Coach: Steve Barth
My name is Mr. Barth. This is my 11th year as the Speech & Debate coach for the school. I competed in Speech and Debate in both high school and college. In high school I focused on humorous interp, duo interp, and creative storytelling (not offered in Oregon), and competed for the State Championships in those categories. In college, I expanded into platform speaking events such as informative, persuasive, impromptu and extemporaneous speaking. I also competed in CEDA style cross-exam debate as well as the readers theater event (not offered at the high school level) and competed at college national championships.
I believe every high school student should improve their public speaking skills. As such, I volunteer as much as I can at the State level to try to promote effective speech and debate programs. During the 2016 - 2019 seasons I served as the treasure of the Oregon High School Speech League Coaches Association (OHSSL-CA), a council of coaches who assist the OSAA in running speech and debate throughout Oregon. In prior years, I also served as 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President, President, and Ombudsman for the organization.
I believe I have “Speech and Debate blood” as my mom coached high school Speech & Debate for 15 years in Colorado, 10 of which her team won the state championships. She was on the Colorado State Speech Board of Directors (similar to OSAA) and will be a resource for our team throughout the season.
If you have any questions, or would like to join the team, I can be contacted the following ways:
Phone/Text: 541.214.4858
e-mail: sbarth@marisths.net
I believe every high school student should improve their public speaking skills. As such, I volunteer as much as I can at the State level to try to promote effective speech and debate programs. During the 2016 - 2019 seasons I served as the treasure of the Oregon High School Speech League Coaches Association (OHSSL-CA), a council of coaches who assist the OSAA in running speech and debate throughout Oregon. In prior years, I also served as 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President, President, and Ombudsman for the organization.
I believe I have “Speech and Debate blood” as my mom coached high school Speech & Debate for 15 years in Colorado, 10 of which her team won the state championships. She was on the Colorado State Speech Board of Directors (similar to OSAA) and will be a resource for our team throughout the season.
If you have any questions, or would like to join the team, I can be contacted the following ways:
Phone/Text: 541.214.4858
e-mail: sbarth@marisths.net
Event Lists, Description and Resources for Competitors
Students may compete in the following events. In order to compete in tournaments, students must compete in a minimum of 2 events. Below is a description of each event (our nickname for it can be found in the parenthesis.. We have our own language in this activity!), a video example so you can see what it looks like, and any other pertinent information.
POLICY DEBATE
Description: Traditional two-person team policy debate. Teams research and write a case on a pre-selected topic, then use published evidence to reinforce their case as the opponent tries to destroy it. All arguing is done with published evidence so this style of debate takes a lot of research and prep.
Handouts:
Event Notes
Current Topic: (For the entire 2019-2020 School Year)
Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially reduce Direct Commercial Sales and/or Foreign Military Sales of arms from the United States.
Handouts:
Event Notes
Current Topic: (For the entire 2019-2020 School Year)
Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially reduce Direct Commercial Sales and/or Foreign Military Sales of arms from the United States.
Sample Public Forum Debate Round:
PARLIAMENTARY DEBATE
Description: Two-person team debate. This could be considered impromptu debate. Teams are given the topic 15 minutes before the round begins and may ONLY use a dictionary for prep. Teams must use their understanding of debate, to represent their side and convince the judge to vote for them, while using logic to dismantle the other sides case.
Handouts:
Parliamentary Debate Notes (Previous called Public Debate)
Handouts:
Parliamentary Debate Notes (Previous called Public Debate)
Parliamentary Debate Overview
Parly Debate Round Walk-Through
How to Write a Parliamentary Debate Case
Sample Parliamentary Debate Round:
Please note: The following round takes place in California, so the rules/procedures may be slightly different from Oregon rules. But this will at lease give you a sense of what the event looks like.
PUBLIC FORUM (POFO) DEBATE
Description: Two-person team debate. Teams debate a topic in a style that emphasizes persuasive speaking. Your job is to convince the judge that you are right and you win. It is intended to be judged by non-debaters and is far less structured than CrossX or LD.
Handouts:
Guide to Public Forum
Public Forum Notes
Current Topic: (Through January 2021)
Resolved: The National Security Agency should end its surveillance of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
Handouts:
Guide to Public Forum
Public Forum Notes
Current Topic: (Through January 2021)
Resolved: The National Security Agency should end its surveillance of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
Public Forum Debate Overview
Sample Public Forum Debate Round:
Please note: The following round takes place in California, so the rules/procedures may be slightly different from Oregon rules. But this will at lease give you a sense of what the event looks like.
LINCOLN DOUGLAS DEBATE
Description: Lincoln–Douglas debate is a type of one-on-one debate. It is sometimes also called value debate because the format traditionally places a heavy emphasis on logic, ethical values, and philosophy.
VIDEOS
RESOURCES
VIDEOS
- 2019 National Finals Resolved: Violent revolution is a just response to political oppression.
