Event Descriptions

EVENT DESCRIPTIONS

Lincoln Douglas Value Debate

Lincoln Douglas is value debate. A Lincoln Douglas debate examines competing value systems to answer big questions. The purpose of Lincoln Douglas value debate is to instill in Christian home school students the skills of presentation, critical thinking, research, and value analysis. That endeavor is accomplished in an environment of honorable competition that cultivates maturity, wisdom, grace, poise, and brings glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Overview:

One student per team.
Value oriented debate.
Rounds last 47 minutes.

Team Policy Debate

A Team Policy debate asks competitors to develop and defend competing policy options to address contemporary problems. The purpose of Team Policy debate is to instill in Christian home school students the skills of presentation, critical thinking, research, and policy analysis. That endeavor is accomplished in an environment of honorable competition that cultivates maturity, wisdom, grace, poise, and brings glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Overview:

Two students per team.
Policy oriented debate.
Rounds last 75 minutes.

Parliamentary Debate (aka Parli)

Parliamentary debate is an activity in which teams of two students debate one another in an extemporaneous form of debate in which their topic is given just minutes prior to the round. Parliamentary debate asks competitors to develop and defend positions on a wide range of issues that could be fact, value, policy or scenario in nature. Parliamentary debate (aka Parli) not only relies on quick thinking but also on an accumulation of general knowledge on a broad range of subjects.

The purpose of Parliamentary debate is to instill in Christian home school students the skills of presentation, critical thinking, research, and analysis of current events. That endeavor should only be accomplished in an environment of honorable competition that cultivates maturity, wisdom, grace, poise, and brings glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Overview:

Two students per team
Extemporaneous form of debate
Twenty minute preparation time
Rounds last thirty-eight minutes

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.

Duo Interpretation

In Duo Interpretation, 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 Humorous Interpretation, 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 Open Interpretation, selections may be in the whole range from dramatic to humorous genres, including narrative storytelling, single voice monologues, thematic compilations, or self-written pieces.

Dramatic Interpretation

In Dramatic Interpretation, 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.

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 Apologetics, the competitor is given four (4) minutes to prepare a persuasive and reasoned speech that defends a tenet of the Christian faith and explains why that principle matters.

Extemporaneous

In Extemporaneous speaking, 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.

Mars Hill

In Mars Hill, 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 and elements in some topics.

Impromptu

The competitor is given two (2) 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.

A prepared speech, written by the competitor, with the purpose of informing, exposing, or persuading on a topic.

Expository Speaking

An Expository 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 Original Oratory 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 speech is a prepared speech, written by the competitor, which advocates a specific position or course of action.

New and unique speech events that are offered on a two-year rotation meant to challenge competitors in their preparation and presentation skills.

Slam Poetry

Slam poetry is a form of performance poetry that combines the elements of interpretation and audience participation. The poem can be original or crafted from one or more sources. The piece demonstrates effective use of poetic devices, which will include figurative language and/or thoughtful vocabulary. The poem which effectively uses rhythm and sound of language will convey an idea and/or a point of view. Capturing and conveying human emotions and experiences may stimulate audience interaction, in that the audience can slam the table (like knocking in Parli). This event will use “OI type” rules and must be memorized.

CHRISTIAN HOMESCHOOL SPEECH AND DEBATE

EVENT DESCRIPTIONS

Lincoln Douglas Value Debate

Team Policy Debate

Parliamentary Debate (aka Parli)

Duo Interpretation

Humorous Interpretation

Open Interpretation

Dramatic Interpretation

Apologetics

Extemporaneous

Mars Hill

Impromptu

Expository Speaking

Original Oratory

Persuasive

Slam Poetry

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EVENT DESCRIPTIONS

Lincoln Douglas Value Debate​

Team Policy Debate

Parliamentary Debate (aka Parli)

Lincoln Douglas Value Debate