Master the Art of Public Speaking

FAQs

• How many times do competitors give their speeches during the tournament?

  During preliminary rounds, competitors will give a speech three times for every event in which they are entered. If they advance to elimination rounds, they may give a speech in a SemiFinal or Final round as well.

• How are NCFCA rules and policies enforced?

  Every type of competition has rules, and NCFCA is no exception. Our tournament Compliance teams and our National Adjudication Team work throughout the season to ensure a fair and level playing field for everyone involved. Learn more about how rule enforcement works by visiting our Compliance FAQs page.

  • Compliance FAQs

• How will I know what topics I will draw in a tournament?

  In the Apologetics rounds, the two topics from which to choose on the topic card will come directly from the Apologetics Topics list.

• How can I anticipate Extemp topics I will draw in a tournament?

  The two topics to choose from on the topic card will come from newsworthy events in the last 90 days. Preliminary rounds will cover domestic topics including US politics, the economy, US foreign policy, and some US cultural issues. Elimination rounds will allow the more advanced Extemper to demonstrate knowledge of global current events by expanding the potential topic areas to include international topics.

• What materials can I bring into the competition room for my Extemp prep time?

  In addition to the materials listed in the rules, competitors may bring writing utensils, blank notecards, and a charging cord or block for the laptop. Please note that charging stations or outlets are not guaranteed at any facility.

• What materials may I bring into the competition room for my Apologetics prep time?

  Competitors may use their Bible and any prepared notecards to help with crafting their speech. They may also use their writing utensils and blank notecards to prepare more cards for use during the speech. Competitors may bring all of these materials, including any topic organization, into the round.

• Can I access the internet during prep time? Can I bring my phone to take notes?

  Internet access is not allowed. Phones, computers, and other electronic devices may not be used for reference.

• Can I use my phone during prep time, since I have the Bible app on there?

  Phones, computers, and other electronic devices may not be used for reference. Only what is listed in the rules may be used.

• If I don’t use all of my 4 minutes of prep time, can I add it to the 6 minutes for my speech?

  Unused preparation time may not be added to the speech time.

• Can I access the internet during prep time in Extemp?

  No, but competitors may download articles before the round.

• What is blank paper for Impromptu?

  Blank paper means paper that has not been previously written or printed on. Blank paper may be lined, unlined, or gridded, but it should not have any words or pictures on it.

• Do I have to state the topic verbatim in my Limited Preparation speech?

  The judges will have a list of all the topics assigned to each competitor, so they will expect to hear what is on that list. We recommend that competitors include that topic early into the speech in order to avoid confusion and a negative reflection on the ballot.

• Do I need to quote a Bible verse in my Apologetics speech?

  While no rule requires a Bible verse to be quoted, a well-reasoned defense and thoughtful application of basic tenets of the Christian faith will most likely require substantial Scriptural support for effective communication.

• Do I need to include an introductory slide with a title or topic for my Digital Presentation?

  While an introductory slide with a title or topic is not required, judges will be looking for what to put on their ballot as competitors begin the presentation.

• Is there a minimum amount of slides I need for my Digital Presentation?

  There is no minimum amount of slides required.

• Can I include imported videos, animated GIFs (and similar animation files), audio, and/or other audiovisual clip(s) in my Digital Presentation?

  No. This is a rule change from 2024, due to the difficulty caused by the extra load on the platform. The audio and video clips that competitors use in their presentations have caused an unmanageable load on the tournament dashboard. The lack of audio and video should help this event run online without as many technical difficulties.

• Can I use characterization in my Digital Presentation?

  Characterization refers to acting or speaking in a manner other than that of the speaker. There is no rule that prohibits characterization in a platform speech. Judges will determine the appropriateness of the delivery for the speech event.

• How should I end my Digital Presentation?

  Presentations may end with the Works Cited slide that includes any sources used for the slide presentation (if applicable), with a blank slide, or another type of slide that they deem appropriate for the presentation.

• What if I have tech issues in my Digital Presentation round?

