2020-2021 Speech Handbook
History
The student who chooses to become part of the WHA speech team becomes part of a long and proud tradition of accomplishment and recognition.
The history of competitive speech at Walker has one trademark: commitment to excellence. This has been and continues to be our goal. Students who become part of the program are constantly encouraged to achieve their personal best. Positive results can be produced through hard work and dedication.
This dedication to excellence has, over the past 47 years, produced remarkable results. WHA speech participants have earned 242 state speech medals, including 41 individual state championships. Walker speakers have competed 40 times on the national level through NSDA(NFL) and NCFL. In addition, WHA students have won dozens of invitational, subsection, and sectional titles. WHA students have won the Section 8A title for 22 consecutive years and the Subsection 29A title for the last 27 years.
ELIGIBILITY
Since speech is a Minnesota High School League activity, with an official schedule of competition, it is governed by the MSHSL rules of eligibility. These rules apply to every participant, and may be found clearly set forth in the eligibility pamphlet in which parents need to approve and sign. Please refer to these rules to avoid disappointing yourself, your teammates, or your coaches during the season. Also 7th and 8th grade speakers will be assessed an activity fee of $40.00 and senior high speakers will be assessed an activity fee of $100.00. All forms and fees need to be completed and submitted to your building office before you begin practicing.
Invitational Tournaments
The heart of the speech season is participation in invitational tournaments. These events are held on Saturdays and the Walker team usually will compete in up to eight varsity meets in such places as Brainerd, Marshall, Grand Rapids, or Duluth. In these tournaments, speakers in the various categories are divided into groups of ten or less representing different schools. The competitors give their presentations to a judge who then ranks the speakers in terms of the quality of their performances. Ordinarily, a tournament will offer three rounds of competition, but after the mid-point of the season, some meets select top ranked individuals to compete in a fourth or final round. At the conclusion of the day, ribbons, medals, or trophies are awarded to outstanding speakers.
Invitational tournaments are open to all competitors grades 7-l2, but there are also some meets which are held exclusively for grades 7-9. These events are run in the same manner as the invitational, but are conducted on weeknights with high school speakers serving as judges. Although these meets are usually smaller than the Saturday invitational, junior high speakers enjoy the benefits of the additional rounds of competition in a more restricted environment.
Travel Apparel
Participation in the speech program involves traveling long distances in the heart of our Minnesota winters. When on a road trip, speakers must always dress appropriately for these extreme conditions. Since we always plan to have the time to dress at the competition site, we encourage everyone to dress as casually and warmly as possible for the bus rides.
DRESS CODE
Many years of experience have shown that the appearance of a speaker is a critical factor in the competitive situation. What may be appropriate for school will not serve a competitor well in a speech meet. Therefore, the Walker speech team has a dress code for all speaking situations.
1. Girls are to wear a suit, or pants or skirt and blouse. Conservative taste in choice of color and accessories is also encouraged.
3. Boys are required to wear a collared dress shirt and a tie. Sport coats and suits are encouraged.
4. Hats, caps, excessive make-up or jewelry, nose rings, visible body piercing, etc. are not appropriate to the formal competitive speaking situation.
5. Boys – brown or black dress shoes. Girls-brown or black closed toed dress shoes. Shoes should be flats or low heels.
5. Clothes worn during competition are to be worn until after the awards ceremony.
6. Both boys and girls hair need to be styled conservatively and out of the face.
REGISTRATION for tournaments
Every member of the speech team is expected to compete at all tournaments.
When a scheduling conflict arises, it is up to the speaker to inform their coach of an absence.
Scheduled WHA activities and pre-arranged absences will be considered excused.
It is the responsibility of every speaker to sign off for each invitational meet in which they will not intend to compete. Once the registration is sent in, the fees paid, and the judges hired, all speakers who have signed up are expected to show up. Illness or family emergencies are the only acceptable reasons for non-attendance. If such circumstances should arise, it is the responsibility of each individual to inform his or her coach of the situation, even if that means an early morning phone call. Failure to take the personal responsibility to notify the coaches will be regarded as an unexcused absence for purposes of lettering.
Cancellation of registered speakers always results in difficulties for the tournament management and usually diminishes the overall quality of a meet. The Walker speech team has established a good reputation as to the accuracy of registration and the reliability of its members. This will continue to be the case in the future.
