Guidelines for Speech

In the United States Academic Decathlon (USAD), the speech component consists of a four-minute prepared speech and a two-minute impromptu speech. The rules are very minimal, since the USAD policy is to allow for the full spectrum of topics and practices utilized at the local level.

Generally, each student's speech is scheduled by appointment either some time during competition day or on the day preceding the tests. At the National Finals, all speeches and interviews are held the day before the tests, and a special invitational Speech Showcase is held on the evening of the event in which the top three Prepared Speeches in each category will be performed before an audience. The Utah Academic Decathlon

conducts their speech and interviews before testing, or on the first night of competition, which is usually a Thursday night.

In the speech event, the student gives a prepared speech between 3 1/2 - 4 minutes in length. Students receive a time signal from the judges and the student should close within the time designated. Some states have specific penalties for either too short or too long a speech, but in most cases the judges include this factor in the overall effectiveness scoring.

The Impromptu Speech usually follows the prepared speech. The student is handed a card with three optional impromptu topics on it. At the state level, these topics are created by the USAD and are assigned at random by the judges. The student then has one minute to prepare. The speech should not be less than 1 1/2 minutes and nor more than 2 minutes in length. A cue at the 1 1/2 minutes point is common.

It is appropriate for the competition manager to provide coaches with a set of sample impromptu topics.

Following is a sample of impromptu topics:

1.                  What does public education succeed in, what does it fail in?

2.                  Had you a time machine, would you go back in time or forward in time, and why?

3.                   Should it cost more to get a drivers license?