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Members of the Niskayuna Speech Team may enter any of the following tournament speech categories and events:

I. LITERARY INTERPRETATION
	Dramatic Interpretation (DI): An individual event where a student memorizes a 10 minute excerpt from a published work and gives an interpretation (using vocalizations, expressions, characterizations, etc.). Rather than using costumes and makeup, the emphasis is on using the voice and body language to present different characters and emotions. Varsity only. Oral Interpretation (OI): Similar to Dramatic Interpretation described above, but selections are read, not memorized, using eye contact with the audience approximately 50% of the time during which an individual is speaking. Participants must prepare one selection from poetry and one from prose and present these interpretations during alternating rounds. The emphasis is on using the voice and expressions to enhance the interpretation. Varsity and Junior Varsity. Humorous Interpretation (HI): An individual event where a 10 minute selection from a humorous work is presented. Character interpretations must be distinct. Presentation should demonstrate emotional involvement and effective timing. Varsity only. Duo Interpretation (DUO): A two person team presents an interpretation of a 10 minute selection from a published work which usually involves two characters. Emphasis is on interaction, distinct characterizations, as well as verbal and nonverbal expressions between team members. Selection can be dramatic or humorous. Varsity only.
II. DELIVERY OF A SPEECH
	Original Oratory (OO): Individual event where an original speech on an important topic is written and then presented. Content, organization and delivery are each important. Varsity only. Declamation: Individual event where a historic speech is memorized and interpreted. Vocal variety is emphasized to demonstrate changes in pitch, pace, tone and articulation, all of which effectively express the content of the speech. Freshmen only.
III. EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING (EXTEMP)
	Individuals prepare and maintain files on a variety of areas in current events (economics, foreign affairs, domestic issues, sports). In each tournament round, students in these events choose among three topics and then during a half hour of preparation time with access to the team's files, the student prepares a 7-minute speech on the chosen topic, which is delivered using no more than 50 words written on a note card. Varsity and Junior Varsity. More...