CVFL 2026–27 · Events study guide
CVFL Events Study Guide

The rules and fine print of all 12 CVFL speech events, plus Public Forum, Parliamentary, Lincoln-Douglas, and Congress. Study first, then take the practice exam. Built from the 2026–27 CVFL Judging Guidebook and Speech Events by Panel.

The big picture

Speech events, three families

  • Interpretation: Dramatic, Duo, Humorous, Program Oral Interp, Declamation. Students perform someone else's published words.
  • Originals: Informative, Original Advocacy, Original Oratory, Original Prose & Poetry. Students write their own material.
  • Limited prep: Impromptu, National Extemp, International Extemp. Topic given at the tournament.

Panels A and B

CVFL splits speech events into two panels so students can double-enter: one A-panel event plus one B-panel event. Tournament rounds alternate between A and B.

Panel A OO · Informative · HI · POI · Duo · Impromptu

Panel B NX · IX · DI · OA · Declamation · OPP

Timing: 10 minutes for most events, 7 for NX and IX, 5 for Impromptu, each with a 30-second grace period.

Memory hook: Panel B holds the "partner" of half the A events. OO↔OA, HI↔DI, Impromptu↔Extemp.

Debate formats

  • Two-person teams: Parliamentary, Public Forum, Policy
  • Solo: Lincoln-Douglas, Congress

Topic cadence

  • Policy: year-long
  • Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas, Congress: monthly (manual chart)
  • Parliamentary: new topic every round
OOInformativeHIPOIDuoImpromptu NX / IXDIOADeclamationOPP Debate basicsPFParliLDCongress Confusable pairsDiscrepanciesJudging rules

All 12 speech events at a glance

Grace period: CVFL gives every speech event a 30-second grace period past the maximum time. Most events are 10:00 (10:30 with grace). NX and IX are 7:00 (7:30 with grace). Impromptu is 5:00 in both documents (5:30 with grace).
EventPanelFamilyMax time (+0:30 grace)PrepMaterialRule to remember
Original OratoryAOriginal10:00 → 10:30Pre-writtenStudent's ownNo visual aids. Solution not required.
InformativeAOriginal10:00 → 10:30Pre-writtenStudent's own, real topicOnly event with audio/visual aids. No person as an aid.
Humorous InterpAInterp10:00 → 10:30, incl. introPre-writtenOne published humorous pieceHumorous, not slapstick. Title/author in memorized intro.
Program Oral InterpAInterp10:00 → 10:30, incl. introPre-written3+ published works on a themeMust hold a manuscript; reading optional.
Duo InterpAInterp10:00 → 10:30Pre-writtenOne published piece, two performersNo touching, no eye contact, off-stage focus, no props/costumes.
ImpromptuALimited prep5:00 → 5:30, no min2:00Pick 1 of 3 topicsDraws from the judge, in the room, one at a time.
National ExtempBLimited prep7:00 → 7:30, no min30:00Pick 1 of 3 U.S. topicsBooks/magazines OK in prep; no consulting people.
International ExtempBLimited prep7:00 → 7:30, no min30:00Pick 1 of 3 world topicsSame format as NX; international topics.
Dramatic InterpBInterp10:00 → 10:30, incl. intro, no minPre-writtenOne published serious pieceGestures, pantomime, singing OK with restraint.
Original AdvocacyBOriginal10:00 → 10:30, no minPre-writtenStudent's ownMust present a specific legislative solution.
DeclamationBInterp10:00 → 10:30, no minPre-writtenA real person's published speechNot an impersonation. No stand-up comedy.
Original Prose & PoetryBOriginal10:00 → 10:30, no minPre-writtenStudent's own creative workUp to 150 quoted words. Singing OK; no props/costumes.

Staging rules matrix

What each event's official rule text explicitly says. A dash means the rule is silent on it, which is different from "allowed."

