Junior- Max 2 events for students 5-8 years old on or before Oct 1, 2024.
Limited Preparation:
JR Bible Story Impromptu
Interpretive:
JR Duo
JR Open
Original Oratory:
JR Persuasive
JR Informative
Junior Varsity- Max 3 events for students ages 9-11 on or before Oct 1, 2024.
Limited Preparation:
JV Apologetics
Bible Story Impromptu
Interpretive:
JV Duo
JV Open
Original Oratory:
Persuasive
Informative
Script Submission
In-person script submission is required for all Jr/JV Interp and Platform Speeches. This is different from Varsity speech events which require electronic script submission prior to the tournament.
SPEECH CATEGORIES:
JR/JV Bible Story Impromptu
Description: In JV Bible Story Impromptu the competitor chooses a story from the genre or category selected by the tournament. These Bible stories are listed on the tournament web site weeks prior to the tournament, so the students know the full list, but will not know the exact story they are to present until they draw and choose at the tournament. Then, the student at the tournament, has limited preparation time and tells the story in their own words.
Goal: To understand the values and techniques inherent in good storytelling and to be able to recreate stories for the education and enjoyment of the audience.
JR/JV BIBLE STORY IMPROMPTU STORIES for both Tournament Speech Rounds
1. David and Goliath
2. Noah and the Ark
3. Jonah and the big fish
4. Moses and the Burning Bush
5. Joshua and the Battle of Jericho
6. Zacchaeus
7. Peter walks on the water
8. Parable of the prodigal son
9. The Good Samaritan
10. Hannah and Samuel
11. The Tower of Babel
12. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego in the fiery furnace
13. Abraham, Man of Faith
14. Mary and Joseph
15. Saul who became Paul
16. Parable of the lost sheep
17. Two builders: Wise & Foolish
18. Jesus & the feeding of the 5,000
19. The Birth of Jesus
20. The Angel's visit to the Shepherds
21. The Resurrection of Jesus
22. Jesus, HIS Disciples & the Miraculous Catch of Fish
23. The Story of Joseph
24. The Story of Queen Esther
25. Daniel in the Lion's Den
26. Crossing the Red Sea
JR/JV Bible Story Impromptu Preparation Rules:
1. Each room will be given instructions regarding room administration as well as the envelope of topics to distribute to the student.
2. The speaker will receive three (3) single topics, choose one, and return the other two. The chosen topic should not be returned to the envelope.
3. Topics should be of the same type for all speakers in the round.
4. The competitor may edit or adapt the story in any way.
5. The timekeeper will start the stopwatch when the speaker receives the topics. Thirty (30) seconds will be allotted to choose a topic.
6. The competitor will have two minutes from the time the non chosen topics are returned to the judges. The timekeeper will give auditory cues every thirty (30) seconds until the two (2) minute preparation time is concluded.
7. Unused preparation time may not be added to the speaking time.
8. Competitors may only enter once in the JV Bible Story Impromptu event per tournament.
JR/JV Bible Story Impromptu Presentation Rules:
1. The speaker may write notes on a blank sheet of paper during preparation time, but he may not use or refer to the notes during his speech.
2. The speaker may not bring any prepared material into the room including a Bible.
3. The speaker may approach the topic in any way he chooses, but the topic must be the central theme of the speech and not peripheral to it.
4. The speaker may refer to his topic slip when announcing his topic during the speech. He/she may not write notes on the topic slip.
5. Each speech should be a fresh, original presentation developed from one of the topics given and prepared on the spot.
6. The speaker must state his topic early in the speech and adhere to the chosen topic.
7. No audio or visual aids or props may be used.
8. No computers, Kindles, iPods, cell phones, or other electronic media devices may be used for JV Bible Story Impromptu preparation or presentation.
9. While never expected, gratuitous vulgarity is strictly prohibited.
10. The student must not listen to other JV Bible Story Impromptu competitors speaking before him. The competitor may stay after he has given his speech to listen to subsequent speakers.
JR/JV Bible Story Impromptu Preparation time – two (2) minutes. Speaking time – three (3) minutes. No minimum time.
JR/JV Duo Interpretation
Description: In Duo Interpretation, two students create an original rendition from various pieces of literature (including original, unpublished work), which captivates and moves the audience.
Goal: To select and analyze literature, then bring it to life through the creative use of voice, facial expression, and movement without interacting face-to-face.
JR/JV Duo Interpretation Preparation Rules:
1. Interpretive literature should come from traditional published or copyrighted literature.
2. Media transcripts are not permitted. A “media transcript” is a pirated script or selection that has been transcribed by an individual from a live or recorded performance (theater, movies, television/radio broadcasts, webcasts, internet streaming, etc.).
3. There is not a limit to the number of words added by competitors nor any restriction on how those words are used.
4. Dialogue from one character may be given to another character.
5. The interpretive piece may be entered in only one category per tournament (e.g. either ‘Dramatic' or ‘Duo’ but not both). The students may place the interpretive piece in a different category in subsequent tournaments.
6. The students may enter only one interpretive piece per event, i.e. only one entry in Duo Interp.
JR/JV Duo Interpretation Presentation Rules:
1. The author and title of the work must be introduced.
2. The resulting construction of the interpretive piece should provide a balanced performance between the two students.
3. The students should not look at each other, touch each other, or interact face-to face.
4. The speakers must compete in tournament attire.
5. No audio or visual aids or props may be used.
6. Only feet are permitted to touch the floor at any time.
7. Gratuitous vulgarity, while highly unlikely, is strictly prohibited.
8. This is primarily a speech event but some singing and dancing are permitted as appropriate to the piece.
9. The script must be memorized. No written scripts or notes may be referred to in competition. The competitors can receive a lower ranking for use of a written script or notes in competition.
10. The timekeeper will start the timepiece when the speakers begin and will stop the stopwatch when the speakers finish. No hand signals will be given.
Speaking time limit – seven (7) minutes. No minimum time.
JR/JV Open Interpretation (includes Dramatic & Humorous Interp)
Description: In Open Interpretation, the student creates an original rendition from a single selection of literature, which can be either dramatic or humorous. The student's original rendition should captivate, move, and/or entertain the audience.
Goal: To select and analyze literature, then bring it to life through the creative use of voice, movement, and facial expression.
JR/JV Open Interpretation Preparation Rules:
1. Interpretive literature may come from a variety of published genres including plays or prose. The selection must be from a single work and it may not be authored by the competitor.
2. Media transcripts are not permitted. A “media transcript” is a pirated script or selection that has been transcribed by an individual from a live or recorded performance (theater, movies, television/radio broadcasts, webcasts, internet streaming, etc.).
3. The literature must be cut to fit within the time limit.
4. Approximately 150 words may be added for any purpose including but not limited to introductions and transitions.
5. Changes to pronouns and verb tenses are allowed and not counted as added words.
6. Dialogue from one character may be given to another character.
7. The selection may be entered in only one category per tournament.
8. The student may place the selection in a different category in subsequent tournaments
9. The student may enter only one interpretive selection per category.
JR/JV Open Interpretation Presentation Rules:
1. The speaker must identify the title and author near the beginning of the piece.
2. The speaker must compete in tournament attire.
3. No audio or visual aids or props may be used.
4. Only feet are permitted to touch the floor at any time.
5. Gratuitous vulgarity, while completely unlikely, is strictly prohibited.
6. This is primarily a speech event but some singing and dancing are permitted as appropriate to the piece.
7. The script must be memorized. No written scripts or notes may be referred to in competition rounds. However, if they are the competitor can be given a lower ranking within the round.
8. The timekeeper will start the timepiece when the speaker begins and will stop the timepiece when the speaker finishes. No hand signals will be given.
Speaking time limit–five (5) minutes. No minimum time.
JR/JV Original Oratory (includes Persuasive & Informative speeches)
Description: An Original Oratory is a prepared speech, written by the speaker, on a topic of the speaker’s choice.
Goal: To develop a polished, winsome speaker who can present an engaging, well-organized speech on any topic.
JR/JV Original Oratory Preparation Rules:
1. The speaker may prepare a speech on any topic.
2. The purpose of the speech may be to inform, persuade, entertain, inspire, eulogize, or fulfill any other function.
3. The speech must be an original work, written by the competitor, and scripted verbatim.
4. An Original Oratory may be used in multiple leagues during any given competitive season.
5. The speech may be entered in only one category per tournament (i.e., either ‘Original Oratory’ or ‘Persuasive’ but not both). The student may place the speech in a different category in subsequent tournaments.
6. A maximum of approximately 30% of the speech may consist of quoted material.
JR/JV Original Oratory Presentation Rules:
1. All direct quotations and primary sources must be cited verbally within the body of the speech. Use of another person’s words or ideas without crediting them is plagiarism and is strictly forbidden.
2. The script must be memorized. No written scripts or notes may be referred to in competition rounds. The competitor may receive a lower ranking for use of a written script.
3. No props, audio or visual aids may be used.
4. We do not expect this to to occur but post this rule as a standard. Gratuitous vulgarity is strictly prohibited.
5. The timekeeper will start the timepiece when the speaker begins and will stop the timepiece when the speaker has concluded his speech.
Speaking Time Limit– five (5) minutes. No minimum time.
JV Apologetics
Description: In Apologetics speaking, the speaker is given two minutes to prepare a speech that defends a tenet of the Christian faith.
Goal: Apologetics should motivate students to study and articulate the core issues of their faith.
Preparation Rules:
1. Students prepare for Apologetics through Bible study, research, and topic organization.
2. Each competitor should create a file of note cards (3 X 5 is acceptable, but no larger than 4 X 6) with Scripture, definitions, quotations, and any other material deemed to be helpful.
3. Students may work together on boxes prior to the tournament, but students may not share boxes during the competition.
Presentation Rules:
1. At least one judge in each room will be given instructions and an envelope of topics to distribute to the student.
2. As soon as the student enters the competition room for their 2nd Round of Apologetics, they should tell the judge the Apologetics Question they answered in their previous Round. This is so they will have a full two minutes for preparation in their 2nd round.
3. In the room, the speaker will receive three single topics from the judge, choose one, and return the other two topics before leaving the room.
4. All 12 JR/JV Apologetic Questions will be used for both rounds. So, students may receive any three of the 12 questions listed below in both of their speech rounds.
5. If inadvertently, in their 2nd Round a student receives the same question they chose to answer in their 1st Round, they are to set that question aside and ask the judge for another question, so they again have 3 new-to-them Apologetics Questions to choose from in Round 2.
5. A two-minute preparation time begins as soon as the student receives the 3 new-to-them Apologetics Questions, counting a two-minute prep time if they have inadvertently received the same question they answered in Round 1 and have had to exchange that for a new question.
6. The speech must be the original work of the speaker.
7. During prep time, the speaker may use a Bible, access card files, and write additional notes on note cards.
8. During the speech, the speaker should use only note cards.
9. All Questions/Topics will be posted on the tournament site and are listed below.
10. JR/JV Apologetics judges should be sympathetic to the ideals of Stoa, able to agree with Stoa’s Statement of Faith, just as in Apologetics for the older students. See our tournament Homepage for Stoa's Statement of Faith.
JR/JV Apologetics Questions
What is the Bible and how is it different from other religious writings?
In what ways does the world around us show that there must be a Creator God?
What does it mean that God is omnipresent? Why is this important?
Who is Jesus?
What does it mean that Jesus Christ is the Messiah? Why is this important?
Why must Jesus be truly human and truly God?
Why did Jesus have to die?
What is the importance of the resurrection of Jesus?
Can a person do enough good in their life to get into heaven?
What is God’s grace and why is it significant?
What is the Gospel, and why is it the core of the Christian faith?
What is prayer and why is it important?
Speaking Time Limit– five (5) minutes No minimum limit.