  Special accommodations will not be granted for equipment failure. A challenge to embrace in this event is learning how to graciously handle the unexpected. In general, competitors should keep the timer running and do their best to finish the speech. See the Speech Competition Guidelines for technology tips in a digital presentation.

• Can I dance as much as I want in my interpretation speech?

  The rules do not prohibit dancing. Judges will determine how effective any dancing is to the speech delivery.

• Can I incorporate sound effects into my Duo or Open Interpretation speech?

  Yes, sound effects are permitted and can be appropriate for some interpretations of literature selections.

• Can I use a graphic novel as my literature selection for Duo or Open Interpretation?

  As long as the selection complies with the other rules, you may use a graphic novel as your literature selection. Judges will determine the literary merit.

• Can I use a verse (or part of a verse) in my Biblical Thematic introduction, conclusion, or narrative section?

  Yes, you may include supporting material in the parts of an interpretation speech that are written by the competitor, including Scripture. Make sure there is a clear distinction between your narrative section and your literature selection; carefully citing your sources will help make this clear. Note that if you are quoting material from the literature selection, that quoted material becomes supporting material and should be cited as such.

• In my Biblical Thematic, can I set up the room beforehand, with visual aids placed in various spots? Can I hide visual aids in my jacket pocket to pull out in the middle of the speech?

  No. All visual aids must be in the box or held in hands until the beginning of the speech. Any placing of visual aids should occur after the speech has begun.

• In my Biblical Thematic, how can I tell if my visual aid might be a “weapon (real or perceived as dangerous)?

  The spirit behind prohibiting weapons (real or perceived as dangerous) is to create an environment where our audience, participants, and visitors feel safe. Therefore, consider these questions when determining what to use as your visual aid(s):

  Is it realistic in appearance?

  How is it being used?

  Will the delivery of the speech cause your audience to feel unsafe?

  Are there aspects that may cause someone, at a distance or glance, to perceive it as a weapon in a round or outside of a round?

• Do I have to cite the chapter and verse of Scripture?

  Any source used must be verbally cited, including Scripture. While citing both the chapter and verse(s) when using Scripture strengthens the credibility of the speaker, other forms of verbal citation such as using the book name alone is sufficient.

• How do I include the required introductory verbal elements for a derivative work in Original Interpretation?

  If presenting a derivative work, using an external source, like “The Tortoise and Hare,” here are some examples of how this might sound in your speech:

  “Angela and Angelo, an adaptation of the famous fable by Aesop, “The Tortoise and Hare,” with all new characters…”

  “The tale you are about to witness may seem like a familiar tale (and really what is new under the sun?)…it may seem like “The Tortoise and the Hare” by old Aesop himself, but with a new setting and twist of plot, I present to you, “New York Marathon (AKA How I Met Your Father)”…”

  “A derivative work of ‘The Tortoise and the Hare,’ by Aesop and Milo Winter, set in modern times with real people.”

• How should I decide if my speech should be an informative or persuasive speech?

  The purpose and goal of the speeches will be different. The exposition of the topic should drive the thesis of an Informative, whereas a change of thought or action should drive the thesis of a Persuasive speech. Here are some questions to help distinguish whether or not you should compete in the Informative or Persuasive speech event.

  For an Informative speech:

  Have I explained and expounded on a topic so that the audience will understand the topic more easily or more deeply?

  Have I expounded on the topic so that the audience will believe or know the importance or significance of the topic?

   

  For a Persuasive speech:

  Have I argued my point with logic and/or emotional appeal so that the audience will consider my point of view or course of action, which they may not have previously considered?

  Have I crafted my speech so that my audience will be convinced to think or do something differently?

   

  For more help with writing a speech, we recommend checking out our Speech Curriculum in the NCFCA shop.

• I don’t see a rule about characterization in a platform speech. Can I add characterization to my speech?

  Characterization refers to acting or speaking in a manner other than that of the speaker. There is no rule that prohibits characterization in a platform speech. Judges will determine the appropriateness of the delivery for the speech event.