- 2018 Ohio NSDA Qualifier (this debate starts at 6:05) R: The United States ought to provide a Universal Basic Income.
- 2010 National Finals R: Compulsory inclusion of non-felons’ DNA by any government database is unjust.
RESOURCES
- 2004 National Finals (novice topic) R: Civil Disobedience in a democracy is morally justified.
- OSAA LD ballot Click Here
- Current topics Click Here
- 1AC and 1NC template CLICK HERE
- LD Judge Training
- How to Flow Click Here
- Topic Analysis video for the NSDA Sep/Oct 2021 topic "Resolved: The member nations of the World Trade Organization ought to reduce intellectual property protections for medicines." Click Here
Lincoln Douglas Debate Overview
Sample Public Forum Debate Round:
After Dinner Speaking (ADS)
Description: Students write a 6 minute speech on a serious topic, but uses humor in its delivery. This is not a stand-up comedy act, its a serious speech (in its structure) that’s just darn funny to hear!
VIDEOS
RESOURCES
VIDEOS
- Four years of Oregon OSAA state finals (2012-2015) Click Here
RESOURCES
- OSAA ADS ballot Click Here
After Dinner Speaking Overview
Sample 1 ADS: Marist's Own Danielle Shojai, Class of 2019
Sample 2 ADS:
EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING (EXTEMP)
- EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING (EXTEMP)
- Description: An informative, factual speech on a current event topic that uses published sources and a speakers skill to deliver. Speech topics are handed out 30 minutes before the round begins. 8 minute speech maximum.
VIDEOS- 2019 (US) “How will the Green New Deal influence future environmental legislation?” Click Here
- 2017 (International) “What can be done to alleviate Venezuela’s economic crisis?” Click Here
RESOURCES- OSAA Extemp Ballot Click Here
- Student Perspective on Extemp (US) Click Here
- Student Perspective on Extemp (IX - international) Click Here
- Excellent Extemp prep resource with articles and weekly practice questions Click Here
- Top 5 Extemp tips Click Here
- Free Extemp Textbook Click Here
Sample Topics:
United States Extemporaneous Speaking- What do new concerns over lethal injection mean for the future of the death penalty?
- What explains the US economy’s poor Q1 performance?
- Is NASA's Curiosity Mars rover delivering on expectations?
- Is Jeb Bush emerging as the GOP frontrunner?
- Is Obamacare doing better than expected?
- Should the NBA force Donald Sterling to sell his team?
- Is Barack Obama already a lame duck?
- Would raising the minimum wage successfully reduce poverty?
- Should the US continue to cut military spending?
- How is inequality in K-12 education affecting the United States?
International Extemporaneous Speaking- How should Ukraine’s government respond to Russian separatists?
- Will sanctions against Russia achieve their goal?
- What is driving China’s problems with internal ethnic conflict?
- Has the world forgotten about Syria?
- What does the failure of peace talks with the Palestinians mean for Israel’s future?
- Will Thailand’s July elections ease or exacerbate political tensions?
- What is at stake in Iraq’s nationwide parliamentary elections?
- What are the greatest challenges facing the United States’ foreign policy toward Asia?
- Why are Dilma Rousseff’s approval ratings slipping?
- Why is violence overwhelming South Sudan?
- Extemporaneous Speaking Overview
- Sample Extemp:
- NOTE: In the video sample, the competitor is competing in a state that uses a 2 minutes prep-time rule. In Oregon competition there is only 30 seconds for prep before the speech!
Extemporaneous Speaking Overview
Sample Extemp:
NOTE: In the video sample, the competitor is competing in a state that uses a 2 minutes prep-time rule. In Oregon competition there is only 30 seconds for prep before the speech!
IMPROMPTU SPEAKING
Description: An informative, 5 minute speech. Speakers are given a single word, or phrase 30 seconds before the speech begins and must be able to mentally draft their speech on the fly, while also using good presentation skills.
VIDEOS
VIDEOS
- A state champion breaks down his speech: Click Here
- 2018 National Champion (poor audio but great speech) Click Here
- 2014 National Champion Click Here
- OSAA Impromptu ballot Click Here
- Judge Training video: Click Here
- Strategy Video Click Here
Impromptu Speaking Overview
Sample Impromptu:
NOTE: In the video sample, the competitor is competing in a state that uses a 2 minutes prep-time rule. In Oregon competition there is only 30 seconds for prep before the speech!
INFORMATIVE SPEAKING
Description: Also called “Speech to Inform”. This is simply an 10-minute, informative speech on a subject the student chooses. Intended to persuade, inform, entertain while making its desired point.
