be provided for all speakers, but is optional starting mid-season. The introduction must additionally include the time and place at which speech was originally delivered and name the original speaker.
Time: 5-10 minutes.
Memorization: Scripted with lectern until after November, then both optional.
Original Oratory (OO)
Original Oratory is based on both NFL and NCFL regulations. Pieces are informative or persuasive in style and written fully by the competitor prior to competition on any appropriate subject. The piece should discuss subject matter intelligently, originally, and interestingly. Topics may alert the audience to a threatening danger, strengthen devotion to an accepted cause, or eulogize a person. Judges should evaluate both prose and presentation equally.
Evidence
Presentations must be truthful and should include at least two sources per point or a minimum of six sources overall. Sources should be authoritative and relevant. Citations should include title of publication, date of publication, and accreditation of primary information (i.e. author, researcher, theorist, philosopher). Any non-factual references should be clearly identified.
No more than 150 cumulative words of the piece may be quoted. Extensive paraphrasing is prohibited.
Organization
While there is no hard-and-fast rule for organization, common structure is 1-3-1 (introduction, three points, and a conclusion) where point 1 defines a problem, point 2 explains the significance of the problem, and point 3 proposes a solution. Variations may be used, but there must be an introduction and conclusion. Physical sign-posting may need to be adapted accordingly.
Introductions should have a clear thesis statement and an outline of points that will be addressed. They should be engaging and thoughtful.
The overall speech should remain on topic as clear, cohesive, and coherent, and use verbal sign-posting to signify the flow of information. For a complete argument, the speaker should include adequate reasoning and evidence to support all claims.
Sign-posting
Sign-posting is defined both verbally and physically.
Verbal sign-posting is used to make the organization of the presentation absolutely clear. It is not uncommon to hear the actual words “My first point…, My second point…, and My third point…” The more creative (while still clear) the integration, the better.
While verbally sign-posting, a speaker should also physically move to signify structure. The general form starts with the speaker standing central to the audience while introducing the speech. While transitioning to the first point, he/she takes a few casual steps to the right, where he/she remains until transitioning to the second point, which occurs back in the center. The third point then takes place to the left, and the conclusion back to center. Variations are common and should not be penalized unless deemed unsuccessful.
Time: 5-10 minutes.
Memorization: Memorized after November.
Original Works (OW)
Original Works is a unique MFA category. Pieces are written wholly by the competitor prior to the tournament and, with good taste, may fall under any genre, fiction or non-fiction, or style, excluding the Original Oratory format. Judges should evaluate both prose and presentation equally.
Time: 5-10 minutes.
Memorization: Optional script.
Poetry Reading (PO) and Novice Poetry Reading (NPO)
Poetry Reading draws on both NCFL and NFL guidelines. Poetry presentations may be of a single printed-published composition or creative arrangement of multiple printed-published compositions. The strongest arrangements center around a theme. Presentations using multiple compositions must preserve the essence of each original poem, but are not limited to presenting each poem one at a time; it is acceptable to intermingle sections of poems for a more creative, thematic, or emotional experience.
The presentation should express ideas, experience, or emotion through sound, rhythm, and meaning by use of voice, gesture, facial expression, and conservative movement. Selections may be off all styles and meters.
Time: 5-10 minutes.
Memorization: Always scripted.
Prose (PR) and Novice Prose Reading (NPR)
Prose Reading draws on both NCFL and NFL guidelines. Pieces must derive from printed-published fiction or non-fiction short stories, essays, or novels. Prose often draws more on narrative than dialogue. Presentations should share a story, experience, or emotion by use of voice, gesture, facial expression, and conservative movement.
Time: 5-10 minutes.
Memorization: Always scripted.
Storytelling (ST)
Storytelling is adapted from NFL guidelines. Selections are open to wide interpretation, often deriving from oral traditional, fairy tales, folklore, tall tales, mythology, and other historical or tradition-based stories. Presenters must bring a story to life in a natural and entertaining way.
Presenters are encouraged to integrate a great deal of movement, dramatization, and multiple-characterization through voice, accents, gesture, interpretive movement, props, instruments, and costumes.
Time: 5-10 minutes.
Memorization: Never scripted.
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