UIL - University Interscholastic League

Speech & Debate: Event Overview

Event Time Limit Synopsis Delivery
Prose Interpretation 7 Minutes; no grace oral interpretation of prose
  • prepare 2 performances from 2 specified categories of literature;
  • documentation of categories often required
  • oral reading
  • not memorized except for the introduction
Poetry Interpretation 7 Minutes; no grace oral interpretation of poetry
  • prepare 2 performances from 2 specified categories of literature;
  • documentation of categories often required
  • oral reading
  • not memorized except for the introduction
Informative Speaking 7 Minutes; can finish sentence speech is informative in nature
  • the speaker draws 5 current event topics
  • chooses one on which to speak after 30 minutes of preparation time
  • 1 notecard allowed
Persuasive Speaking 7 Minutes; can finish sentence speech is persuasive in nature
  • the speaker draws 5 current event topics
  • chooses one on which to speak after 30 minutes of preparation time
  • 1 notecard allowed
Lincoln-Douglas Debate 6-3-7-3-4-6-3
4 minute preparation		 one person on each side debating value resolutions
  • UIL fall topic used August - December
  • Spring topic used January - May
  • Topic available on UIL website
Cross-Examination Debate 8-3-8-3-8-3-8-3-5-5-5-5
8 minute preparation		 two-member teams debating policy question
  • Topic released each January for the following year
  • Broad national topic remains the same all year
  • Topic available on UIL website