• I would like to use a movie script for Duo or Open and want to make sure it is allowed under the rules. What does “published” mean?

  The definition of “published” has delineated movie and tv transcriptions in order to distinguish literary works that have been published from creative works that have been produced. Additionally, our events define literature as “plays, prose, or poetry.” Unless a movie is also published as a play, prose, or poetry, it would be prohibited by the rule. More often than not, screenplays are not published plays, prose, or poetry, but are instead a stepping stone to production, and therefore it is very unlikely that a screenplay exists within the rules.

• What does “original dialogue” mean for Duo and Open Interps?

  Original dialogue is dialogue written by the competitor. You may write original dialogue if you want to create your own original characters for your introduction and conclusion. You may not write your own words for the author’s character to speak.

   

  In your introduction and conclusion, you may also quote a portion of the literature selection – the author’s dialogue, for example. In that case, competitors may even present the author’s quoted dialogue as the author’s character. Remember though, you must cite the quoted words as supporting material.

• What is meant by a “single literature selection”? Does this mean that I may not reorder events from my literature selection, or take one cut from the end of the book and place it toward the beginning of the speech?

  You may cut and arrange the dialogue and events as described in the question. “Single” becomes applicable when using a book that contains short stories or other independent works, such as poems. Taking parts of these and weaving them to form a new story is not allowed.

• May I use two different external sources for my derivative work in Original?

  While you may use more than one external source to inspire a derivative work, please note that at least one literary element must be new from either source. Also, all the titles and authors used must be stated along with the new literary element(s). The goal is that your audience understands which literary elements are generally part of the existing works which have inspired you and which elements you have created.

• What does it mean in the rules when it says that the speech must be an original work?

  Original indicates that the speech is scripted word-for-word by the speaker; in other words, the competitor has written the speech.

• What does academic integrity look like in Impromptu? Do I always need to state my source?

  Academic integrity requires you to give credit for any material that is not your own thinking and analysis. If you are not using information that is considered common knowledge by most judges, either don’t use that material or acknowledge the source. Judges understand that in an impromptu speech you will likely have less precise citations than in other speeches. For example, often an author’s name is appropriate.

• What does academic integrity look like in Extemp? What do the rules mean by using “verifiable support for analysis”?

  Citing sources for supporting material is key to success for Extemporaneous speaking. Judges will listen for not only who or where the material is from but when that information was published. This is what the rules mean by “verifiable support for analysis.” Based on what was said in the speech, can a listener reasonably be able to find that same information in order to verify its accuracy?

• How does NCFCA view plagiarism?

  NCFCA does not approach a rule infraction as an intentional action, but rather an opportunity for effective communication growth.  The rules and the adjudication process exist to maintain fair play for the competition, which is a tool for growth.  NCFCA does not seek to judge the heart of competitors or affiliate families.  However, we do not deny the refining heart process that happens through the adjudication process; in fact, we embrace it because it allows the Lord to sanctify His children.  This refining is part of how NCFCA, including staff, parents, and students, fulfills our mission, “to challenge and equip ambassadors for Christ to communicate truth with integrity and grace.”  Whether intentional or not, plagiarism will be adjudicated.

  (Watch 🖥)

   

• Is a “blanket statement” for citations at the beginning of a speech against the rules?

  A speech often contains the presenter’s analysis of the source material interspersed with the source author’s ideas and thoughts. When a blanket citation is given only at the beginning of the speech, it becomes very difficult for listeners to differentiate between the two. To uphold academic integrity, it is important to distinguish when the content is coming from the source material and when the content is analyzed by the presenter. Verbal citations throughout the speech provide that distinction. (Watch 🖥)

• If I see a speech on YouTube I really like, can I take most of that content, since it’s not published?

