Competition Events
Students benefit from a wide variety of speech and debate events. To create standards for national competition, the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) has defined a number of events, described below. These events are prevalent in the United States, and many states adopt the NSDA’s rules and guidelines for each event. However, the events offered, and the rules for each event, do vary from state to state. Please consult with your state speech and debate organization or a local contact for more information on event rules in your area.
For a more in-depth look on the various events, view our Competition Events guide.
Speech
Speech involves a presentation by one or two students that is judged against a similar type of presentation by others in a round of competition. There are two general categories of speech events, public address events and interpretation events. Public address events feature a speech written by the student, either in advance or with limited prep, that can answer a question, share a belief, persuade an audience, or educate the listener on a variety of topics. Interpretation events center upon a student selecting and performing published material and appeal to many who enjoy acting and theatre.
Interpretation Events
Speech Events
To learn more about each event, choose an event and click on the event name.
Choose your event
Speech
Interp Events
Dramatic Interp (DI) | DUO Interp (DUO) | Humorous Interp (HI) | Poetry (POE) | Prose (PRO) | Storytelling (STO)
Public Address Events
Commentary (EXC) | Declamation (DEC) | Expository (EXP) | Impromptu (IMP)| Informative Speaking (INF) | International Extemporaneous Speaking (IX) | Mixed Extemporaneous Speaking (MX) | Original Oratory (OO) | Original Spoken Word Poetry (SW) | Pro Con Challenge (PCC) | United States Extemporaneous Speaking (USX)
Public Address Events
To learn more about each event, choose an event and click on the event name.
Choose your event
Extemporaneous Commentary (EXC)
Declamation (DEC)
Expository (EXP)
Impromptu (IMP)
Informative Speaking (INF)
International Extemporaneous Speaking (IX)
Mixed Extemporaneous Speaking (MX)
Original Oratory (OO)
Original Spoken Word Poetry (SW)
Pro Con Challenge (PCC)
United States Extemporaneous Speaking (USX)
About Dramatic Interpretation
Dramatic Interpretation (DI) is a 10-minute event (with a 30-second grace period) that challenges students to bring a published piece of serious literature to life using only their voice, facial expressions, and physicality without the use of props, costumes, or sets. While the name suggests high drama, DI is not about melodrama or excessive emotion. Instead, it calls for authentic portrayals of emotionally compelling narratives that connect deeply with the audience.
This event is ideal for students who are drawn to powerful storytelling and who are eager to explore complex characters and thought-provoking themes. DI often appeals to performers who are introspective, empathetic, and passionate about social issues, literature, or personal transformation.
To succeed in Dramatic Interpretation, students must demonstrate emotional control, character depth, and strong internal focus. Successful competitors are able to suspend disbelief and guide audiences through a believable emotional journey. Piece selection is key; students should choose material that aligns with their maturity level and school guidelines, often addressing significant topics such as illness, discrimination, or historical injustice.
About Duo Interpretation
Duo Interpretation (DUO) is a 10-minute event (with a 30-second grace period) that showcases two performers bringing a published script to life. The performance can be dramatic, comedic, or a blend of both. What sets Duo apart is its off-stage focus requirement: partners must perform without making direct eye contact or physical contact with each other, challenging them to build chemistry and connection entirely through performance.
While many are drawn to Duo for the chance to perform with a friend, strong partnership goes beyond friendship. Successful Duo teams are balanced, sharing a complementary performance style, work ethic, and level of commitment. On-stage chemistry matters most, and personal rapport doesn’t always translate into effective performance synergy. Duo also opens the door to pieces that one performer alone might struggle to bring to life, such as scripts with rich dialogue, dual protagonists, or intricate character dynamics that require two distinct voices. Effective Duo scripts often feature strong contrasts in tone or character, tightly written exchanges, and clear relationships that evolve throughout the performance.