VIDEOS
VIDEOS
- 2020 National Champion Click Here
- 2019 National Finalist “Beyond Pink and Blue” Click Here
- 2019 National Finalist “Who You Callin’ Hysterical?” Click Here
- 2017 National Finalist “The Birds and the Weaves” Click Here
- OSAA Inform ballot Click Here
- What to expect in informative speaking Click Here
- How to Judge Informative Click Here
- Solid foundation handout Click Here
- Writing an introduction Click Here
Informative Speaking Overview
Sample Informative:
Sample Informative 2:
ORIGINAL ORATORY
Description: A 10 minute speech on any subject the speakers choose. This is a prepared, polished, well-written, speech that can be on any topic, personal to you, or otherwise
VIDEOS
RESOURCES
VIDEOS
- 2019 National Champion “Simply Put” Click Here
- 2018 National Champion “Our Quest for the Golden Apple” Click Here
RESOURCES
- OSAA Oratory Ballot Click Here
Original Oratory Overview
Sample Oratory:
RADIO COMMENTARY
Description: A five minute, original speech featuring information about topical events. The speech is read and judges do not see competitors, just listen to their voices. Its all in the delivery and quality of news writing.
RESOURCES
RESOURCES
- OSAA Radio ballot Click Here
- Organizational Template Click Here
Radio Commentary Overview
Sample Radio:
PLEASE NOTE: The following speech is from North Dakota and follows different rules from what we do here in Oregon. The first 2:50 seconds do not apply to Oregon State rules.Start listening at 2:51 to get a sense of the commentary aspect. Sorry, there are not a lot of good radio examples on the internet that I can find!
DRAMATIC INTERPRETATION
Description: A MEMORIZED 10 minute interpretation of a published work, sometimes from a printed novel, short story or play. This event focuses on pieces that are serious in nature. Ideal for those looking to improve acting skills.
VIDEOS
RESOURCES
VIDEOS
- 2019 Finalist “This Is Just My Face; Try Not to Stare” Click Here
- 2017 Finalist “Some People” Click Here
RESOURCES
- DUO, HI, and DI Tips Click Here
- Five Interp Tips Click Here
- OSAA DI ballot Click Here
How To Perform Dramatic Interpretation
How to Cut a Dramatic Interp Piece:
Sample Dramatic Interpretation:
HUMOROUS INTERPRETATION
Description: A 10 minute interpretation of a published work, sometimes from a printed novel, short story or play. This event focuses on pieces that are humorous in nature. Ideal for those looking to improve acting skills.
VIDEOS
VIDEOS
- 2016 National Champion “Defending Your Life” Click Here
- 2017 Finalist “Tammy” Click Here
- DUO, HI, and DI Tips Click Here
- Five Interp Tips Click Here
- OSAA HI ballot Click Here
How To Perform Humorous Interpretation
How to Cut a Humorous Interp Piece:
Sample Humorous Interpretation:
DUO INTERPRETATION
Description: A 10 minute interpretation of a published work, sometimes from a printed novel, short story or play. This event is performed with a partner, thus creating for more possibility for interaction and acting performance.
Time: 10:00 with 0:30 grace
VIDEOS
Time: 10:00 with 0:30 grace
VIDEOS
- 2015 National Champions “Jackie & Me” Click Here
- 2008 National Champions “Charlotte’s Web” Click Here
- OSAA Duo ballot Click Here
- Interview with National Runner-up Click Here
- Possible source material Click Here
- What to expect in Duo from a competitor Click Here
- DUO, HI, and DI Tips Click Here
- Five Interp Tips Click Herewe
How To Perform Duo Interpretation
How to Cut a Duo Piece:
PROSE
Description: An 8-minute interpretation of prose that encourages narration and dialogue to tell a story. All source material must be taken from published sources.
VIDEOS
RESOURCES
VIDEOS
- 2019 National Champion “A Walk to Remember” Click Here
- 2019 Prose Showcase “Furiously Happy” Click Here
- 2013 Illinois State Champion “Sam the Cat” Click Here
- 2020 Illinois State Champion “Hannah’s Gift” Click Here
RESOURCES
- OSAA Prose ballot Click Here
How To Perform Prose
How to Cut a Prose Piece:
Sample Prose
POETRY
Description: An 8-minute interpretation of poems taken from published sources. A minimum of 3 poems can be used (maximum of 8) to create a speech theme.
VIDEOS
RESOURCES
VIDEOS
- 2020 Illinois State Champion “Fighting to be Okay” Click Here (starts at 3:20)
- 2019 National Champion “Black Faith” Click Here
- 2014 National Finalist “What Girls Look for in Guys.” Click Here
RESOURCES
- OSAA Poetry ballot Click Here
Poetry Overview
How to Cut for Interpretation Pieces
Sample Poetry:
PROGRAM ORAL INTERPRETATION (POI)
Description: A 10 minute interpretation featuring a collection and combination of thematically linked literature taken from multiple media types chosen from two or more genres of literature and writing (most common will be readings from Prose, Poetry, and Drama).
VIDEOS
RESOURCES
VIDEOS
- 2019 National Champion “Debate Like a Girl” Click Here
- 2016 National Runner-up “Don’t Stand Up, Stand By” Click Here
RESOURCES
- How to Judge Click Here
- OSAA POI ballot Click Here
- Getting Started in POI Click Here