Students who have been registered and do not communicate their absence before the event will be assessed a $5 fee.
SPEAKERS ARE EXPECTED TO PRACTICE AT LEAST ONCE PER WEEK WITH THEIR COACH.
COACHING
Coaching for speech is done on an individual basis at times set by the student and his/her coach. This flexibility allows students to participate in additional school activities, work, etc. At the beginning of the speech season, each participant should contact one of the three coaches (Mr. Stewart Wilson, Mr. Ben Offerman, Mrs. Katelin Offerman) and make arrangements for practice times.
CATEGORIES
The thirteen categories of the MSHSL speech program offer a wide variety of opportunities for participants. Please find below brief descriptions of these events.
CREATIVE EXPRESSION
In creative expression, the participant writes and performs an original work which may be serious, humorous, or a combination of both. This event allows the student to present, in eight minutes, an original perspective on a topic or theme in an entertaining manner, with more freedom of movement than is found in most other speech events.
Creative expression could be likened to a one-person one-act play, and is made to order for students who enjoy both writing and performing.
DISCUSSION
The MSHSL discussion event offers nearly perfect preparation for small group problem solving activities. It affords the student the opportunity to practice skills necessary to serve on school boards, county boards of commission, city councils, and boards of directors for businesses.
In essence, discussion is an effort by a small group to reach a solution to a problem through exchange of facts and judgments based on the research of individual members. The purpose is to reach a consensus drawn from the contributions of each member.
Emphasis in this event is placed on individual research, critical thinking, cooperation, and the ability to arrive at a collective solution.
Duo Interpretation
Duo Interpretation features two readers interpreting together one or more selections from a single published source of prose, poetry, or dramatic literature serious or humorous. Each student may portray one or more characters. And, only during the introduction, is there eye contact between the two speakers. Time limit is eight minutes.
Students who choose to participate in Dramatic Duo MUST also be prepared to compete in another category in case their duo partner is unable to participate.
DRAMATIC INTERPRETATION
The participant in this event chooses an excerpt from a published play to present, with an introduction, within the eight-minute time limit. The selection chosen should have literary merit, contain conflict, and be appropriate for the speaker. The speaker and coach will work during the season to achieve the most effective, polished performance possible.
EXTEMPORANEOUS READING
Extemporaneous reading can provide variety, challenge, and the excitement of "the luck of the draw" for students who enjoy interpretive speech events. At invitationals and official competitions, participants draw 3 cuttings from a previously published list of approximately 20 or more selections chosen by the MSHSL. During the season, participants work with their coach in the study, discussion, and rehearsal of the stories or poems (whichever division has been chosen by the speaker) in order to knowledgeably introduce and interpret the selections for the entertainment of their audiences. Preparation time at contests is 30 minutes, with 6 minutes allowed for presentation of the cutting and introduction.
EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING
Extemporaneous Speaking has great appeal to students who are interested in current events and enjoy the challenge of a wide variety of speech topics. Another “luck of the draw” event, speakers draw a question on a topic of national or international interest. During a thirty-minute preparation period, competitors prepare a seven-minute speech that answers that question. Magazines, newspapers and other resource materials are used to add details, facts and most importantly, support the position the speaker has taken on the issue at hand. This event fosters societal and political awareness. Research, analysis and the ability to “think on one’s feet” are some of the skills that competing in extemporaneous speaking will develop.
GREAT SPEECHES
Great Speeches is an event that requires the student to prepare an eight-minute presentation about any public speech of importance. The category calls for the student not only to give parts of the selected speech, but to also include reasoning and analysis that show the importance of the original address. Coaches assist students in selecting a speech, researching its background, determining parts of the text to be used, and writing analysis that illustrates the significance and impact of the original speech.
HUMOROUS INTERPRETATION
Humorous interpretation is a difficult category, though still appropriate for the novice speaker. Material is drawn from any published source. It may consist of prose, poetry, or a cutting from a play. The material may not be taken from a record or a tape- ie Bill Cosby, etc.
The time limit for this event is eight minutes, including introduction. Emphasis is on entertaining the audience/judge through clarifying the intent of the material and on performance qualities such as poise and use of vocal and physical expression. Memorization is optional but strongly encouraged, as it is an all-interpretive event.
