2021 Middle School Speech Challenge Booklet

WE A RE S PEECH & D E BAT E.

MIDDLE SCHOOL SPEECH CHALLENGE

WELCOME! Thank you for participating in the Middle School Speech Challenge. The purpose of the Middle School Speech Challenge is to give middle school students a low-stress, enjoyable competition opportunity that can be done from their homes.

The tournament will not feature any live performances or live judging. All middle school events will be offered as asynchronous recordings. The asynchronous model allows the NSDA to honor achievement while avoiding asking young competitors to solve technology and logistical issues on their own.

Judges will be assigned a series of preliminary rounds to judge within a window of time. Students will not be present while judges are scoring the rounds, but coaches will have access to judge feedback after the competition is judged.

The top students in each middle school event will be named as national middle school showcase finalists who will be recognized during the National Tournament Opening Ceremony (the livestream starts Sunday, June 13 at 6:00 p.m.

CT), and their recorded performances will be made available on the NSDA website as a resource and celebration.

CONGRATULATIONS! to all of our NSF and NDF alumni who qualified for the 2021 National Tournament!

PROUD SPONSOR OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOL NATIONAL TOURNAMENT SINCE 2015

JOIN US FOR AN ONLINE SESSION THIS SUMMER! SESSION 1 ONE WEEK: JUNE 28 - JULY 5, 2021 TWO WEEK: JUNE 28 - JULY 11, 2021 SESSION 2 ONE WEEK: JULY 14 - JULY 20, 2021 TWO WEEK: JULY 14 - JULY 27, 2021

WWW.SUMMITDEBATE.COM WORK WITH THE BEST SPEECH AND DEBATE EDUCATORS FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY! Dr. Sandy Berkowitz Bob Ickes Nick Coburn-Palo Steve Clemmons Toni Heimes Christian Vasquez Bryce Piotrowski Nyla Crayton Anthony Ovadje

Gus Gerlach Lauryn Walker Cobin Szymanski Alessandro Perri Noah Mengisteab Joele Denis Jimi Morales Jeff Miller

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Lyndsey Oliver Chad Meadows Shane Stafford Ashley Murphy Cecilia Alali Sydney Vance Peyton Ronkin Zoe Spicer Joshua Enebo

SCHEDULE OVERVIEW June 7 - June 10 • Judges will receive their judging assignments through Tabroom.com by June 7. They will have until June 10 to watch videos of the performances and rank each of the competitors in the round.

June 13 • Stream the National Tournament Opening Ceremony to find out which students were selected as showcase finalists in each event! The top videos in each event will be showcased on the NSDA website by July.

EVENTS Many typical NSDA Middle School Nationals speech events will be offered: Declamation, Dramatic Interpretation, Humorous Interpretation, Informative Speaking (no visual aids permitted), Original Oratory, Poetry, Program Oral Interpretation, Storytelling, and Prose. Two additional events will be adapted to the asynchronous format: Prepared Mixed Extemporaneous Speaking and Prepared Prompt Speaking (revised version of Impromptu). In these two formats, students will receive lists of 10 topics or prompts on May 1. They will pick one to speak on and record and submit their speech on that topic within the typical time limits of those events.

Congressional Debate Authorship Challenge • In this event, competitors will select two pieces of legislation from the High School Nationals Congressional Debate Docket and construct two authorship speeches 3-5 minutes in length. Both speeches must be authorship speeches; negative responses to the legislation are not permitted. While students will write out the speeches, they should not be memorized. Eye contact and other aspects of nonverbal communication are important considerations. Students may speak from notes in any format. Students

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will give both of those speeches within a recording limit of 10 minutes and 30 seconds, taking prep time between speeches, if needed. Judges will evaluate the structure, arguments, evidence, and speaking abilities of each competitor and rank them against each other.

Pro Con Challenge • In this event, students will write a 3-5 minute affirmative case and a 3-5 minute negative case on the National Tournament topic for Lincoln-Douglas, Public Forum, or Policy Debate.

