Here is a list of the events we compete in

Here is a list of the events we compete in, along with an explanation of how we qualify for the national tournament. If you have any questions about these events, let one of us know!

An impromptu speech, serious in nature with topic selections varied by round, section by section. Topics will be of proverb nature. Speakers will have a total of 7 minutes for both preparation and speaking. Timing commences with the acceptance of the topic sheet. Limited notes are permitted. Each speaker in a given section will choose to speak from one of the same two topics offered.

An original, factual speech by the student on a realistic subject to fulfill the general aim to inform the audience. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement/reinforce the message. Multiple sources should be used and cited in the development of the speech. Minimal notes are permitted. Maximum time is 10 minutes including introduction.

A selection of prose material of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source. Play cuttings are prohibited. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time is 10 minutes including introduction.

Contestants will be given three topics in the general area of current events, choose one, and have 30 minutes to prepare a speech that is the original work of the student. Maximum time limit for the speech is 7 minutes. Limited notes are permitted. Students will speak in listed order. Posting of topics will be staggered.

An original speech by the student designed to inspire, reinforce, or change the beliefs, attitudes, values, or actions of the audience. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement/reinforce the message. Multiple sources should be used and cited in the development of the speech. Minimal notes are permitted. Maximum time is 10 minutes.

A cutting from a play, humorous or serious, involving the portrayal of two or more characters presented by two individuals. The material may be drawn from stage, screen, or radio. This is not an acting event. Thus, no costumes, props, lighting, etc. are to be used. Presentation is from the manuscript and focus should be off-stage and not to each other. Maximum time is 10 minutes including introduction.

A program of thematically-linked selections of literary merit, chosen from two of the three recognized genres of competitive interpretation (prose/poetry/drama). A substantial portion of the total time must be devoted to each of the two genres used in the program. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including original introduction and transitions.

An original humorous speech by the student designed to exhibit sound speech composition, thematic coherence, direct communicative public speaking skills, and good taste. The speech should not resemble a night club act, an impersonation, or comic dialogue. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement/reinforce the message. Minimal notes are permitted. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes.

An original speech by the student designed to offer an explanation and/or evaluation of a communication event such as a speech, speaker, movement, poem, poster, film, campaign, etc. through the use of rhetorical principles. Audio-visual aids may or may not be used to supplement/reinforce the message. Manuscripts are permitted. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes.

A cutting which represents one or more characters from a play or plays of literary merit. This material may be drawn from stage, screen, or radio. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.

A selection or selections of poetry of literary merit, which may be drawn from more than one source. Play cuttings are prohibited. Use of manuscript is required. Maximum time limit is 10 minutes including introduction.

A relatively new format, parliamentary debate is different from traditional forms of debate in that it does not require evidence, but instead relies on common knowledge and anecdote. Two competitors make up a team. The topics for discussion change with every debate, sometimes being vague in nature, and sometimes specific. Teams are allowed 15 minutes to prepare before the debate. No outside materials are allowed into the round, except for limited notes.

There are two ways to qualify any of the 11 events described below for the American Forensics Association's National Tournament (the AFA-NIET).

At Large Qualification: To qualify the event during the regular competitive season you must break to the final round at at least three tournaments. In each of these final rounds you must place well enough that the total of your three rankings is less than or equal to 8. For example, John wants to qualify Extemp and he attends the Hill Country Swing and the Bayou Bucket Swing. Because John is really good in Extemp, he breaks to the finals at each of these four tournaments (a swing is two tournaments). His ranks are 3, 4, 2, and 3. Becasue 3 + 2 + 3 = 8, John is now qualified in Extemp and does not have to compete in it again until April! Yeah for John! One note on this rule: if there are fewer than 12 people competing in an event at any tournament, not everyone in the final round will receive a leg. If there are fewer than 12 competitors, the number of legs is half the number of competitors, rounding down.

Automatic Qualification: (Districts) At the end of the regular season, there is one final tournament that provides automatic qualifications to the national tournament. This is the district tournament. There are nine AFA districts; we are in district 3. Our district includes, Texas (except El Paso), Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, and Louisiana, and our district tournament is held, until further changes, at the University of Oklahoma in Norman, OK. In each event at the district tournament there are three automatic qualifications as well as legs for each placing (following the above rules). The number of automatic qualifiers is determined by the number of people in the event. If there are fewer than 30, there are 3 automatic qualifiers; 30-40 competitors yields 4 automatic qualifiers and so forth. If you place in the with in the range of the number of automatic qualifiers for your event at this tournament, you automatically qualify for nationals. Also, if you have two legs already and receive your third leg at districts, you qualify at large, and the automatic qualification you would have received goes to the next placed person. So if John still hasn't qualified Impromptu by March, but he has a 2 and a 3 and goes to districts where he gets 2nd, then he qualifies and Mary who had placed 4th in the finals at districts also qualifies.

There is as of yet, no qualification system for the NPDA National Tournament.

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