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Rules

Impromptu

Rules

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Impromptu Rules

During competition in this event, participants must adhere to the material contained in this rule section to ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all.

  • Impromptu Definition

    A limited preparation speech that presents a unique and meaningful speech on a topic drawn from abstract words, phrases, quotations, or table topics.

     

  • Speech General Rules

    A. General Rules for All Speeches

    1. Mission Alignment. Speeches must be in alignment with the NCFCA Mission Statement. Any speech content that advocates a position counter to the Foundational Beliefs of the league will not be allowed in competition. 
      1. Content. All content must be free from vulgar, heinous, sexually explicit, obscene, profane, or inappropriate material. This includes explicit and implied language or gestures.
      2. Disclaimer. Any speech that contains potentially intense or sensitive themes or examples must be preceded by this disclaimer: “This speech contains potentially intense or sensitive material.”  The speaker should then allow any time necessary for audience members to exit the room if they choose to do so.
      3. Theme. Any dark themes must provide a redemptive element.
    2. Presentation.
      1. Pre-show. A pre-show is not permitted. 
      2. Professionalism. Only feet are permitted to intentionally touch the floor at any time. Gymnastics is not permitted.
      3. Additional items. Costumes and visual aids are not permitted. 
    3. Interaction. Requesting verbal or physical participation (e.g., raising hand, clapping, verbal responses, closing eyes) from audience members, including judges, is not permitted. 
    4. Electronic Devices. Competitors may not use electronic devices to prepare or conduct research during the round. Requesting, sending, or receiving information is also prohibited.

     

  • Impromptu Event Rules

    A. General Rules for All Speeches (see above or ncfca.org/rules/speech-general-rules/)

    B. Academic Integrity

    1.  Citations. All material presented in the speech must be either competitors’ original work or include the source(s) for any supporting material. Plagiarism is not permitted.
      1. Verbal mention. Sources must be verbally mentioned.
    2. Current Season. Speeches must be prepared and delivered during the current competitive season only.

    C. Content, Preparation, and Presentation

    1. Topic. Competitors must prepare for and speak on one of the two topic options assigned to them.  The topic must be stated during the speech.
    2. Materials. Except the topic card at an in-person tournament, no written or printed materials may be held or referenced during the delivery of the speech.

    D. Timing

    1. Prep Time. Preparation time is limited to two (2) minutes
      1. Show. Competitors must show their timepiece (set to count down) to the judges before starting their prep time.
      2. Start. They must start the timer and then draw the topic card.
      3. Show. At the end of the prep time, they must show the remaining time on the timepiece OR allow an audible alarm to indicate the end of the two (2) minutes.
    2. Speech Time. Speech time is limited to five (5) minutes. Competitors must show their timepiece (set to count up) to the judges before starting their speech and after turning off their timepiece at the end of their speech. The timepiece must be started before beginning the speech and kept running until the conclusion of the speech.
    3. Time Slot. Competitors must present their speech during their prescribed 15-minute slot and are not permitted to infringe on the next competitor’s scheduled time.

    E. Online General Rules (see below or ncfca.org/rules/online-general-rules/)

     

  • Online General Rules

    E. Online General Rules

    1. Camera. A single, stationary camera must be used (i.e., no zooming or panning is permitted).
    2. Visibility. Competitors should keep their cameras on at all times except when experiencing significant technical difficulties.
    3. Audio. Only audio presented live from competitors is permitted (i.e., audio that is computer-generated, recorded, generated by a third-party, etc. is not permitted).

     

  • Impromptu Resources

    Learn more about this event and find related resources.

    Competitor Resources

    Judge Resources