Both cases must be on the same topic. They will read both of those speeches within a recording limit of 10 minutes and 30 seconds. Judges will evaluate the structure, arguments, evidence, and speaking abilities of each competitor and rank them against each other. The event’s goal is to demonstrate that students have the ability to see multiple perspectives on an overall issue. While students will write out the speeches, they should not be memorized. Eye contact and other aspects of nonverbal communication are important considerations. Students may speak from notes in any format. It is important to remember that these speeches will be judged against any of the given topic areas all in one round. Thus, coaches and students may wish to make their speeches friendly to a wide range of judges.

NEW! Original Spoken Word Poetry • Students will write and perform original poetry. Original Spoken Word Poetry is poetry written for performance to express ideas, experience, or emotion through the creative arrangement of words according to their sound, their rhythm, their meaning. The maximum time limit is 5 minutes with a 30-second grace period. The delivery must be memorized, and no book or script may be used. A successful performer will craft a piece that elicits critical thought, reflection, or emotion. Spoken Word Poetry is created to be performed aloud and may feature rhythmic flow, vivid imagery, word play, gestures, lyrical elements, and repetition.

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ABOUT JUDGING Judges will need a Tabroom.com account in order to access their judging assignments and complete their ballots. To check that an account is set up and ready to go, judges should log in to Tabroom.com, click “Upcoming” under the Judging header on the right side of the page, and make sure “Middle School Speech Challenge” is listed.

All judges are eligible to judge all events. By June 7, judges can login to Tabroom.com and will see their assigned rounds. For each round they have been assigned, they will see the event, the round number (one through five) and a button that says “Start Round.” When judges click “Start Round,” it will take them to their ballot, which will have a space to rank each student from 1 to 7. Judges will watch each student’s video in order from the student listed at the top of the ballot to the student listed at the bottom of the ballot. The best performance will receive a 1, the second best will receive a 2, and so on. There is space on the ballot for judges to leave feedback for each competitor. Judges are encouraged to describe what the student did well, where they could improve, and why they received their rank.

Judges must adjudicate all of their assigned rounds by June 10. They may do so at any time in the June 7 - 10 window. Each school in the tournament has posted a $200 bond that will be refunded if all judges for a school complete their assignments on time. If a judge does not complete their judging assignments by the deadline, the school will lose their judge bond and be charged a $400 fine. An additional $400 fine will be assessed for additional judges that do not complete their assignments.

Equity is a core value of the National Speech & Debate Association, and we trust that our judges will help us live that value. Many students and judges do not have equal access to the internet and technology. Judges should not allow video/sound equipment quality, physical location, or other elements not in control of individual students to affect their decisions.

Visit www.speechandebate.org/competition-events to learn more about each of the events!

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PROCEDURES For complete Middle School Speech Challenge procedures, visit www.speechanddebate.org/nationals.

JUDGE TRAINING In partnership with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), we offer online training to help you identify the different types of speech and debate events and review basic judging guidelines. This course contains example student performances so you can practice judging while receiving tips on what to note during an actual round. We also offer cultural competency training for all judges. Visit www.speechanddebate. org/judge-training to get started!

Cultural Competency Training

Adjudicating Speech and Debate

NSDA HELPLINES info@speechanddebate.org • general inquiries about the Middle School Speech Challenge

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ABOUT THE SHOWCASE The top students in each middle school event will be named as National Middle School Showcase Finalists, and their recorded performances will be made available on the NSDA website as a resource and celebration. The number of competitors recognized will depend on the number of entries in that event. All students announced as showcase winners will receive an award shipped to their school. Schools will also be awarded based on Showcase recognition.

MIDDLE SCHOOL AWARDS MIDDLE SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR

Chris Wardner ALMADEN COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL SAN JOSE, CA

MIDDLE SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

Alfred F. Dugan III PRINCETON ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART PRINCETON, NJ

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THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS! Your support makes the life-changing benefits of speech and debate possible.