Duo Interpretation is ideal for students who enjoy collaborative storytelling and character-driven work. Coaches can help students navigate pairing decisions and piece selection to ensure that both partners shine. A strong Duo performance hinges on equal energy, thoughtful staging, and believable relationships between characters.
About Humorous Interpretation
Humorous Interpretation (HI) is a 10-minute event (with a 30-second grace period) that challenges students to entertain and connect with audiences through comedic storytelling. Using published material, performers often portray multiple characters, shifting voices, and physicality to bring dynamic scenes to life, all without props, costumes, or sets.
This event is perfect for students with strong comedic timing, physical expressiveness, and a love for character work. A strong HI balances laugh-out-loud moments with heart and relatability, anchoring the humor in characters and situations that feel real, even in the most outrageous scenes.
At its core, HI uses humor as a tool to reveal universal truths, create connection, and make people laugh. But humor is complex and subjective; what gets big laughs from one audience might fall flat with another. That’s why successful HI competitors think carefully about their material: Is it genuinely funny? Is it appropriate and engaging for a broad audience? Will the story resonate even if a particular joke doesn’t land? Students should choose material appropriate for their age, maturity level, and school or team standards, ensuring that the content is both suitable and effective.
About Poetry
Poetry (POE) is a five-minute event (with a 30-second grace period) that focuses on the power of language, expression, and emotional connection. Through the performance of published poems, students convey complex ideas, personal experiences, and deep emotions, often in creative and thought-provoking ways.
Unlike Original Spoken Word Poetry, where students write their own material, Poetry Interpretation features the performance of works written by others. All performances must be from a manuscript (which may be in a folder), and students are expected to bring the text to life using vocal nuance, purposeful pacing, and emotional resonance without the aid of props or costumes. This event is ideal for students with a strong sense of voice, a love for literature, and the ability to shape meaning through intentional delivery.
Poetry may tell a story or develop a character, but its primary emphasis is on language and form. Whether traditional, with rhyme and meter, or nontraditional, with free verse and rhythmic flow, Poetry invites audiences to reflect, feel, and think critically. Students can choose to perform one long poem or construct a thematic program using multiple poems, either from a single source or from various authors.
About Progam Oral Interpretation
Program Oral Interpretation (POI) is a ten-minute event (with a 30-second grace period) that challenges students to weave together multiple genres of literature: prose, poetry, and drama, into a cohesive, theme-driven performance. Each program must include at least two of the three genres, though many students choose to incorporate all three, with the goal of crafting a compelling argument or central message supported by the selected texts. Performers begin with an original introduction written by the student, which frames the theme and identifies the titles and authors of the pieces used.
This event is ideal for students who enjoy crafting arguments and exploring a variety of voices, demonstrating the ability to embody multiple perspectives with controlled and intentional delivery. Successful performers show strong thematic and argumentative clarity, a breadth and depth of emotion, and a solid familiarity with poetic and prosaic conventions. Students should choose material appropriate for their age, maturity level, and school or team standards, building a balanced program that is both meaningful and engaging.
POI highlights both literary analysis and interpretive performance. Students construct their programs by selecting published material that explores a common theme from multiple perspectives. A strong POI blends emotional depth, narrative clarity, and performative range, often incorporating both serious and humorous moments. Students are expected to portray multiple characters, shift tone and style, and maintain a strong throughline, all without the use of props or costumes (except for the required manuscript).
About Prose
Prose (PRO) is a five-minute event (with a 30-second grace period) that offers students the opportunity to perform published literature written in everyday language and structure. Unlike Poetry or Drama, Prose reflects the natural patterns of speech and is often drawn from novels, short stories, essays, or other narrative-driven works.
Prose is known for its flexibility, as it may incorporate a range of elements found in other interpretation events. Like Storytelling, Prose often includes a strong narrative arc with clear rises and falls. It can feature character development and dialogue reminiscent of Dramatic Interpretation or contain embedded humor similar to Humorous Interpretation. Because of its broad interpretive scope, students should select material that is appropriate for their age, maturity level, and school or team standards, ensuring their performance is both meaningful and suitable for competition.