EventSit / kneel / lie on floorFurnitureProps / costumesVisual aidsSingingManuscript
OO–––Not allowed––
Informative––Necessary dress items may go on/offAudio/visual allowed, not required––
HIPermittedNot allowed––––
POIPermittedNot allowed–––Must hold; reading optional
DuoPermittedNot allowedNot allowed–––
DIPermittedNot allowed––OK with restraint–
OA–––Not allowed––
DeclamationPermittedNot allowed––––
OPPPermittedNot allowedNot allowed–Permitted–

Impromptu and Extemp rules don't address staging. Source: Speech Events by Panel (CHSSA wording).

Panel A events

Panel A · Original

Original Oratory (OO)

10:00 max+0:30 graceNo visual aidsSolution optional

An original speech on a topic the student chooses. Typically a societal problem and steps toward a solution.

The rules

  • The speech is the student's own original work. Any appropriate subject.
  • The student must be truthful. Non-factual references, especially personal experiences, must be identified as such.
  • Some direct quotation is allowed.
  • Visual aids are not allowed.
  • A solution is not required.

Good to know

  • The manual says OO "typically" addresses a problem and steps toward a solution, but the rule itself says a solution is not required. Don't mark a student down for having no solution.
  • A made-up story is fine only if it's flagged as made up ("Imagine a student named…"). Presenting fiction as a personal experience breaks the truthfulness rule.
  • "Some" direct quotation: quotes support the speech; they can't carry it.

Hook: Oratory is Optional on the solution; Advocacy Always needs one.

Panel A · Original

Informative (formerly Expository)

10:00 max+0:30 graceAids allowedNo human aids

An original speech that informs the audience about a topic the student chooses.

The rules

  • Should describe, clarify, illustrate, or define an object, idea, concept, or process.
  • A fabricated topic or speech may not be used.
  • Audio and/or visual aids are allowed but not required.
  • No other person may be used as an aid.
  • Items of dress necessary to the presentation may be put on and removed during the speech.

Good to know

  • Informative is the only speech event where aids are allowed. OO and OA ban visual aids outright.
  • Setup time: the two documents disagree. See Discrepancies. Coach students to set up fast either way.
  • The manual's summary says "non-electronic visual aids"; the official rule says "audio and/or visual aids." Check the ballot or tournament before a student builds around a speaker or screen.
  • Inform, don't persuade: the four verbs (describe, clarify, illustrate, define) are the purpose test.
Panel A · Interp

Humorous Interpretation (HI)

10:00 incl. intro+0:30 graceSingle selectionNo furniture

A humorous performance of a single published story, play, screenplay, or other literature, cut to fit the time limit.

The rules

  • From published stories, plays, essays, or poems that are humorous in nature, but not slapstick.
  • Title and author must be in the memorized introduction.
  • Gestures and pantomime are acceptable but should be used with restraint.
  • May add appropriate introductory and transitional material, but may not change the author's intent.
  • Sitting, kneeling, and lying on the floor are permitted. Furniture is not.

Good to know

  • The 10 minutes includes the introduction.
  • Singing is explicitly allowed in DI and OPP, but the HI rule doesn't mention it. If a student plans a song, confirm with the tournament.
  • "Not slapstick" and "with restraint" are the event's taste test: the humor should come from the literature and characters, not pratfalls.
Panel A · Interp

Program Oral Interpretation (POI) (formerly Thematic Interp)

10:00 incl. intro+0:30 grace3+ selectionsManuscript required

A program of literature woven around a theme the student chooses, performed while holding a script (usually a small black binder).

The rules

  • Three or more separate selections from different published works.
  • Memorized introductory, explanatory, and transitional material must include the author and title of each selection.
  • The student must hold a manuscript, but reading from it is optional.
  • Sitting, kneeling, and lying on the floor are permitted. Furniture is not.

Good to know

  • POI is the only event that combines works. Duo explicitly forbids combining pieces; HI and DI use a single selection.
  • Two excerpts from the same book count as one work. The rule says different published works.
  • The binder is required even if the student has it memorized.
Panel A · Interp

Duo Interpretation

10:00 max+0:30 grace2 performersOff-stage focus

Two students perform a single humorous or dramatic selection together.

The rules

  • A selection from published stories, plays, essays, or poems.
  • Different pieces of literature may not be combined.
  • Partners may not touch.
  • No props or costumes.
  • Must use off-stage focus and may not make eye contact during the interpretation.
  • Sitting, kneeling, and lying on the floor are permitted. Furniture is not.