THANK YOU ON BEHALF OF THE THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS IN THIS ASSOCIATION.. . YOUR DEDICATION HAS MADE A SMALL, NERVOUS, FRIGHTENED GIRL INTO WHO I AM TODAY. IT WILL ALSO MAKE THOUSANDS OF OTHER CHILDREN INTO A GENERATION OF GLOBAL LEADERS.”

JACQUELINE WEI Plano West Sr. High School, TX – Class of 2019 2018 and 2019 United States Extemp national champion

Learn more at www.speechanddebate.org/donate

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MISSION The National Speech & Debate Association connects, supports, and inspires a diverse community committed to empowering students through speech and debate.

VISION We envision a world in which every school provides speech and debate programs to foster each student’s communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creative skills.

CORE VALUES Equity

Integrity

Respect

Leadership

Service

WE HONOR THE CODE.

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CODE OF HONOR “As a student or coach member of the National Speech & Debate Association, I pledge to uphold the highest standards of humility, equity, integrity, respect, leadership, and service in pursuit of excellence.”

HUMILITY: A member does not regard oneself more highly than others.

Regardless of a person’s level of success, an individual always looks beyond oneself to appreciate the inherent value of others.

EQUITY: A member respects individuals and their individual differences as well as fosters equity, diversity, and inclusion. A member promotes empowerment for people from all backgrounds, including race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and ability.

INTEGRITY: A member is honest, ethical, and adheres to the competition and conduct rules of the organization. A member follows the NSDA discrimination and harassment policy and abides by the rules of their schools, tournaments, and localities.

RESPECT: A member demonstrates civil discourse in their interactions with others. A member maintains and contributes to a safe space and welcoming environment for all.

LEADERSHIP: A member is aware their words and actions influence others.

A member commits to thoughtful and meaningful words and actions that reflect NSDA core values.

SERVICE: A member exercises their talents to provide service to peers, community, and the activity. At all times a member is prepared to work constructively to improve the lives of others. © National Speech & Debate Association

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HARASSMENT AND DISCRIMINATION POLICY The National Speech & Debate Association is committed to providing its participants, judges, coaches, and staff the opportunity to pursue excellence in their endeavors. This opportunity can exist only when each member of our community is assured an atmosphere of mutual respect. The NSDA prohibits all forms of harassment and discrimination.

Accordingly, all forms of harassment and discrimination, whether written or oral, based on race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, citizenship, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by any applicable federal, state, or local law are prohibited, whether committed by participants, judges, coaches, or observers. Individuals who are found to have violated this policy will be subject to the full range of sanctions, up to and including removal from the tournament premises.

EQUITY STATEMENT The National Speech & Debate Association is committed to modeling and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion for all speech and debate communities.

We are continuously transforming our organization to reflect and operationalize the values of equity, integrity, respect, leadership, and service.

We will take responsibility.

We will heed, learn, and evolve.

We will work conscientiously to model and foster an inclusive and equitable speech and debate experience for all.

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TOURNAMENT OFFICIALS

Amy Seidelman

J. Scott Wunn

Assistant Executive Director, Assistant Tournament Director

Executive Director, Tournament Director

Annie Reisener

Lauren Burdt

Manager of Tournament Operations

Manager of Competitions

Martin Glendinning Judge Chair

Aaron Hardy

Co-Chair of Computer Operations

Timothy E. Sheaff

Jacci Langston

Co-Awards Emcee

Co-Chair of Computer Operations

Co-Awards Emcee

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Chris Palmer

NATIONAL OFFICE STAFF

J. Scott Wunn

Executive Director, National Tournament Director

Aaron Hardy

Amy Seidelman

Assistant Executive Director, Assistant National Tournament Director

Nicole Wanzer-Serrano

Laura Stein

Director of Technology

Director of Business and Finance

Director of Development and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Juliette Reyes