All performances must be from a manuscript (which may be in a folder) and students are expected to bring the text to life through vocal nuance, thoughtful pacing, and character portrayal. A strong Prose performance centers on clear narrative structure, emotional connection, and controlled, expressive delivery that helps the audience experience the story.
About Storytelling
Storytelling (STO) is a five-minute event (with a 30-second grace period) in which students perform a published story as if presenting to a group of young children. While some tournaments may assign a specific theme—such as heroism, fairy tales, or mysteries—the National Tournament does not require a theme, allowing students to choose any age-appropriate story that fits the format.
The goal of Storytelling is to captivate the audience through animated delivery, expressive movement, and a clear narrative. Students may use a chair during their performance and may choose the chair’s original position before beginning. The chair is not considered a prop as long as all four legs remain stationary on the ground throughout the performance and the competitor does not kneel or stand on it. While students may perform seated, most make full use of the available stage space to enhance their storytelling.
Story selections should be suitable for young audiences and chosen with the student’s personality, vocal and physical range, and school or team standards in mind. Children’s books are commonly used, as well as stories pulled from themed collections, though only one story may be performed.
This event is ideal for students who are animated, outgoing, and confident performers. Successful Storytelling competitors tend to have high energy, strong audience engagement, and a genuine love for entertaining others through narrative.
About Declamation
Declamation (DEC) is a 10-minute public speaking event (with a 30-second grace period) in which students perform a previously delivered, publicly available speech. The selection may come from any public address. Commencement speeches, political addresses, historical moments, or celebrity speeches are all common sources. Since most original speeches are longer than 10 minutes, students typically excerpt and edit the speech to meet the time limit but must preserve the original message.
The goal of Declamation is to communicate the ideas of the original speaker with clarity, emotion, and purpose without imitating their style or delivery. Students are expected to interpret the speech in their own voice, presenting it in a way that is both engaging and authentic. While the content belongs to someone else, the performance should feel fresh and persuasive to the audience.
Declamation is well-suited for students who are confident, expressive, and process-oriented. Ideal competitors demonstrate strength in powerful language, connecting with audiences, and conveying meaningful messages through strong vocal and nonverbal delivery. A successful Declamation student is persuasive, creative, and capable of memorizing and performing with precision and passion. Students should choose a speech that resonates with them personally—not because of the original speaker’s fame or delivery, but because they understand the message and feel confident they can deliver it effectively.
About Expository
Expository Speaking (EXP) is a five-minute informative speaking event (with a 30-second grace period) in which students explain to an audience a topic of their choosing. The goal is to provide new insights, highlight interesting implications, or offer a fresh perspective on a subject, whether it’s completely unfamiliar or commonly known. At its core, Expository is about teaching the audience something valuable and thought-provoking. Visual aids are not permitted at the National Tournament, though some local tournaments may allow them.
Students who choose Expository are often curious, articulate, and passionate about research and writing. This event is ideal for students who enjoy digging into topics, discovering unexpected angles, and translating what they’ve learned into a clear, engaging presentation. A strong Expository speech reflects both the speaker’s interest in the topic and their awareness of the audience’s needs. Students should think carefully about why the topic matters to listeners: What can the audience take away? Why is it relevant or timely? How might it change the way they think?
To succeed in Expository, students should have strong writing and organizational skills, an inquisitive mindset, and the ability to deliver information in an engaging, personable way. Creative thinking, purposeful structure, and confident delivery are key.
About Impromptu
Impromptu Speaking (IMP) is a public speaking event in which students are given seven minutes (with a 30-second grace period) to select a topic, brainstorm ideas, organize a speech, and deliver it without the use of notes. The speech must include an introduction, body, and conclusion, and can range in tone from lighthearted to serious. Prompts provided to speakers may come from a wide variety of sources, including nursery rhymes, current events, historical figures, pop culture references, and abstract ideas. The challenge lies in responding thoughtfully and persuasively with limited preparation time.
