Group Speech Events
TV News (pre-recorded)
- 10 minutes, pre-recorded
- 2 entries per school
- 2-15 students
- Prepare a newscast based on actual news stories from any time period
- May include any or all of the following: local, state, national, international, sports, weather and/or special feature
- Entries include one or more commercials of original nature (totaling up to 2 minutes) and written by students.
- Watch a 2025 All-State TV News
Short Film (pre-recorded)
- 5 minutes
- 1-15 students
- Create a film of any kind: drama, animation, claymation, documentary, etc.
- Special effects, music, lighting, sets, and costumes are used.
- The film should be edited.
- Watch the 2024 MFL MarMac All-State Short Film
Radio Broadcasting (pre-recorded)
- 5-6 minutes
- 2-8 students
- May include any or all of the following: local, state, national, international, sports, and must be real news
- Can be historic in nature
- May also include an original special feature written by a member of the news team and appropriate for the broadcast
- Entries include one or more commercials of original nature totaling approximately 30- 45 seconds and written by students.
- Listen to a 2024 Radio Broadcast
Group Mime
- 7 minute maximum
- 2-6 students
- Movement without words
- Tell a story or develop a theme.
- No costumes, but many wear all black.
- Students must create a placard that contains the mime title.
- No white face makeup can be worn.
- Music without words used
- No sound effects
Solo Mime
- 5 minute maximum
- 1 student
- same rules as group mime
Choral Reading
- 15 minutes
- 3-15 students
- Must have scripts
- Based on poems, plays, themes, or a story.
- Can costume, use props, and incorporate music.
- Use blocks, ladders, stools, etc. to build levels.
Readers' Theater
- 25 minutes
- 2-15 students
- Must have scripts
- Usually based on a story or play
- No costumes or props
- Use blocks, ladders, stools, etc. to build levels.
Ensemble Acting
- 15 minutes
- 2-6 students
- Memorized lines
- No costumes or make-up.
- Table and chairs can be used.
- Performed in a standard classroom.
One Act Play
- 35 minutes
- Any # of students
- Memorized lines
- Use make-up, set, costumes, music, and sound effects
Musical Theater
- 10 minutes
- 2-8 students
- Perform a song or songs
- May incorporate dance
- No costumes allowed
- Lines/Songs memorized
- Recorded music without words must be used.
- a table/platform may be used, up to 9 chairs
Group Improv
- 5 minutes
- 2-5 students per group
- The group chooses one situation from three draws at contest.
- Students have two minutes to choose a situation, determine roles and plot, and begin performing.
Contest Dates & Locations
2027 Large Group Speech
District Large Group @ Decorah
Saturday, January 23rd at 8am
State Large Group @ Dubuque Senior
Saturday, February 6th at 8am
All-State Large Group @ Iowa State Center, Ames
Friday, February 19th
2027 Individual Speech
District Individual Speech @ MFL MarMac
Saturday, February 27 at 8am
State Individual Speech @ Starmont
Saturday, March 13th at 8am
All-State Individual Speech @ UNI, Cedar Falls
Monday, April 5 at 8am
2027 Speech Team Awards Banquet:
Wednesday, March 24 @ 6:00 PM at High School Cafeteria
2027 Friends of the Arts (FOTA) Showcase:
Tuesday, April 6 at 6:30 PM in the High School Auditorium
Individual Events (memorized)
Public Address
- Present another person’s speech
- 8 minutes
- Notecard of 50 words or less may be used
Acting
- Monologue or cutting from a play
- 8 minutes
Solo Musical Theater
- Sing ONE song
- 5 minutes
- Utilize acting, singing, and dancing
Storytelling
- Retelling of a story
- 5 minutes
- Must use and stay on a stool
Expository Address
- Written by the student
- 6 minutes
- Can be persuasive, entertaining but MUST be informative
- Must use Visual Aids
- May use a 50 word notecard
Solo Improv
- Draw 3 characters & 2 situations
- Choose 2 characters & 1 situation
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- 5 minutes
- Create a story with distinct characters
Spontaneous Speaking
- Prep time 3 minutes
- Draw 3 topics and choose 1 topic
- Must take a stand or position on the topic
- Can use notes cards
- 5 minutes
Individual Events (script/notes)
After Dinner Speaking
- Must define a specific audience
- May be informative, inspirational, or entertaining
- 5 minutes
- May use a note card or manuscript
Original Oratory
- Written by the student
- Must be persuasive or inspirational
- 8 minutes
- May use a note card or manuscript
Poetry or Prose
- Interp selections using vocals and facial expressions
- Must have a script but can have memorized
- If using multiple selections must have a common theme
- 6 minutes
Literary Program
- Interp selections using vocals and facial expressions
- Must have a script but can have memorized
- Must have at least one prose & one poetry piece with a common theme that is started early in the interp
- 8 minutes
Radio News
- Prep time 30 minutes
- Cut wire copy of international, national, state news, weather, sports, and a commercial (commercial must be used in its entirety)
- Will be given a news flash during presentation
- Minimum 4 minutes
- Maximum 5 minutes
Review
- May be over a book, movie, song, or other media
- May use visual aids
- May use a notecard or manuscript
- 8 minutes
Videocasting (pre-recorded)
- New for 2026
- Pre-recorded
- Maximum of 5 minutes
- Can be on any topic and in any format