Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be good at public speaking already?
Nope! If you're excited to speak and ready to learn, we'll help you take it from there.
What's the time commitment?
Our season runs October through March, with competitions starting in January.
-
PRACTICE: We meet Monday evenings as a team (~60 minutes), and you'll meet with your coach individually each week (30–60 minutes). Beyond that, you'll practice a few hours a week on your own, and many students seek additional work time with captains or coaches.
-
COMPETITION: Competitions are on Saturdays, and they last most of the day. You'll be waking up pretty early. Sorry about that.
I'm not really an actor. Should I still join Speech?
Yes! Many events are more like class presentations than one-person plays. If that's more your speed, there's a place for you here.
I'm already good at public speaking. Why should I join Speech?
Mastering public speaking takes a lifetime of study and practice, so everyone has a thing or two to learn (and probably more). But if you're actually a once-in-a-generation talent who has everything already figured out, you can still join the team and sweep the awards at every tournament. Win-win, right?
Is Speech the same thing as Debate?
There's a lot of overlap between the two, but they're separate activities. If you'd like to join Debate, send an email to the head coach for more information.
Is Speech fun?
Depends on your definition of "fun." Is it thrilling and rewarding? Absolutely. Is it better than video games or Tik Tok? Maybe.
MN Speech Categories
For Performers
Creative
Expression
In this category, students write and perform an original narrative work of any style or genre.
Creative
Expression
For Analyzers
Discussion
In this category, students work with up to seven other students to find a solution to a societal issue.
Discussion
For Performers
Dramatic
Interpretation
In this category, students perform a serious selection from a play, screenplay, or similar work.
Dramatic
Interpretation
For Performers
Duo
Interpretation
In this category, two students work together to perform a narrative work of any style or genre.
Duo
Interpretation
For Performers
Extemporaneous
Reading
In this category, students prepare a short dramatic reading with only 30 minutes' preparation.
Extemporaneous
Reading
For Analyzers
Extemporaneous
Speaking
In this category, students prepare an argument on a current topic with only 30 minutes' preparation.
Extemporaneous
Speaking
For Analyzers
Great
Speeches
In this category, students perform a speech from history with an argument for its rhetorical merit.
Great
Speeches
For Performers
Humorous
Interpretation
In this category, students perform a comedic selection from any published piece of work.
Humorous
Interpretation
For Analyzers
Impromptu
Speaking
In this category, students respond to a quote or prompt with only two minutes' preparation.
Impromptu
Speaking
For Analyzers
Informative
Speaking
In this category, students present interesting facts and visuals pertaining to a selected topic or idea.
Informative
Speaking
For Analyzers
Original
Oratory
In this category, students write and perform a persuasive speech on a social topic of their choosing.
Original
Oratory
For Performers
Poetry
Interpretation
In this category, students perform a selection of poetic texts pertaining to a selected topic or idea.
Poetry
Interpretation
For Performers
Program Oral
Interpretation
In this category, students combine dramatic elements of any kind relating to a selected topic.
Program Oral
Interpretation
For Performers
Prose
Reading
In this category, students perform a serious selection from a book, either fiction or nonfiction.
Prose
Reading
For Performers
Storytelling
In this category, students prepare a folk tale in their own words with only 30 minutes' preparation.
Storytelling
If you're interested in trying Speech, there's definitely a category here that's perfect for you.
Pretty much, yep. We talk about whatever fires our imagination. Speeches range from the funny and improvised to the intellectual and persuasive — and everything in between.
So you just...talk?
With 15 different categories, there's one for every personality type or interest.
When we practice, we talk to walls. Don't knock it 'til you try it.
Most people fear public speaking more than death itself. But Speech gives you the tools to express your ideas confidently and conquer a fundamental human fear. You're on your own with the whole death thing, though.