Speech

Speech and Drama

CFHS Speech is open to students grades 9-12. Students can participate in Large Group or Individual Events (see description of events below). Speech is a great opportunity for students to grow in their public speaking, explore their creativity and be part of an amazing community of people. 

The 2023-24 Speech Season will run from September into April. 

Speech Contests 

Every year our Speech Team participates in IHSSA contests for both group and individual events. These contests are opportunities for students to perform their event before judges and others. 

Group and Individual events begin with District Contest, with the possibility of advancing to the State Contest and potentially even the All-State Festival. 

2024 LARGE GROUP CONTESTS (mandatory for team members)
JANUARY 20 – District Large Group Contest
FEBRUARY 3 – State Large Group Contest
FEBRUARY 17 – All-State Festival @ Iowa State Center, Ames 

2024 INDIVIDUAL CONTESTS (mandatory for team members)
FEBRUARY 24 – District Individual Events Contest
MARCH 9 – State Large Group Events Contest (note the proximity to spring break)
MARCH 25 – All-State Festival @ University of Northern Iowa, Cedar Falls 

DESCRIPTION OF LARGE GROUP EVENTS FOR 2023-24

Choral Reading - a group of 2 to 15 students perform a collection of works with an emphasis on ensemble reading (may include singing). Facial expression and vocal blend are important. Length: up to 15 minutes with scripts 

Ensemble Acting - two to six students act out a scene from a play or book. A table and chairs are the only props allowed, and no costumes or makeup is permitted. Length: up to 15 minutes memorized

Group Improvisation - two to five students are given a situation and improvise a scene with limited preparation time. Creativity, working together, and character development are essential. Length: 3-5 minutes without scripts 

Musical Theatre - two to six students perform song(s) and scene(s) from a musical. A table and chairs are the only props allowed, and no costumes or makeup are permitted. Length: up to 10 minutes memorized 

Radio Broadcasting - a group of up to 8 students gather, edit, and organize a radio broadcast which includes news, sports, and weather. The performance is pre-recorded. Length: between 5-6 minutes with scripts 

Readers Theatre - a group of between 2 and 15 interpret a dramatic work or piece of literature with an emphasis on body and vocal expression. Length: up to 25 minutes with scripts 

Short Film - A group of between 2 and 15 students create an original film of no more than five minutes. Length: up to 5 minutes 

Solo Mime - You act out a story or situation with your body and facial expression, no talking allowed. Music is allowed, but mime makeup is not permitted. Length: 5 minutes, no dialogue 

Television News - a group of 8-12 students gather, edit, and organize a news broadcast which includes news, sports, and weather. The performance is pre-recorded and requires on and off camera positions. Length: between 12-15 minutes with scripts 

DESCRIPTION OF INDIVIDUAL EVENTS FOR 2023-24

Acting - a student acts out a monologue from a play, serious or humorous. Only a single chair may be used. Length: up to 8 minutes memorized

After Dinner Speaking - a student writes and delivers a humorous speech intended for a particular audience. Length: up to 5 minutes memorized with notes not to exceed 50 words on a notecard

Expository Address - a student writes and delivers an informative speech on a topic of interest. Length: up to 6 minutes memorized with notes not to exceed 50 words on a notecard 

Improvisational Acting - a student draws characters and a situation and acts out a scene with limited preparation. Length: up to 5 minutes imagination needed 

Literary Program - a combination of prose and poetry is presented on a theme. Facial and vocal expression are key. Length: up to 8 minutes with script 

Original Oratory - a student writes and delivers a persuasive speech on a topic of interest. A lectern may be used. Length: up to 8 minutes memorized with notes not to exceed 50 words on a notecard

Poetry/Prose - a student interprets works of either poetry or prose. Interpretation and expression are essential. Length: up to 6 minutes with script

Public Address - a student selects a speech originally delivered by another, communicating the intent of the author. Length: up to 8 minutes memorized with notes not to exceed 50 words on a notecard 

Radio News - a student prepares a news program with given news copy in 30 minutes. A speaker system is used with the audience located in another room. Length: between 4-5 minutes with script

Review - a student writes and delivers a critical analysis of a book, movie, video game, or any other media.  Length: up to 8 minutes memorized with notes not to exceed 50 words on a notecard

Solo Musical Theatre - a student performs one song from a musical using recorded music. A single chair may be used. Length: up to 5 minutes memorized

Spontaneous - a student draws a contemporary issue topic to speak about with 3 minutes of preparation. Research is important in this category. Length: up to 5 minutes

Storytelling - a student tells a children's story with facial and body expression. A stool may be used. Length: up to 5 minutes memorized 

Coach: kenton.engels@cfschools.org