Cocoa Cup Junior Tournament

We invite younger students to experience speech competition at this tournament at our Junior Speech Tournament.

Your child is welcome to participate even though your family is not a regular member of the Stoa League. For insurance purposes you must become a member, but families with junior members only can register for $25. Click on the link below for details and registration link:
http://www.stoausa.org/membership

Ages: 6-12

There will be two rounds held on Saturday, April 6th.

This schedule may change depending on the number of participants.

Events: Interpretation, Duo Interpretation, Platform, Apologetics, and Impromptu

Cost: $10 per event. Maximum $20/competitor

Each competitor may compete in up to 3 events.

No script submission is necessary. We will ask available tournament competitors, older siblings, and community members to judge. Parents, we will need you to judge at the main tournament as much as possible. The rules for these events are described below. Please contact Kael Nielson ([email protected]) if you have questions.

Parents ~ Make sure child's presentation meets time frame and the content is appropriate for all ages of audience.

Platform – a speech on any topic
The speech must be an original work, scripted word for word by the competitor. Humor and satire are permitted. Props are allowed. Only feet are permitted to touch the floor at any time.
Students are permitted to express opinions which are contrary to those of the judge. All outside sources must be cited within the speech. Memorization is encouraged but there is not an automatic penalty for using a script.
Time limit: 5-7 minutes maximum; no minimum time.

Interpretation – a speech using literature
Junior Interpretation provides an unrestricted opportunity for a student to creatively explore and develop the intellectual, emotional, and artistic embodiment of any type of literature he or she chooses. This may include original work, unpublished work by others, or traditional published material. Any genre is acceptable including, but not limited to: prose, poetry, storytelling, historical speeches, historical sermons, and thematic selections. Media transcriptions from movies, TV, or tape recordings are not allowed.
Selections may be humorous, dramatic, or a combination of the two. The title(s) and author(s) of the selection(s) must be introduced. The identification of the piece should be near the beginning of the piece but may follow a teaser or other background information. No props, costumes, audiovisuals, or gratuitous vulgarity will be allowed. Limited singing and dancing is permitted but it must be purposeful and motivated by the literature. All action should generally take place center stage. Only feet are permitted to touch the floor at any time.
Memorization is encouraged but there is not an automatic penalty for using a script.
Time limit: 5-7 minutes maximum; no minimum time.

Apologetics - a speech prepared on the Attributes of God
The student will choose 2 topics to prepare speeches on in advance of the tournament from posted topics under the "Junior Tournament Apologetics" Tab in the area of Apologetics. Each round the student will present a different topic from their 2 prepared presentations. Families are encouraged to study the material with their juniors to help develop the cards and understand the material.
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"Learning About God from A to Z," by Mary Erickson, is a resource material which makes it fun for the family to study these topics . Please begin on this early.

There will be NO prep time AND notes (4x6 cards) may be used during speaking time. This does not need to be memorized.
Time Limit: 4-5 mins

Impromptu - a limited prep speech
1. You must pick three topics set out on the table by one of the judges.
2. You must choose one topic quickly as “prep-time” (thinking time) begins when you take the topics from the table. “Prep-time” lasts for three minutes.
3. The timekeeper will start the timepiece when the speaker draws and will give auditory countdown signals every minute until three minutes of prep time have elapsed. Unused preparation time may not be added to the speaking time.
4. No outside sources may be brought into the room other than a blank piece of paper. You may write notes during “prep-time,” but you cannot use them during your speaking time.
5. The chosen topic paper may be held and quoted from during the speech but no notes may be written on the chosen topic paper.
6. No visual aids or props may be used.
7. You must state your name.
8. You must state your topic somewhere near the beginning of your speech.
9. Each speech should adhere to the chosen topic, while demonstrating originality and creativity.
10. Only feet are permitted to touch the floor at any time.
11. You may not watch any other speakers before you, only those that compete afterwards.
12. The judge will set aside the chosen topic after the speech, so that it is not chosen again.
13. Each speech may be a maximum of three minutes. There is no minimum time.
Preparation time – Three (3) minutes.
Speaking time limit - Three (3) minutes maximum. No minimum time.Time Limit: