We are pleased to invite you to Skutt Catholic's SkyHawk Speech Middle School Invitational, on Saturday May 3, 2025.  All 5th through 8th grade students are invited to attend our competition. We hope it will be a fun, competitive bookend to your middle school season!

FEES/DEADLINES: Each entry costs $8.00.

Entries are due on SpeechWire by Wednesday April 30th at 7:00 PM.

All competitors may TRIPLE-enter, including those in Extemporaneous.

 

EVENTS: The following event categories will be offered:

1) Declamation - Presentation of any non-original speech. 8 minutes maximum. Manuscript optional.

2) Extemporaneous Speaking - An original speech on a domestic or international public policy issue; student must speak on his/her chosen topic. 30 minutes preparation. 5 minutes maximum, no minimum. 1 4x6 note card optional. NSAA rules on filing to be followed. (For extemp, there will be two rounds only, though one round will have 2 judges.)

3) Impromptu Speaking - An original speech; student must speak on his/her chosen topic. 5 minutes preparation. 7 minutes maximum, no minimum. 1 4x6 note card optional.

4) Persuasive Speaking (Original Oratory) - An original speech intended to rationally persuade the audience on any topic. 8 minutes maximum. Manuscript optional. Visual aids not allowed.

5) Expository Speaking - An original speech intended to inform and/or entertain an audience about any topic. 8 minutes maximum. Visual aids and props allowed; no digital VAs, please. One 4x6 note card optional. Manuscript not allowed.

6) Poetry Interpretation - Interpretation of a poem or program of poems, whether humorous or serious. If a program, a common author or theme is required. 8 minutes maximum. Manuscript required.

7) Humorous Interpretation - Interpretation of a prose/drama selection that is humorous in tone. 8 minutes maximum. Manuscript optional, memorization encouraged.

8) Dramatic Interpretation (Serious Prose) - Interpretation of a prose/drama selection that is serious in tone. 8 minutes maximum. Manuscript optional, memorization encouraged.

9) Duet Acting - Interpretation of a prose/drama selection that is humorous or serious in tone. 1 table and 2 chairs permitted (but not provided). 10 minutes maximum. Manuscript not allowed.

10) Oral Interpretation of Drama (OID/Readers’ Theatre): A 15-minute maximum interpretation of a prose/drama selection by 3-5 students; no deliberate touching allowed. Each student must hold a copy of the script during the performance. Use of boxes or stools for staging is allowed (but not provided).

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS: Medals will be presented to the top 6 events in each category; the top 4 events in OID will receive awards. As in years past, if entry numbers allow - we will give certificates to additional sections of students. This will be determined after the deadline on a category-by-category basis.

TABULATION: Student placement will be determined by the following factors in order:

(1) Cumulative Rankings, (2) Cumulative Reciprocals, (3) Cumulative Speaker-points, (4) Head-on-Head Competition, (5) Average Opponent Rank, and finally (6) Number of Opponents Defeated.

SWEEPSTAKES/TEAM AWARDS:

Sweepstakes Awards will be given to the 1st and 2nd place teams overall. We will announce the top 5 teams. If there are any ties in team awards, the tie will be broken by the total number of entries per school placing in the top 6. Team awards will be determined by points earned by the top 6 finalists in each event category. 1st place will earn 20 points for their school, 2nd place will earn 18 points for their school, 3rd place will earn 16 points, and so on. If there are more than 6 entries in a category to be recognized during awards, these points may be adjusted.

 

JUDGING: You are required to bring 1 judge per every 6 entries. Please ensure that all of your judges are mature, knowledgeable of the 10 offered speech events, and equipped to give effective feedback to competitors. The cost is $15 per uncovered entry.

FOOD: There will be a judges/coaches lounge (located in the teachers' lounge) with food and drink. For students/competitors, concessions will be sold in our Commons throughout the tournament.

CHECKS: Please make your check (1 per team) payable to Skutt Catholic High School c/o SkyHawk Speech

We are excited to host this competition, and hope to see your team on May 3rd!  Please contact us with any questions or concerns.

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