Impromptu appeals to students who enjoy thinking quickly and thrive under time pressure. Ideal competitors are quick-witted, creative, and comfortable with uncertainty. Many students are drawn to the variety of prompts and the opportunity to inject personal perspective, humor, or insight into a speech that is built in real time. Those with a strong general knowledge base across news, literature, pop culture, and history often find they can draw from a wide range of examples to support their points.
To succeed in Impromptu, students must be able to quickly analyze a prompt, identify a clear thesis, and develop organized, well-supported content on the spot. Strong delivery skills, logical structure, and the ability to connect with the audience are critical. Whether the topic is silly or serious, the best Impromptu speakers bring creativity, clarity, and confidence to every performance.
About Informative Speaking
Informative Speaking (INF) is a 10-minute original speech event (with a 30-second grace period) in which students aim to educate the audience about a topic of significance. The speech is written and delivered by the student and may include optional visual aids. While the primary purpose is to inform rather than persuade, appropriate use of humor and personality can enhance audience engagement and support effective communication.The speech must be delivered from memory.
Informative is a great fit for students who are curious, enthusiastic, and strong communicators. Competitors should choose a topic they find personally meaningful and are excited to explore and revise throughout the season. Strong Informative speakers are driven, personable, and passionate about sharing ideas with others.
Effective topics aim to teach the audience something new or provide a fresh perspective on a familiar idea. Speeches should be supported by research and structured to clearly explain concepts using logic, evidence, and engaging delivery.
About International Extemp
International Extemporaneous Speaking (IX) is a seven-minute speech event (with a 30-second grace period) focused on current international issues. Students have 30 minutes to prepare a speech in response to one of three selected questions related to global politics, economics, or culture. During prep, students may consult research they’ve brought with them; at some tournaments, including the National Tournament, they may also use the internet. Each speech is delivered from memory without notes.
IX is ideal for students who are curious about the world beyond U.S. borders and enjoy following international affairs. Topics may focus on specific countries, regions, or foreign policy challenges, so students should read widely and consistently from global news sources. The ability to synthesize complex information quickly and form a clear, persuasive argument is essential.
Successful IX speakers are reflective, focused, and inquisitive. They enjoy research, grasp the connections among global events, and thrive under time pressure. To excel, students must think critically, organize ideas quickly, and deliver with clarity and confidence.
Mixed Extemp
Mixed Extemporaneous Speaking (EXT) is a seven-minute speech event (with a 30-second grace period) that combines both domestic and international topics. Offered at the NSDA Middle School National Tournament, students are given 30 minutes to prepare a speech in response to one of three questions covering national and global current events. During prep time, students may consult research materials, and internet use is permitted at the National Tournament—though local tournaments may have different rules. Each speech is delivered from memory without notes.
Mixed Extemp is ideal for middle school students who are curious about the world around them and eager to explore both U.S. and international issues. The variety of topics encourages students to think critically, read broadly, and develop a well-rounded understanding of global and domestic affairs.
To succeed, students must quickly analyze complex topics, organize their ideas clearly, and support their arguments with strong evidence. Effective Mixed Extemp speakers are thoughtful, inquisitive, and confident under pressure.
About Original Oratory
Original Oratory (OO) is a 10-minute speech event (with a 30-second grace period) in which students deliver a self-written speech designed to persuade an audience on a topic of significance. While the speech may incorporate humor and emotional appeals, it must be grounded in evidence, logic, and clear structure. The speech is delivered from memory and competitors are limited in their use of direct quotations.
Oratory is ideal for students who want to share their voice and passion about something meaningful. Topics vary widely; popular topics tend to be value-based, such as encouraging personal growth, or policy-oriented, asking the audience to consider solutions to societal problems. The best orations challenge the audience to think differently or take action.
