Executive Summary of Changes
Speech Citation Tips 2022-2023
Interpretive Speeches
In all interpretive events, competitors write, or select and analyze literature, then bring it to life through the creative use of voice, movement, and facial expression, without the aid of costumes or props.
Dramatic Interpretation Rules
In DI, the competitor, using a play, short story, or other published work, performs a selection with a spotlight on character development and depth which captivates and moves the audience.
Duo Interpretation
In Duo, two competitors create an original rendition of a story from one or more selection(s) of literature which captivates and moves the audience.
Humorous Interpretation
In HI, the competitors tell relatable stories using humor as a device to connect with the audience from a single published work. Stand-up comedy, or telling a series of jokes without a corresponding plot, is not Humorous Interpretation.
Open Interpretation
In OI, selections may be in the whole range from dramatic to humorous genres, including narrative storytelling, single voice monologues, thematic compilations, or self-written pieces.
Limited Preparation Speeches
Competitors get a limited time to prepare for a speech on a topic that is given to them at the speech event. Preparation before the tournament is described in the event rules.
Apologetics
In Apol, the competitor is given four minutes to prepare a persuasive and reasoned speech that defends a tenet of the Christian faith and explains why that principle matters.
Extemporaneous Speaking
In Extemp, the competitor answers a given question based on recent events in the news. The competitor researches national and international current events and may create reference files of newsworthy information. Extemporaneous speech should be regarded as a demonstration of personal knowledge on the topic, as well as an original synthesis of numerous sources.
Impromptu
In Impromptu, the competitor is given two minutes to prepare a speech on a randomly drawn prompt. The goal is to develop a winsome, polished speaker who can present an original, spontaneously prepared speech.
For Impromptu only, the top 30% of competitors at each Stoa tournament will receive Green Check Marks.
Mars Hill Impromptu
In MHI, the competitor uses books, movies, and other genres to discuss the appeal and impact of the theme(s) within the topic, holding them up in light of Christian truth found in the Bible. This event is intended for competitors 14 and older or with the consent of the parents due to mature themes in some topics.
Platform Speeches
A prepared speech, written by the competitor, with the purpose of informing, exposing, or persuading on a topic.
Expository Speaking
An Expos is a prepared speech written by the competitor which explains and illustrates a topic through both words and visuals (e.g. illustrated boards, physical props, digital and electronic presentations, or any combination).
Original Oratory
An OO is a prepared speech, written by the competitor, on a topic of the competitor’s choice. The purpose of this informative speech is to explain, describe, or expose the topic.
Persuasive
A Persuasive is a prepared speech, written by the competitor, which advocates a specific position or course of action.
Wild Card Speeches
New and unique speech events offered on a periodic rotation that are meant to challenge competitors in their preparation and presentation skills.
Interp In a Box (2022)
The Interp in a Box is an original rendition by the competitor of a relatable story from a single published work of literature with a focus on plot and character development which captivates and moves the audience, using props to emphasize the interpretation. The presentation may range from dramatic to humorous genres; however, stand-up comedy or telling a series of jokes without a corresponding plot is not an interpretation.