IEs - Originals

Original events are prepared IE events written by the student.

Originals include events in which you can embrace your inner thespian, exhibit your debate skills, or showcase your artistic talent. If you are tired of searching for the "perfect" piece, have a topic you're dying to talk about, or are really into prop comedy and looking to be the next Carrot Top (only not as universally hated), Originals are the events for you. You will see just how talented Speech and Debate competitors can be when you walk into an Original event round. The use of props is not

Overview

The goal of an OA is to write a persuasive speech and propose a policy. An OA should address a relatively current topic or issue. The policy should be a specific legislative course of action and should include who will be carrying out the plan, when it will be implemented, and what will be entailed. Therefore, OA is mostly a speech event rather than an acting event.

OA is a Panel A event.

OA is a State event.

Overview

The goal of an OO is to write a persuasive speech on any topic. OOs are meant to inspire your audience. OO differs from its sister event, OA, in that it does not propose a legislative action. Therefore, OO is mostly a speech event rather than an acting event.

OO is a Panel B event.

OO is a State and National event. 

Overview

An OPP is a original piece about anything the competitor wants it to be. It can be dramatic, humorous, or a mixture of both. The goal is to show off your creativity. OPP is one of the most flexible and unpredictable events for this exact reason. 

OPP is the only Original event that is an acting event, although many pieces have been performed that dictate current problems that are reminiscent of debate events, such as foreign affairs, the media's influence on society, and the state of our education system.

OPP is a Panel B event.

OPP is a State event.

Overview

An Expos is a speech supported by visual aids, typically in the form of posters. Expos is one of two events that are exempt from the "no props" rule, the other being TI. Expos is meant to inform the audience of a relatively current topic. Note that your visual aids are meant to support your speech, not the other way around. Think of Expos as an OO or an OA, only with posters in the background. Costumes are permitted as long as they are put on and taken off during the timed speech. Set up and take down will count towards your time limit as well, so we strongly advise that you aim for around 9 minutes. 

Expos topics have a wide range, including the benefits of going vegan, the reality of the medical care system, and even the history of bread.

Expos is a Panel A event.

Expos is a State event.