Successful orators are creative, enthusiastic, and thoughtful communicators. Because oratories are often revised and refined throughout the season, students should choose a topic they’re genuinely excited to explore, continuously research, and present repeatedly. Strong orators are process-driven, personable, and confident in connecting ideas with impact.
About Original Spoken Word Poetry
Original Spoken Word Poetry (SW) is a five-minute event (with a 30-second grace period) where students perform original poetry from memory. The piece must be written by the student and may include no more than 150 words of direct quotation, which must be cited in a printed copy. Poetry should be presented from memory.
Unlike traditional Poetry, Spoken Word is written to be performed aloud. It blends rhythmic flow, vivid imagery, repetition, and wordplay, and may incorporate elements of storytelling, hip hop, or oral tradition. Topics often reflect personal experience or identity and may address themes like race, politics, gender, community, or mental health. The strongest performances evoke emotion, provoke thought, and center the performer’s voice and lived experience.
Spoken Word is a powerful fit for students who are expressive, introspective, and unafraid to speak from the heart. Successful performers bring creativity, vulnerability, and a strong sense of purpose to the stage, using their words to connect with an audience and leave a lasting impact.
Pro Con Challenge
Pro Con Challenge (PCC) is a 10-minute speech event (with a 30-second grace period) in which students present both an affirmative and a negative case on a single debate topic. Each side must be between three and five minutes in length and is delivered consecutively from memory. Students may select from the National Tournament topics in Policy, Lincoln-Douglas, or Public Forum, or choose a piece of legislation from the Congressional Debate docket.
Pro Con is well-suited for students who are curious, open-minded, and passionate about seeing multiple perspectives.This event gives students the opportunity to explore both sides of a complex issue, showcasing their writing, research, and public speaking skills. Topics range from philosophical and policy-oriented to timely current events. The best topics allow for balanced, engaging arguments and offer clear opportunities for persuasive and analytical thinking.
Success in this event comes from strong organization, compelling evidence, and effective delivery. Since Pro Con Challenge isn’t a formal debate event, students should avoid technical jargon and aim for clarity and impact in both speeches. A strong Pro Con performance presents a complete, thoughtful examination of an issue from both sides.
About United States Extemp
United States Extemporaneous Speaking (USX) is a seven-minute speech event (with a 30-second grace period) that focuses on current events within the United States. Students have 30 minutes to prepare a speech in response to one of three selected questions related to U.S. politics, economics, domestic policy, or cultural issues. During prep, students may consult research they’ve brought with them; at some tournaments, including the National Tournament, they may also use the internet. Each speech is delivered from memory without notes.
USX is a great fit for students who are passionate about domestic affairs and enjoy following political and social developments in the U.S. Topics may cover anything from Supreme Court rulings and congressional debates to economic policy and national trends. Reading regularly from a range of news sources is key to success in this event.
Successful USX speakers are quick thinkers who can analyze complex issues, structure clear arguments, and support their claims with strong evidence—all under pressure. They tend to be reflective, driven, and deeply interested in how national events shape everyday life.
Debate
Debate challenges individuals or teams of students to persuasively argue for and against a topic. A debater’s goal is to convince a judge that, as a general principal, their side of the topic is more valid. Through extensive research and preparation, students in debate develop a deep understanding of complex topics, honing their ability to think critically and analyze important issues from multiple perspectives.
Debate Events
To learn more about each event, choose an event and click on the event name.
Choose your event
About Big Questions Debate
Big Questions Debate (BQ) is a structured debate event where students have a set time limit to present constructive cases, engage in rebuttal and refutation, and participate in cross-examination. At the National Tournament, only one-on-one debates are permitted. However, at other tournaments, students may debate individually or with a partner, resulting in one-on-one, two-on-one, or two-on-two matchups. The same topic is used all season, from August through June.
Big Questions explores complex, worldview-based topics at the intersection of science, philosophy, and religion. Students are assigned a side before each round and must be prepared to argue either the affirmative or the negative case. The event encourages deep thought and respectful engagement with foundational questions about the nature of knowledge, ethics, existence, and belief.