  Being published may seem like a bright line to whether or not one must give credit, but this is not the case.  Supporting material includes any information, details, research, theories, stories, lyrics, tunes, or ideas obtained from another person or source–whether directly quoted, paraphrased, or summarized.  This is regardless of publication.   Therefore, even if you don’t have to pay to watch a YouTube video, copying that content requires citation.  Even if you see a speech given at a dinner event, copying any portion of that content requires citation. Further, if your copied material starts looking like that whole speech, then it is not your speech anymore.  Calling it so would be plagiarism.  It’s important to remember that speeches must be prepared by the student and delivered during the current competitive season only. (Aside from Apologetics, for which students may use their preparations in subsequent years.) Any supporting material should be just that: supporting the speech that the competitor has crafted.

• What is a “unique speech” for Impromptu?

  One impromptu speech should not be the same as another one. While a competitor repeat examples or ideas from another speech, the totality of the speech should be unlike any other speech.

• Do I have to cite a tune that everyone knows like “Silent Night”?

  Common knowledge that is known to most people does not need to be cited in any way (e.g., George Washington was the first U.S. President, Jesus rose on the third day, words to a universally known hymn such as “Amazing Grace”).  Some tunes may fall into the category of common knowledge and not need to be cited.  However, a tune considered “well-known” can be somewhat subjective.  (Watch 🖥)

• Rules Changes Overview for 2024-2025

  The changes to Speech Rules for 2025 have been approached with three major goals in mind:
  Simplification
  Transparency
  Clarification

  Simplification:
  For the past several years, the Speech Guide has contained General Rules, Timekeeping Rules, Category Rules, Event-Specific Rules, and Script-Submission and Script-Use Rules. The 2025 Speech Rules will only contain rules for each specific event. (i.e., All rules for Apologetics will only be in “Apologetics Rules.”) Timekeeping guidelines, script-submission guidelines, tournament protocols, and other helpful information and examples will still be found in the 2025 Speech content but will not be considered rules which could receive a penalty.

  Transparency:
  The 2025 Speech content now includes a Penalty Addendum which lists the type of penalties that can be applied to certain rule violations, along with examples of each. Find these in the Compliance FAQs.

  Clarification:
  Most of the changes to the Speech Rules for 2025 come from separating rules that can receive a penalty from tournament protocols and guidelines. Other changes come from rewording rules for the sake of clarity.

  Watch 🖥 

• Which rules changed in Platform Speeches in 2024-2025?

  The limit on characterization has been removed. (Ballots will provide the opportunity for judges to weigh the effectiveness of characterization in the speech.) Watch 🖥

• Which rules in Apologetics changed for 2024-2025?

  Scriptural support must be presented has been removed as a rule. (Judges will be able to reflect the level of Scriptural support on the ballot.) Watch 🖥 

• Which Biblical Thematic Rules Changed for 2024-2025?

  Only feet are permitted to intentionally touch the floor at any time. (This change simplifies the rules by creating consistency across all the speech events.)

  Visual aids may be held in hands or in the box visible to the judges before the speech. (This rule will simplify the process of students needing to hold their visual aids and start the timer at the same time.)

  A teaser is no longer an option for this speech. (This speech has many elements and the additional teaser has added more complication.) Watch 🖥

• Which rules changed in Duo Interpretation for 2024-2025?

  Balance between the two competitors is no longer a rule. (Ballots will provide the opportunity for judges to weigh the balance between the two competitors.) Watch 🖥

• Which rules changed in Extemporaneous for 2024-2025?

  Domestic or International topic rule removed. For 2025, preliminary rounds will focus on domestic topics; elimination rounds will also include international topics.

  Names are no longer required on 3” x 5” cards. (This rule is no longer applicable as competitors retain their cards rather than turning them into the Extemp Prep Coordinator.) Watch 🖥 

• Where on the ballot can we see timer penalties applied?

  Penalties, including timer penalties, are found at the bottom of the ballot.

• What are speech patterns?

  NCFCA speech events are divided into two patterns for each tournament and the patterns take place at different times, usually between rounds of debate. Speech Rounds designated with an A (1A, 2A, & 3A) will include the events in Pattern A, and Speech Rounds with a B (1B, 2B, and 3B) will include the events in Pattern B. During elimination rounds, all speech events are run simultaneously.

