Performance Events

Performance Competitions

Public Speaking

Students will present a memorized speech no longer than 5 minutes in length. The speech may either be an original one written by the student or a speech presented by a public figure. No notes may be used. Costumes and/or props are not allowed.

Solo Acting

Students will present a selection from a published play, novel, short story, or poem. Selections must be memorized and must include an introduction stating the title and author. Costumes and props are allowed, including one chair. Maximum time limit is 5 minutes.


Oral Reading English/Spanish

Grades 4, 5 and 6. Students shall have a maximum of six minutes to read a selection 

of poetry. Each selection may be one poem, a cutting of a poem or a combination of poems. The same selection may be read in all rounds, but different selections are permissible. Selections shall be published although the poet may be unknown or anonymous. The maximum time for each presentation is six minutes. There is no minimum time limit.

• Selecting Material. The League office does not prescribe a list of poetry or prose selections 
  for oral reading. However, the A+ Handbook contains helpful information about selecting appropriate material. Selections used by contestants should not offend the moral standards of the community nor be in bad taste. Plays or speeches may not be used as selections. Coaches should revise or reject all selections that in any way fail to meet these qualifications.
  
  
• Manuscripts. Contestants shall read their selection from a manuscript. It is suggested that the selection be held in a simple, dark-colored folder or small notebook that does not draw attention to itself.
• Introductions. An introduction is not required but is permitted. The introduction shall be delivered within the time limit. The main emphasis should be on the individual selection or selections of prose or poetry.
• Style and Delivery. Contestants may not use costumes or props in the contest. Responsive use of the body (i.e. spontaneous changes in posture, gestures and place-to-place movement) is permissible. However, this active use of the body should: be appropriate to the demands of the selection; 
  be a natural outgrowth from the literature to be performed; and be limited in scope.
  
  

Storytelling 2nd/3rd Grade

To tell a story, the participant should develop skills in listening, thinking and 

speaking. This contest also allows for the development of creative expression. For practice, 

teachers can use stories from any good children’s books or magazines. Contestants shall listen to a storyteller read a brief story (between 600 and 1100 words long) only once, and then retell that story in their own words before a 

judge or judges. Contestants may not use costumes or props in the contest. Two stories will be provided, one to be used in the preliminary round and one to be used in the -final round. The League will make available one pair of stories for invitational 

meets, one pair for fall/winter district meets and one pair for spring district meets.

Impromptu Speaking K-5th Grade (English and Spanish)

This contest provides opportunities for students to evaluate speeches given by 

others; to explore the use of the voice and body in speaking situations; to examine the different purposes for speaking; to organize ideas; to prepare and deliver various speeches; and to develop self-confidence.

Contestants will draw three topics and have three minutes to prepare a speech, which shall be presented without any notes. The contest gives participants experience in thinking, organizing, formulating clear thoughts and effectively delivering those thoughts to an audience. Contestants may not use costumes or props in the contest.

• Topics, which may be serious or humorous in nature, will be designed to include 
  subjects that are familiar to the student. Several practice topics are listed in the A+ Handbook
  Practice. Students may prepare for the contest by designing topics similar to ones used in the handbook.