Events

The following events are offered at our annual tournament:

DEBATE EVENTS

INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC DEBATE ASSOCIATION (Individual)

Contestants debate 4 preliminary rounds, two each as affirmative and negative. Topics are decided in the round and 30 minutes of preparation time is given. Time limits: Affirmative constructive=5, Negative cross examination=2, Negative constructive=6, Affirmative cross examination=2, Affirmative Rebuttal=3, Negative Rebuttal & Summary=5, Affirmative Summary=3 (5-2-6-2-3-5-3). A final round may be offered at the tournament director’s discretion.

NATIONAL PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE ASSOCIATION (Team)

Two-person teams (mavericks not allowed) debate four rounds, two each as government and opposition.  Fifteen minutes of preparation time is allotted once the topic has been announced.  Time limits are 7-8-8-8-4-5.  Topics will vary by round and will focus on issues related to Germany.  A final round may be offered at the tournament director’s discretion.

SPEECH EVENTS

DRAMATIC DUO

A cutting from a play, humorous or serious, involving the portrayal of two or more characters presented by two individuals. This is not an acting event. Thus, costumes, props, etc. are not permitted. The presentation must be from manuscript and focus should be off stage. Maximum time is 10 minutes.

PROSE INTERPRETATION

Each contestant will present a 10-minute maximum program of prose literature including original introductory and transitional remarks.  A program may consist of single or multiple selections.  Plays are not eligible.  Use of manuscript is required.

INFORMATIVE SPEAKING

The contestant will deliver an original factual speech on a realistic subject to fulfill a general information need of the audience. Visual aids that supplement/reinforce the message are permitted. Maximum time is 10 minutes.

IMPROMPTU SPEAKING

Contestants will receive German quotations and have seven minutes to divide between preparation and speaking.  All contestants in the same section will speak on the same topic.

RHETORICAL CRITICISM

Contestants will deliver an original critical analysis of any significant rhetorical artifact. The speaker should limit the quotation of, paraphrasing of, or summary of, the analyzed artifact to a minimum. Any legitimate critical methodology is permissible as long as it serves to open up the artifact for the audience. Visual aids that supplement/reinforce the message are permitted. Maximum time is 10 minutes.

POETRY INTERPRETATION

The contestant will present a program of poetic literature. Original introductory comments and transitional remarks are permitted. Programs may consist of single or multiple selections. Use of manuscripts is required. Maximum time is 10 minutes.

DRAMATIC INTERPRETATION

The contestant will perform dramatic literature, humorous or serious, that represents one or more characters from material of literary merit. This material may be drawn from stage, screen, or radio. Programs may consist of single or multiple selections. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time is 10 minutes.

PERSUASIVE SPEAKING

A speech to convince, to move to action, or to inspire on a significant issue, delivered from memory. Visual aids that supplement/reinforce the message are permitted. Maximum time is 10 minutes

AFTER DINNER SPEAKING

Each contestant will present an original speech whose purpose is to make a serious point through the use of humor. The speech should reflect the development of a humorous comedic effort, not a standup comedy routine. Visual aids that supplement/reinforce the message are permitted. Maximum time is 10 minutes.

PROGRAM ORAL INTERPRETATION

Contestants will deliver a program of thematically-linked selections of literary merit, chosen from two or three recognized genres of competitive interpretation (prose/poetry/drama). A primary focus of this event should be on the development of the theme through the use of narrative/story, language, and/or characterization. A substantial portion of the total time must be devoted to each of the genres used in the program. Different genre means the material must appear in separate pieces of literature (e.g., A poem included in a short story that appears only in that short story does not constitute a poetry genre.) Only one selection may be original. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time is 10 minutes.

EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING

Contestants will construct and deliver a speech not to exceed 7 minutes after choosing from among three questions on current events, with 30 minutes of preparation.  The use of limited notes is allowed.  Electronic methods of resource material may be used, and students should be able to retrieve cited material upon judge request.  The IFA is not responsible for providing for any electronic storage or retrieval methods.

ONLINE EVENTS

Note: These are non-sweepstakes events open to all IFA participants: coaches, judges, family members, and students. 3 entries per school are allowed.

VISUAL COMMUNICATION

This event is designed for undergraduate students with an interest in using visual media to communicate a message. Subject and structure of the message are determined by the competitor. The writing, direction, and editing of the message are restricted to the competitor. Submissions must be uploaded and viewable within YouTube for prelim rounds. Maximum time is 6 minutes. 

AUDIO NARRATION

This event is designed for undergraduate students with an interest in using audio recordings to share a narrative story. Subject and structure of the message are determined by the competitor. The writing, editing, and delivery of the message are restricted to the competitor. Submissions must be uploaded with a blank background to hear within YouTube for prelim rounds. Maximum time is 6 minutes.