Good to know

  • Off-stage focus means partners "look at" each other by focusing out toward the audience as if the other character were there.
  • Duo can be funny or serious. Tone isn't restricted like HI vs DI.

Hook for Duo's three "no"s: no touch, no look, no stuff.

Panel A · Limited prep

Impromptu

2:00 prep+0:30 grace5:00 maxNo minimum

A spontaneous speech on one of three topics drawn in the room.

The rules

  • Contestants enter the room one at a time and draw a slip of paper from the judge.
  • The slip has three topics; the contestant must choose one.
  • After drawing, the contestant has two minutes to think before speaking.
  • Maximum five minutes. No minimum.
  • After speaking, the contestant may stay to watch the other speakers.

Good to know

  • Unlike extemp, the draw happens in the competition room and the judge runs it.
  • Each contestant draws a fresh slip, so no one hears the topics before their turn.
  • Two plus five: students should have a structure template ready so prep time goes to content.

Panel B events

Panel B · Limited prep

National (NX) & International (IX) Extemporaneous

30:00 prep+0:30 grace7:00 maxNo minimum

A speech answering a current-events question. NX covers American issues; IX covers international issues. Same format.

The rules

  • Before coming to the round (in a prep room), contestants draw three topics and choose one.
  • 30 minutes to prepare a speech on a topic of significant contemporary interest from major national news magazines in recent weeks.
  • Books, magazines, library aids, etc. have been permitted, but not consulting other persons.
  • Contestants must speak in their assigned order as they arrive at the room.
  • Students must speak on the topic they drew.
  • After speaking, the contestant may stay to watch others.

Good to know

  • The manual says the speech is expected to answer the question and provide cited references supporting the answer. Judges look for that.
  • Seven minutes in extemp vs five in Impromptu vs ten everywhere else.
Panel B · Interp

Dramatic Interpretation (DI)

10:00 incl. intro+0:30 graceNo minimumSerious material

A dramatic performance of a single published story, play, screenplay, or other literature, cut to fit the time limit.

The rules

  • From published stories, plays, essays, or poems that are serious in nature.
  • Title and author must be in the introduction.
  • Gestures, pantomime, and singing are acceptable but should be used with restraint.
  • May add introductory and transitional material, but may not change the author's intent.
  • Sitting, kneeling, and lying on the floor are permitted. Furniture is not.

Good to know

  • DI and HI are mirror images. The differences: tone (serious vs humorous), and DI explicitly lists singing.
  • DI's rule says title and author go in "the introduction"; HI's says "the memorized introduction."
Panel B · Original

Original Advocacy (OA)

10:00 max, no min+0:30 graceNo visual aidsLegislative solution required

An original persuasive speech that must end in a specific legislative fix.

The rules

  • Same base rules as OO: original work, any appropriate subject, truthful, non-factual references identified, some quotation allowed, no visual aids.
  • All students must present a specific legislative solution to the problem they address.

Good to know

  • "Specific" and "legislative" both matter. "We should all be kinder" is neither. "Pass a state law requiring X" is.
  • OO and OA can share a topic, but an OO speech becomes an OA speech only when it adds a concrete law or policy.
Panel B · Interp

Declamation (formerly Oratorical Interpretation)

10:00 max, no min+0:30 graceReal speakerNot impersonation

A performance of a public address originally delivered by a real person: commencement speeches, famous figures, TED talks.

The rules

  • A published speech delivered originally by a real person.
  • This is not meant to be an impersonation.
  • Recreate the meaning through voice, gestures, eye contact, and facial expression.
  • Sitting, kneeling, and lying on the floor are permitted. Furniture is not.
  • Manual: stand-up comedy is not allowed.

Good to know

  • A student doing a speech by a famous leader shouldn't copy the accent or mannerisms. The goal is to convey the meaning.
  • Stand-up is banned in Declamation but explicitly listed as a possible style in OPP, because OPP material is original.
Panel B · Original

Original Prose & Poetry (OPP)

10:00 max, no min+0:30 grace≤150 quoted wordsSinging OK

An original creative piece. It can look like a one-person show, storytelling, a poetry slam, a stage play, stand-up comedy, or something else.