Ideal participants are intellectually curious, open-minded, and enjoy examining ideas from multiple perspectives. Success in Big Questions requires logical reasoning, philosophical awareness, and strong communication skills.
Time Limits
| Speech | Time Limit | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative Constructive | 5 minutes | Present case |
| Negative Constructive | 5 minutes | Present case |
| Question Segment | 3 minutes | Alternate asking and answering questions |
| Affirmative Rebuttal | 4 minutes | Refute the opposing side’s arguments |
| Negative Rebuttal | 4 minutes | Refute the opposing side’s arguments |
| Question Segment | 3 minutes | Alternate asking and answering questions |
| Affirmative Consolidation | 3 minutes | Begin crystallizing the main issues in the round |
| Negative Consolidation | 3 minutes | Begin crystallizing the main issues in the round |
| Affirmative Rationale | 3 minutes | Explain reasons that you win the round |
| Negative Rationale | 3 minutes | Explain reasons that you win the round |
*Each team is entitled to three minutes of prep time during the round.
About Congressional Debate
Congressional Debate (CD) is a group debate event simulating the U.S. legislative process. Students meet in chambers of approximately 10 to 25 participants and debate legislation over a session typically lasting two to three hours. Speeches are up to three minutes in length followed by a questioning period. An elected student participant serves as the presiding officer, managing the flow of debate using parliamentary procedure.
Congress is ideal for students who are interested in lawmaking, policy, and persuasive public speaking. Competitors must prepare for multiple topics, extend debates with new analysis, and refute opposing arguments effectively. A successful debater brings strong research, logical reasoning, effective note-taking, and a confident speaking style, while also demonstrating collaboration and respect within a group setting.
Congressional Debate suits students who are analytical, persuasive, engaged with current issues, and eager to develop a deeper understanding of the legislative process.
About Extemporaneous Debate
Extemporaneous Debate (XDB) is a one-on-one debate event in which students are presented with a new resolution each round and have 30 minutes to prepare before delivering arguments, refutation, and rebuttals. Unlike traditional debate events, which focus on a single topic throughout a tournament, Extemp Debate introduces a variety of resolutions, testing students’ adaptability and critical thinking across a broad range of issues. The use of evidence is permitted, but due to the short preparation time, the event emphasizes reasoning, structure, and effective delivery over detailed research.
This event appeals to students who enjoy thinking quickly, tackling a wide range of topics, and engaging in real-time argumentation. While students with experience in debate or speaking extemporaneously may feel right at home, public speakers and interpers who are thoughtful, quick-witted, and curious can also find this format exciting and rewarding.
Successful students in Extemp Debate are often analytical, confident, persuasive, and logical thinkers with a broad base of knowledge and the ability to work independently under pressure.
Time Limits
| Speech | Time Limit | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Proposition Constructive | 2 minutes | The debater in favor of the resolution presents his or her case/position in support of the topic. |
| Cross Examination of Proposition | 1 minute | The opposition debater asks the proposition questions. |
| Opposition Constructive | 2 minutes | The debater against the resolution or the proposition’s case presents his or her case/position. |
| Cross Examination of Opposition | 1 minute | The proposition debater asks the opposition questions. |
| Mandatory Prep Time | 1 minute | Both debaters have one minute to prepare their rebuttals. |
| Proposition Rebuttal | 2 minutes | The proposition debater refutes the main idea of the opposition and supports their main ideas. |
| Opposition Rebuttal | 2 minutes | The opposition debater refutes the main idea of the proposition and supports their main ideas. |
| Mandatory Prep Time | 1 minute | Both debaters have one minute to prepare their rebuttals. |
| Proposition Rebuttal | 2 minutes | In this final speech the proposition crystallizes the round for the judge and tries to establish sufficient reason for a vote in favor of the resolution. |
| Opposition Rebuttal | 2 minutes | In this final speech the opposition crystallizes the round for the judge and tries to establish sufficient reason for a vote against the proposition’s case and/or the resolution. |
About Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Lincoln-Douglas Debate (LD) is a one-on-one debate format in which students argue a topic voted on by the membership. Topics focus on questions of morality, philosophy, and justice, often exploring the tension between competing values such as individual freedom versus the collective good or economic development versus environmental protection. Each round includes constructive speeches, rebuttals, and cross-examination and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Students may use evidence prepared in advance, and internet access is permitted during the round unless otherwise specified by the tournament.
