Competition Events

A brief summary of all middle school events offered in Arizona is below.  For more information, or to access the events offered nationally, please click here for the National Speech and Debate Association website.

Big Questions Debate (BQ):

BQ debate is centered around a philosophical, theological, and/or scientific topic.  Students work to construct a case based on evidence from credible sources to defend their side of the argument and refute their opponents case.

The topic for this year is Resolved: Creativity is a more powerful force than intelligence.

Congressional Debate (Congress):

In Congress, students simulate day-to-day debate on the floor of Congress in Washington D.C.  Topics are political in nature - debate focuses on passing or failing legislation aimed to address domestic issues, social issues, or aid packages for foreign nations.  Students have 3 minutes to present their argument for or against proposed legislation based on statistics, historical records, and analysis from credible sources.

In addition to debating legislation, students also have the opportunity to write their own legislation that will be debated at tournaments.

Declamation (DEC):

In Declamation, students choose a previously written speech, memorize it, then have 10 minutes to perform the speech live in front of an audience.  Topics vary based on student choice, but are typically issues that students are passionate about.

Duo Interpretation (DUO):

Duo is a 10-minute acting event.  A pair of students will act out a story together without touching, looking at each other, or using props.  The story can be dramatic, comedic, or a mix of both, depending on the students' choice!

Impromptu Speaking (IMP):

Students competing in Impromptu are given a topic, then have 7 minutes to prepare and give a five-paragraph analysis of that topic.  Students typically take 2 minutes to prepare, then 5 minutes to speak.  The student's thesis on the topic is defended with 3 examples from history, literature, or biographies.  No research is allowed in competition.

Storytelling (STO):

Storytelling is a 5-minute performance of a children's story.  Students choose a story (fairytales, picture books, beginner chapter books, etc.), memorize and choreograph it, then perform it live in front of an audience.  Students are allowed to use only one chair as a prop.