The rules

  • The composition(s) and ideas are the student's own.
  • No props or costumes.
  • Singing is permitted.
  • Up to 150 words may be quoted from other sources.
  • Sitting, kneeling, and lying on the floor are permitted. Furniture is not.

Good to know

  • Despite the name, there's no requirement to include prose or poetry.
  • 150 words is a hard cap on borrowed text, including song lyrics.

Confusable pairs

OO vs OA

Same rules except one: OA requires a specific legislative solution; OO doesn't require any solution.

HI vs DI

Humorous (not slapstick) vs serious. DI explicitly allows singing. HI's intro is "memorized." Both include the intro in the 10 minutes.

Impromptu vs Extemp

2 min prep / 5 min speech (5:30 with grace), drawn from the judge in the room, vs 30 min prep / 7 min speech (7:30 with grace), drawn before the round. Both: pick 1 of 3, no minimum, may stay after.

NX vs IX

Identical format. NX = American issues; IX = international issues.

POI vs Duo vs HI/DI

POI must combine 3+ works around a theme. Duo may not combine pieces. HI and DI use a single selection.

Declamation vs OO

Both look like a speech. Declamation performs a real person's published speech; OO is the student's own.

Declamation vs OPP

Stand-up comedy: banned in Declamation, possible in OPP.

Informative vs OO/OA

Informative allows audio/visual aids. OO and OA don't allow visual aids. Informative also bans fabricated topics and human aids.

Debate: rules shared by every format

Sides and cases

  • Topics are assigned by the NSDA or the tournament host.
  • In every format except Congress, sides are assigned at random: affirmative (pro) or negative (con).
  • In prepared formats (PF, LD, Policy), students read a pre-written case for their first speech. Later speeches are not pre-written.
  • Full time limits are printed on the Tabroom ballot.

Flowing

  • A flow is column-per-speech notes, often a separate sheet for the Aff and the Neg.
  • Main points are called contentions.
  • An argument the other side never answers is dropped, and dropped arguments are generally treated as true.
  • Final speeches give voters (voting issues): reasons to win, based on earlier arguments.

Vocabulary

  • Resolution: the proposition being debated.
  • Status quo: the present system.
  • Topicality: whether an argument fits the resolution.
  • Refutation: directly attacking the opponent's arguments.
  • Rebuttal speech: rebuilds, refutes, and summarizes.
  • Lay judge: unfamiliar with debate theory. Paradigm: a judge's stated philosophy.
Debate · 2 v 2

Public Forum (PF)

NSDA topicMonthly / bimonthlyCrossfire
  • Two teams of two debate an NSDA topic released monthly or bimonthly.
  • Relies on both logic and evidence. Longer evidence-filled speeches, with shorter crossfire periods between them.
  • The negative team may sometimes speak first. In all other events, the affirmative always speaks first.

Good to know

Because the Con can go first, a judge shouldn't assume the first speaker is the Pro. Check the side on the ballot.

Debate · 2 v 2

Parliamentary (Parli)

20:00 prepNew topic each roundHandwritten notes only
  • Two teams of two. The tournament host announces the topic 20 minutes before the round.
  • The topic changes every round and may be a policy, value, or fact topic.
  • Students may use only hand-written notes from prep time in the round. No printed evidence.
  • Designed to be easy to follow for any audience.

Good to know

Parli rewards broad general knowledge and quick organization over a research file. Practice with fresh resolutions and a 20-minute timer.

Debate · 1 v 1

Lincoln-Douglas (LD)

NSDA topicValue + criterionSolo
  • One student against one student on an NSDA topic (described as bimonthly).
  • Heavy emphasis on logic, ethical values, and philosophy.
  • Students usually prepare a case for each side with a value (the concept that matters most) and a criterion (how to measure the value).
  • Example: value of justice; criterion of uniformly applying the rule of law.