This event appeals to students who enjoy in-depth analysis of how society ought to function and who prefer individual competition to team formats. Lincoln-Douglas is often referred to as a “values” debate because it emphasizes ethics, principles, and philosophical reasoning.
Successful LD debaters are typically independent, analytical, thoughtful, and logically minded. Many are drawn to philosophical questions and thrive on constructing compelling arguments and engaging in structured debate.
Time Limits
| Speech | Time Limit | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Affirmative Constructive | 6 minutes | Present the affirmative case |
| Negative Cross-Examination | 3 minutes | Negative asks questions of the affirmative |
| Negative Constructive | 7 minutes | Present the negative case and refute the affirmative case |
| Affirmative Cross-Examination | 3 minutes | Affirmative asks questions of the negative |
| First Affirmative Rebuttal | 4 minutes | Refute the negative case and rebuild the affirmative case |
| Negative Rebuttal | 6 minutes | Refute the affirmative case, rebuild the negative case, and offer reasons that negative should win the round, commonly referred to as voting issues. |
| 2nd Affirmative Rebuttal | 3 minutes | Address negative voting issues and offer reasons for why the affirmative should win. |
*Each debater is also entitled to four minutes of prep time during the round.
About Policy Debate
Policy Debate (CX) is a two-on-two debate where the affirmative team proposes a policy plan and the negative team argues against its adoption. The topic provided by the National Federation of State High School Associations and published on the NSDA website remains the same throughout the academic year, allowing students to explore a single issue in depth. Each student delivers two speeches: one constructive and one rebuttal. Internet access is permitted unless otherwise specified by the tournament.
This event appeals to students who enjoy working as part of a team and analyzing complex issues. Policy debaters dive deep into research, constructing nuanced cases and anticipating intricate arguments. The format is known for being the most technical of the debate events, often involving rapid delivery and detailed evidence.
Successful Policy debaters are collaborative, curious, focused, and highly analytical. They excel at synthesizing research, thinking critically, and staying composed during fast-paced exchanges.
Time Limits
| Speech | Abbreviation | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Affirmative Constructive | 1AC | 8 minutes |
| Negative Cross-Examination of Affirmative | 3 minutes | |
| 1st Negative Constructive | 1NC | 8 minutes |
| Affirmative Cross-Examination of Negative | 3 minutes | |
| 2nd Affirmative Constructive | 2AC | 8 minutes |
| Negative Cross-Examination of Affirmative | 3 minutes | |
| 2nd Negative Constructive | 2NC | 8 minutes |
| Affirmative Cross-Examination of Negative | 3 minutes | |
| 1st Negative Rebuttal | 1NR | 5 minutes |
| 1st Affirmative Rebuttal | 1AR | 5 minutes |
| 2nd Negative Rebuttal | 2NR | 5 minutes |
| 2nd Affirmative Rebuttal | 2AR | 5 minutes |
| Prep Time (each team) | 8 minutes | |
About World Schools Debate
World Schools Debate (WS) is a three-on-three debate format combining prepared and impromptu motions. While teams may include up to five members, only three compete in any given round. Students are assigned either the proposition (government) or opposition side each round and debate motions that focus on real-world issues. Debaters deliver speeches, respond to questions, and actively engage with opposing arguments, all during speeches.