INFORMATIVE SPEAKING
The purpose of informative speaking is to provide the audience with a greater understanding of a topic of interest. During the eight-minute speech, a speaker is allowed to use visual aids to help clarify his remarks, and may deliver the speech from manuscript or from memory. Since the purpose of the speech is informative, not persuasive, the style of delivery is often casual and extemporaneous, with special emphasis on creating and maintaining audience interest.
ORIGINAL ORATORY
The category of original oratory requires a student to write and present a thoughtful and documented eight-minute speech on a topic of current interest. Speakers work closely with coaches in identifying a topic area, gathering supportive materials, writing and revising a speech that may be given from a manuscript or from memory. The delivery style is basically persuasive, as the speaker attempts to convince the audience of the importance and impact of the topic under consideration.
POETRY
Interpretation of poetry consists of presenting any published poetry selection that is appropriate to the speaker and has literary merit. The mood of this eight-minute presentation must be serious and must include a thoughtful introduction.
The student will be judged on his or her ability to emphasize the author's intent and purpose through use of vocal and physical expression. Poise, manner, and appearance are also important. Memorization is optional, but strongly encouraged.
PROSE
Interpretation of serious prose is an excellent event for both the novice and the experienced speaker. The student is expected to interpret a selection from published material that is not from a play or poetry and is serious in nature.
During an eight minute time period, the speaker shall present the material, including introduction, in such a manner as to emphasize and clarify the meaning of the piece through use of vocal and physical expression. Poise, manner, appearance, and appropriateness of the selection to the speaker are most important. Memorization is optional, though strongly recommended.
STORYTELLING
In storytelling, the speaker becomes acquainted with 15 stories on a list published by the MSHSL. The Coach assists the storytellers in the study and rehearsal of these selections during the season. In competition, the speakers are required to introduce and present one story selected from three choices, without a script, within the 6-minute time limit. A preparation time of 30 minutes is allowed. Since no script is used, and no attempt of memorization is made, fluency, a well-developed vocabulary, and correct grammar are desirable attributes for speakers in this event. It might also be noted that prior preparation and experience in storytelling increases the student's proficiency in these areas.
TOURNAMENT PROCEDURES AND DECORUM
There are certain procedures to be followed when competing in a speech meet. The following guidelines have been developed to enhance the performances of all competitors.
1. Upon arrival at the tournament site, the team should remain in the designated location until the coaches have finished registration and assigned the necessary code numbers, letters, etc. for each individual. At this time, each student should record his or her code, so a pen or pencil should be considered a necessary tool of speech equipment.
2. Once schedules have been distributed, speakers should find their designated speaking sites for all three rounds, if possible.
3. Speakers should check out each site with regard to speaker location, audience seating, lighting, and noise levels from other sources (heaters, traffic, etc.) then suggest adjusting the conditions (move desks, close doors, etc.) or prepare to adapt the presentation to fit the environment.
4. Before each round, the speaker should "warm up" by actually delivering the speech in an out of the way place. Reviewing the speech mentally will not do, as this limits physical involvement and the total concentration needed.
5. If you are 15 minutes early, you are on time. If speakers are participating in drawing events, they should not assume that all entrants in a round are present, and should arrive at their speaking sites early. Nothing is more disruptive to a round than a person arriving late. Any judge is certain to negatively note the speaker who has been preoccupied with something other than the competitive rounds.
6. Regardless of a speaker's position in a round, a competitor in non-draw categories should always stay in the site until the entire round is concluded.
7. While others are speaking, all participants should demonstrate the good manners and courtesy to be good audience members. Reading, doodling, visiting, drinking, eating or inattentive gazing are all rude behaviors practiced only by those who lack the class to behave otherwise.
8. When entering a competitive round, with or without the judge present, find a seat and stay there. Put your speech or notes in front of you and concentrate. Avoid engaging other speakers in idle chatter about school, etc. You are not in the contest to gossip, but to compete. Once you have warmed up, try to maintain your competitive attitude by avoiding distractions.
9. Speakers should never reveal to other speakers or a judge their grade level, years of experience, school, attitude toward the event or judge, or coach's name. Any of these items could slant an audience's reaction and the attitude of the judge.
10. Judges usually will only know speakers by their designated codes. When called upon, speakers should clearly and patiently give their names and selection titles, spelling slowly if necessary.
11. When a speaker's turn has come, the person should confidently move to the predetermined speaking area, turn, face the judge, and wait until the judge has made a clear indication that the presentation should proceed.
