Waterloo West High School is a proud member of the Iowa High School Speech Association. Each year, Waterloo West competes in both Large Group and Individual Events Speech Contests.
Important Dates:
August 13, 2022
Judges/Coaches Virtual Workshop
October 1, 2022
Debate Clinic, Indianola
October 14-15, 2022
IHSSA Coaches Convention, Gateway Hotel, Ames
January 6-7, 2023
State Debate Tournament, DMACC, Ankeny
January 21, 2023
District Large Group Contest, Location TBD
February 4, 2023
State Large Group Contest, Waterloo West High School
February 18, 2023
All-State Festival Large Group Events, Iowa State Center, Ames
February 25, 2023
District Individual Events Contest, Location TBD
March 11, 2023
State Individual Events Contest, Starmont High School
March 27, 2023
All-State Festival Individual Events, University Of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls
Description of Large Group Events:
Choral Reading
Three to fifteen students perform a collection of works with an emphasis on ensemble reading (may include singing). Facial expression and vocal blend are important.
Length: up to 15 minutes with scripts
Ensemble Acting
Two to six students act out a scene from a play or book. A table and chairs are the only props allowed, and no costumes or makeup is permitted.
Length: up to 15 minutes memorized
Group Improvisation
Two to five students are given a situation and improvise a scene with limited preparation time. Creativity, working together, and character development are essential.
Length: 3-5 minutes without scripts
Musical Theatre
Two to eight students perform song(s) and scene(s) from a musical. A table and chairs are the only props allowed, and no costumes or makeup is permitted.
Length: up to 10 minutes memorized
One Act Play
One or more students perform one act of a play on the stage. Costumes, makeup, props and sets are permitted.
Length: up to 35 minutes memorized
Radio Broadcasting
Two to eight students gather, edit, and organize a radio broadcast which includes news, sports, and weather. The performance is pre-recorded.
Length: between 5-6 minutes with scripts
Readers Theatre
Two to fifteen students interpret a dramatic work or piece of literature with an emphasis on body and vocal expression.
Length: up to 25 minutes with scripts
Television News
Two to fifteen students gather, edit, and organize a news broadcast which may be traditional news, based around a historical era/event, or have a general theme (sports, cooking, etc). The performance is pre-recorded and requires on and off camera positions.
Length: up to 10 minutes with scripts
Group & Solo Mime
A group pantomime is an ensemble of students creating a story or expressing a message without the use of words. The solo mime category does the same, but involves only one performer.
Length: up to seven minutes group, up to five minutes solo
Short Film
Two to fifteen students create an original film of no more than five minutes.
Length: up to five minutes memorized
Description of Individual Events:
Acting
A student acts out a monologue from a play, serious or humorous. Only a single chair may be used.
Length: up to 8 minutes memorized
Solo Musical Theatre
A student performs a musical theatre selection with the use of one chair.
Length: up to 5 minutes memorized
Storytelling
A student tells a children’s story with facial and body expression while sitting on a stool.
Length: up to 5 minutes memorized
Public Address
A student selects a speech originally delivered by another, communicating the intent of the author.
Length: up to 8 minutes memorized with notes not to exceed 50 words on a notecard
After Dinner Speaking
A student writes and delivers a humorous speech intended for a particular audience.
Length: up to 5 minutes memorized with notes not to exceed 50 words on a notecard.
Expository Address
A student writes and delivers an informative speech on a topic of interest.
Length: up to 6 minutes memorized with notes not to exceed 50 words on a notecard.
Original Oratory
A student writes and delivers a persuasive speech on a topic of interest.
Length: up to 8 minutes memorized or with a manuscript
Review
A student writes and delivers a critical analysis of a book, movie, video game, or any other media.
Length: up to 8 minutes memorized or with a manuscript
Literary Program
A combination of prose and poetry is presented on a theme. Facial and vocal expressions are key.
Length: up to 8 minutes with script
Poetry/Prose
A student interprets works of either poetry or prose. Interpretation and expression are essential.
Length: up to 6 minutes with script
Improvisational Acting
A student draws characters and a situation and acts out a scene with limited preparation.
Length: up to 5 minutes imagination needed
Radio News
A student prepares a news program with given news copy in 30 minutes. A speaker system is used with the audience located in another room.
Length: between 4-5 minutes with script
Spontaneous Speaking
A student draws a contemporary issue topic to speak about with 3 minutes of preparation. Research is important in this category.
Length: up to 5 minutes with notes written during the prep time
Iowa High School Speech Association’s Performance Etiquette:
- Please refrain from talking (even whispering) during a performance.
- Please turn off or silence all pagers, cell phones, and watch alarms prior to the performance.
- Please refrain from waving to your child/friend during a performance as it can be distracting.
- Please refrain from using videotaping or photographing a performance.
- Applaud at the conclusion of the performance.
- Do not leave as soon as your child’s performance is completed. Instead, leave once the door to the performance space has been opened.
- Do not leave while a performance is in progress.
- Arrive at the performance with a positive attitude. After all, your child is sensitive to your attitude towards his/her performance.
For more information about the Iowa High School Speech Association visit their website:
www.ihssa.org