Junior Impromptu Speaking

The goal of this event is to present an intelligent, well constructed, and creative speech with very limited preparation time. The speaker is given 30 seconds to prepare a two-minute speech on a quotation, concrete word or abstraction drawn at random. The speaker draws three topics, chooses one, and returns the other two. Prep time begins when topics are able to be read by the student (or in the case of very young participants, read by the head judge). Students may take only blank notepaper and a pen or pencil into the round, but no notes are permitted when delivering the speech. No speakers are permitted to listen to other impromptu speakers before speaking in a given round. Speakers must adhere to and state the topic word-for-word early in the speech. Time signals are to be given in the round.

Prep time: 30 seconds
Maximum Speech Time in Competition: 2 minutes

Junior Interpretation

Junior interpretation provides an unrestricted opportunity for a student to creatively explore and develop the intellectual, emotional, and artistic embodiment of any type of literature he or she chooses. Selections may include original work, unpublished work by others, or traditional published material. Any genre is acceptable including but not limited to prose, poetry, storytelling, historical speeches, historical sermons, and thematic selections; however, media transcriptions are not allowed. The title and author must be stated in the speech. While limited singing and dancing are permitted, this is not a vocal or dance recital, and any singing or dancing should be purposeful and motivated by the literature. Any previous year’s material used in whole or in part is disqualified. Props, costumes and audio/visual aids are not allowed.

Maximum Speech Time in Competition: 5 minutes

Junior Oratory

This is an open speech category. The purpose of the speech is determined by the speaker. This may include, but is not limited to informing, persuading, entertaining, inspiring, teaching, or a combination thereof. The speech must be original work. Humor and satire are permitted. Speakers are allowed up to 150 words from outside sources with appropriate source citations. Any previous year’s material used in whole or in part is disqualified. Props, costumes and audio/visual aids are allowed as in an expository.

Maximum Speech Time in Competition: 5 minutes

Bible Bee

This a prepared speech where the young speaker quotes or reads a new and/or Old Testament passage (s) of his or her choice. He/she may talk about what the scripture means to them; up to 5 minutes in length, no minimum. This event was created by ARC, and is not a sanctioned NCFCA event. Speech should be an original work prepared from Bible verse(s). The speaker’s own emphasis and comments about what the scripture passage means is encouraged. The goal of Bible Bee is to motivate students to read, study and memorize the Bible, articulate what the Scripture means to them, and what they believe. The speaker is encouraged to give the scriptural reference(s). Unlike in apologetics or impromptu, all speakers are permitted to listen to each other, whether their turn has come or not. No props nor audiovisuals will be allowed.

Maximum Speech Time in Competition: 5 minutes