12. In most tournaments, competition is structured so there is little time between rounds. If there is a modest amount of time, speakers should use this to their advantage by warming up again and maintaining a competitive attitude. There is ample time to relax after a meet and on the bus ride home. Contestants should make use of the time during an event to maximize the effectiveness of their presentations.
13. In most tournaments, judges write critique sheets that are given to the contestants at the end of each round. Although these comments are often the basis of additional coaching, speakers should not alter their presentations between rounds based on the comments of a single judge.
14. Awards programs at the ends of tournaments are exciting and tension-ridden. Often the mood is characterized by cheering, stamping, whistling, and other unacceptable behaviors. In as much as this is the time when Walker as a team is most visible, this is also the time when we must try to project our most reserved decorum. For many years we have shown ourselves to be a class operation in front of the other speech teams, and we intend to continue in this well-respected tradition.
15. REMEMBER: Discussing judges, competitors, speaking conditions, etc. is forbidden until on the bus. Complaints concerning the tournament, judging, judges, critique sheets, competitors, or tournament procedures must be reserved for the trip home on the bus. If there is a problem that needs to be rectified immediately, find one of our coaches to discuss the problem in private.
16. CONSEQUENCES: We promote a quality program with good sportsmanship and professional behavior. Violation of expectations may result in exclusion from the team.
LETTERING
As in athletics, one-act, and music, it is possible to earn a Wolf pack letter in speech. Our standards for qualification are as follows:
1. Competing in 80% of all scheduled contests with no unexcused absences.
2. Earn a required number of Pack Points. This qualifying number varies from year to year based on the number of scheduled contests.
3. Pack Points may be earned in several ways:
a. Points for competition at the high school level are awarded per round according to this scale:
1st = 5 points
2nd = 4 points
3rd = 3 points
4th = 2 points
5th = 1 point
b. A maximum of 24 points may be earned through participation in NFL Congress.
c. A maximum of 15 points may be earned by senior high students serving as mentors.
- Qualify for and speak in the sub-sectional tournament.
Receiving a letter carries the same distinction for a speaker as it does for an athlete or musician. Display it proudly if you are fortunate enough to earn the mark of "Pack Pride."
NSDA (National Speech and Debate Association) – formerly known as the NFL
The National Speech and Debate Association is an honor society for speech and debate. Membership is based on academic qualifications and forensic ability. WHA is one of the smallest schools in the nation to qualify to hold an NSDA chapter.
The purpose of NSDA is to provide leadership training for successful careers in education, business, government, and all the professions. Membership in NSDA is recognized nationwide.
Qualification for NSDA is earned through participation in speech activities during the regular season and by presenting public service speeches to church congregations and to various civic organizations. Speakers may also earn points for membership by participation in NSDA Congress and the NSDA Qualifying Tournament. Membership and advanced degrees can be achieved during a four-year speech career, resulting in recognition from the national headquarters in Ripon, Wisconsin.
Competition in national qualifying tournaments can lead to qualification to compete at the national level. WHA speakers have competed on a nationwide basis in such places as San Francisco, Seattle, Chicago, and Kansas City. Over the years, our teams have represented Walker well on the national level.
We invite your participation in our chapter of the National Speech and Debate Association. If you would like more specific information concerning this very worthwhile organization, contact your coach. There is a one time fee of $20.00 for you to become a member in 9th grade or above.
Students interested in competing in an NSDA qualifying event, but are normally in a non-NSDA event need to compete in at least two tournaments, in their NSDA event, before the qualifying tournament.
NSDA Academic All-American
- Student must be an NSDA member with an earned degree of Superior Distinction - 750 points on record in the National Office.
- Student must have maintained a 3.7 minimum GPA out of 4.0 (or its equivalent).
- The student may apply during their 6th or 7th semester (2nd semester of 11th grade).
- Student must have an ACT Exam score of 27 or higher and/or SAT score of 1400 or higher (SAT tests taken after 3/1/05 - 2000 or higher).
- The student should demonstrate qualities of character, leadership and commitment, as verified by both coach and principal.
- A chapter may present this National Forensic League All American Academic Award to any NSDA member who meets the criteria.
CONCLUSION
We encourage your participation in the speech program. We know your involvement in WHA speech activities will serve to develop your personal communications skills, deepen your resolve for achievement, and become a treasured aspect of your high school career.