Good to know

Value = the goal; criterion = the yardstick. A strong LD round often turns on whose criterion the judge accepts.

Debate · Solo, in a chamber

Congressional Debate

Speeches ≤3:00Chambers of 10–25Score 1–6Rank top 9
  • Students act as members of Congress debating bills and resolutions.
  • Each school may submit legislation; the host compiles and distributes it as a docket. Students research both sides of every item.
  • Students choose their side, unlike every other debate event.
  • Chambers of 10–25 students. Students follow Robert's Rules to request to speak, alternating affirmative and negative speakers.
  • Speeches last up to three minutes, followed by a short cross-examination by other students.
  • Each speech should develop two or three organized arguments with credible evidence.
  • A student may serve as Presiding Officer (PO) to keep the session running smoothly.

How Congress is judged

  • Judges get two ballots: a Congress ballot and a Presiding Officer ballot.
  • Congress ballot: rank by how effectively students advance the debate (communication, rebuttal, evidence, new perspectives).
  • PO ballot: who helped the session run more effectively and was more professional.
  • Score every speech 1–6, with 6 the best, right after it's given.
  • A student who speaks twice gets two scores, and they can differ.
  • At the end, rank the top 9 (1st is best). Everyone else is ranked 10th.

Good to know

"Advancing the debate" means a late speaker who only repeats earlier points will rank below one who answers what's already been said. Coach students to refute and extend, not rehash.

Debate speech times (from your CHSSA Debate Quick Guide, not these two documents)

The Judging Guidebook says debate time limits are printed on the Tabroom ballot and doesn't list them. These are the CHSSA times saved in your project notes. They appear on the exam only if you switch on the bonus section.

  • LD: AC 6 · CX 3 · NC 7 · CX 3 · 1AR 4 · NR 6 · 2AR 3 · prep 4 each
  • PF: Constructive 4 · Rebuttal 4 · Summary 2 · Final Focus 2 · crossfires 3 (including Grand Crossfire) · prep 3 each
  • Parli: PMC 7 · LOC 8 · MGC 8 · MOC 8 · LOR 4 · PMR 5 · 20 min prep

Discrepancies between the two documents

Places where the manual's plain-language summary and the official rule text don't match. When a student or parent asks, the official rule (and the tournament's ballot) is what counts.

Informative setup time

Speech Events by Panel: 10 minutes including set up and removal.
Manual: 10 minutes not including set up and removal.

Informative aids

Manual summary: "non-electronic visual aids."
Official text: "audio and/or visual aids."

LD topic cadence

The LD description says bimonthly topics; the manual's cadence chart groups LD with monthly topics. PF is described as "monthly or bimonthly."

Stand-up in Declamation

"Stand-up comedy is not allowed" appears in the manual's summary, not in the official rule text.

Judging rules every coach should know

Who can judge

  • Anyone 18+ connected to a team who understands and writes English. No experience needed.
  • Former competitors may not judge Varsity rounds in their first year after graduating.
  • Judges create a Tabroom account and give that email to the coach.

Starting a round

  • Press Accept Ballot in Tabroom. Can't judge a student (e.g. a family friend)? Contact the host.
  • LD, PF, and Parli can run two debates per round, called flights. Debaters stay only for their own flight.
  • Students are listed by number code so school affiliation doesn't bias the judge.
  • Speech contestant missing: start anyway; they may arrive late. Debate team missing: contact the host.

During and after

  • Safety first: stop the round if anyone could be harmed.
  • "Rank as you go" with stars in speech.
  • Never ask students clarifying questions about their speech or evidence.
  • Speech and Congress: rank 1st, 2nd, 3rd… Debate: pick the winning side.
  • On a panel, decide independently; don't confer until all decisions are in.
  • Don't tell students the result in person. Submit the decision first; feedback can be edited later.

Rule violations and feedback

  • If a student breaks a rule, the judge notes it and tells the facilitators in the judges' room.
  • If a rule question comes up mid-round, note it and let the round continue.
  • Coaches are responsible for making sure students follow event rules. Judges evaluate the performance; they don't police the event.
  • Feedback target: ⅔ specific and positive, ⅓ specific and constructive.