  • For in-person tournaments, the patterns may vary and can be found at the Information tab for the tournament. 
  • All online tournaments, the following patterns will apply.
    • Pattern A: Apologetics, Digital Presentation, Duo, Informative, and Original
    • Pattern B: Biblical Thematic, Extemporaneous, Impromptu, Open, and Persuasive

• What if my limited prep topic is not releasing in an online competition room?

  • Verify that the draw time has arrived. (Competitors can draw any time after the assigned time but not before. Check the time-zone of your computer.)
  • If the draw time has just arrived, wait at least 60 seconds and try again.
  • Check that the clock on the device is set to the correct time and aligns with the times shown on postings.  (Posting times are based on the time-zone setting of the device, but it is possible for the clock to be manually set to a different time.)
  • If draw time is not the issue, the problem is generally with the competitor’s connection speed. Keep trying and take steps to improve the connection speed.

• Will there be changes to speech ballots this year?

  Yes! We have made significant changes to the ballot this year. 

  The speech ballots will have a dropdown menu for each judging criteria category adding up to the total number of points for that competitor. This total will yield a ranking for the room. Judges must adjust rankings to break any ties.

  You can view the ballot rubrics and updated ballot category descriptions in the Speech Guidelines. The numbers on the ballot rubric correspond to the numbers on the electric ballot dropdown menu. This is similar to the speaker points in the debate ballots but with the added layer of ranking and reranking all the competitors in the room before submitting the ballots instead of simply choosing the winner in the debate ballot. Watch 🖥 

• Does NCFCA provide a printable copy of the rules?

  We have transitioned to using our NCFCA.org website as the official means of publishing all competition rules and guidelines. This change allows for improved navigation, organization, and content presentation options, especially for new families.

  However, we realize that some participants also like to prepare using printed documents. We offer a print-button option on all of our rule pages, but the formatting options are limited and can be cumbersome with some browsers, so here are some tips you can use to save paper and ink if you feel like you need to print the rules.

  Make your own printable pages. You can easily copy the rules you want into a Google Doc and the formatting will be maintained nicely. 

  • This step-by-step guide will show you how to start a Google Doc. 
  • Once you have a Google Doc open along with the website rules on a different browser tab, use your cursor to highlight the section of rules you would like to print and then simultaneously press the keys: CTRL/C (PC) or COMMAND/C (Mac). Note: The process works best if you highlight only one set of rules or one set of guidelines at a time (without highlighting over the break between rules and guidelines).
  • Next, place your cursor in the document and simultaneously press the keys: CTRL/V (PC) or COMMAND/V (Mac). This should make the text appear in your document. 
  • This process will work in a similar way with Microsoft Word and other document options.
  • With the text copied into your own document, you can change the font size and margins to your own preferences. 

  Avoid duplicate content for speech rules by printing the guidelines only once for each event category (limited prep, interpretation, and platform). The guidelines for each speech category are replicated on the appropriate event pages. The exceptions to this are that Digital Presentation has an extra “Digital Presentation Protocols” section, Apologetics includes the topics, and Extemporaneous has unique timing protocols.

  Please keep in mind that our website contains the official copy of all rules. We will alert participants through our affiliate communications emails if we make any substantive changes to rules or guidelines, but it is the responsibility of competitors to follow the officially published rules.

• Do we still have a grace period for speeches exceeding the time limit?

  The automatic 2-rank penalty will only be applied after 15 seconds of the speech time limit. Find clarification on overtime in the event guidelines under “Timekeeping Protocols” (see Apologetics as an example), in the Speech Head Judge Instructions, and as an example of a timekeeping rule penalty in the Compliance Penalty Addendum. Keep in mind that while the grace period allows for small mishaps and miscalculations, judges may still consider the time limit of the speech event as they rank. We advise competitors to prepare for these variables by continuing to practice a speech under the time limit.