This format emphasizes collaboration and in-depth argumentation. Since students must prepare for both rehearsed and surprise topics, World Schools Debate requires flexibility, quick thinking, and a wide range of knowledge. Debaters must work seamlessly as a team and communicate ideas clearly across cultural and ideological lines.
Successful WS debaters are logical, analytical, and persuasive. They value teamwork, stay informed about global events, and bring cultural awareness and curiosity to every round.
Time Limits
| Speech | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Proposition Team Speaker 1 | 8 minutes |
| Opposition Team Speaker 1 | 8 minutes |
| Proposition Team Speaker 2 | 8 minutes |
| Opposition Team Speaker 2 | 8 minutes |
| Proposition Team Speaker 3 | 8 minutes |
| Opposition Team Speaker 3 | 8 minutes |
| Opposition Reply | 4 minutes |
| Proposition Reply | 4 minutes |
About Public Forum Debate
Public Forum Debate (PF) is a two-on-two debate that focuses on current event topics. Resolutions change frequently throughout the season, exposing students to a wide range of timely issues. Each round begins with the team that won the coin toss selecting either their side (Pro or Con) or speaker position (first or second), and the opposing team selects the remaining option. Debaters present constructive cases, engage in refutation and rebuttals, and participate in “crossfire,” a questioning period similar to cross-examination. Internet access is permitted unless otherwise specified by the tournament.
As a team event, PF requires strong collaboration between partners. Balanced preparation and shared in-round contributions give teams a competitive edge. Students must be able to adapt their arguments for a wide range of audiences, including judges who may not have formal debate training. Persuasion, clarity, and accessibility are key.
Students who succeed in PF are logical, organized, and professional. They are skilled at simplifying complex issues, thinking big-picture, and connecting with diverse audiences through confident and engaging delivery.
Time Limits
| Speech | Time Limit | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Team A Speaker 1 – Constructive | 4 minutes | Present the team’s case |
| Team B Speaker 1 – Constructive | 4 minutes | Present the team’s case |
| Crossfire | 3 minutes | Speaker 1 from Team A & B alternate asking and answering questions |
| Team A Speaker 2 – Rebuttal | 4 minutes | Refute the opposing side’s arguments |
| Team B Speaker 2 – Rebuttal | 4 minutes | Refute the opposing side’s arguments |
| Crossfire | 3 minutes | Speaker 2 from Team A & B alternate asking and answering questions |
| Team A Speaker 1 – Summary | 3 minutes | Begin crystallizing the main issues in the round |
| Team B Speaker 1 – Summary | 3 minutes | Begin crystallizing the main issues in the round |
| Grand Crossfire | 3 minutes | All four debaters involved in a crossfire at once |
| Team A Speaker 2 – Final Focus | 2 minutes | Explain reasons that you win the round |
| Team B Speaker 2 – Final Focus | 2 minutes | Explain reasons that you win the round |
*Each team is entitled to three minutes of prep time during the round.
Extemporaneous Commentary
Extemporaneous Commentary (EXC) is a five-minute public speaking event (with a 30-second grace period) in which students respond to a prompt drawn on a topic of societal, political, historical, or popular interest. Students have 20 minutes to prepare their speech, during which they may consult articles and evidence they have gathered in advance. At the National Tournament, internet access is permitted during prep time, though this may vary at other tournaments. The final speech is delivered from memory, without the use of notes, while the student is seated behind a desk or table.
This event appeals to students who are curious about the world around them and enjoy forming opinions on a wide range of issues. Commentary competitors often enjoy reading widely, exploring editorials, columns, and analyses that reflect multiple viewpoints. The ability to connect a prompt to broader trends or personal insight makes this event especially engaging for students who like to think deeply, react quickly, and occasionally bring a touch of humor to their arguments.
To be successful in Commentary, students must be able to organize their thoughts quickly, articulate a clear perspective, and support their ideas with relevant examples and credible sources. Strong competitors demonstrate sharp critical thinking, persuasive delivery, and confident composure, all while seated and without the aid of notes.
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