Elena Cecil

Intern

Intern

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Erik Altman

Website Content Specialist

Amanda Bender

Walker Desing Video and Tech Support Specialist

Tova Hettinger

Membership Assistant

Kirsten Ellermann Executive Assistant

Lauren McCool

Big Questions Grants Administrator

Manager of District and Tournament Services

Annie Reisener

Susan Rhoades

Membership Manager

Mail Assistant

Lisa Vossekuil

Becky Wagner

Business and Finance Assistant

Matt Bopes

Trophy Shop Assistant

Trophy Shop Assistant

Emily Bratton

Graphic Designer and Publications Assistant

Amber Gracia

Lauren Burdt Competition Manager

Kevon Haughton

Development and Finance Tournament Services Coordinator Coordinator

Chris Palmer Developer

Grace Rogers Marketing Communications Specialist

Chad Wagner Trophy Shop Manager

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Deano Pape PT Support Specialist

Paul Searcy

Vicki Pape Publications Manager

Stephanie VanderBruggen

Full Stack Developer

Accounting Specialist

Eli Woody

Megan Wunn

Membership Assistant

Store Assistant

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Pam Cady Wycoff

Dr. Tommie Lindsey, Jr.

President

Vice President

Minnesota

Byron R. Arthur

David Huston

Adam J. Jacobi

Louisiana

Texas

Wisconsin

Jennifer M. Jerome

Renee C. Motter

Jay Rye

Nebraska

Colorado

Alabama

Alan Coverstone Dr. Mike Edmonds Washington, D.C.

California

Colorado

Sara Gibson

Tom Rollins

Robert Runcie

Colorado

Virginia

Admin Rep Florida

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EQUITY OFFICERS

J. Scott Baker

Mike Edmonds

Wisconsin

Colorado

Jan Friedman-Pizzo

Darrell Harvey

Oregon

Maryland

Jacci Langston

Renea Moss

Missouri

Florida

Adam Nelson

Kristi Thomas

Taiwan

Missouri

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NSDA STORE st ic ke rs

“H oo t a th ou gh t w e’ d be on lin e ag ai n? !”

N at s te es

ow l pl us hi e!

pi ns and bu tt on s

mousepad

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STREAM NATIONALS

LIVE .

live.speechanddebate.org – 17 –

NSDA STORE T - S h ir t s !

sp ee ch an d de ba te te es an d ho od ie s!

www.speechanddebate.org /store – 18 –

National Speech & Debate Association

EARN FUNDS FOR YOUR TEAM! Applications for the 2021-2022 school year will open in August 2021!

GET INVO LVED

WHAT IS BIG QUESTIONS?

1.

Big Questions is a debate format in which high school and middle school students will grapple with complex worldview questions. They debate both sides of a topic determined at the beginning of the school year. Schools are eligible to earn thousands of dollars by facilitating Big Questions debates.

VIRTUAL EVENTS ARE WELCOME!

2.

FORMAT AND STRUCTURE Big Questions is an accessible debate format that can be added to your tournament, held during your classroom period, or even done internally amongst your team.

The Big Questions format involves two opposing sides debating a topic concerning the intersection of science, philosophy, and religion. Students can choose to compete individually or with a partner.

3.

VISIT speechanddebate.org/ big-questions to learn more about Big Questions. We will announce the 2021-2022 BQ topic and open the application cycle in August.

Apply early—funding is limited.

PROMOTE, HOLD YOUR EVENT, and turn in a brief form afterwards to PROVIDE FEEDBACK on the event.

SPEND the Big Questions grant award! You can purchase supplies for your classroom or fund speech and debate activities.

Competitors are assigned a side, present the case, engage in rebuttal, and participate in question periods.

EARN MEMBERSHIP Due to the demand for the Big Questions grant, only NSDA members will be eligible to receive funding. If you currently are a non-member school, you can use part of your Big Questions grant to cover the cost of membership!

Contact us at info@speechanddebate.org with questions about how to get involved today!

Big Questions is presented by the NSDA through a generous grant provided by the John Templeton Foundation.

ACCESS OUR RESOURCES: speechanddebate.org/ big-questions

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS P L AT I N U M L E V E L

Arthur N. Rupe f oun dati on A N R F

Creative Solutions for Societal Issues

S I LV E R L E V E L

R U BY L E V E L

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Our generous sponsors make the National Speech & Debate Tournament possible! Thank you for showing your commitment to fostering excellence in young people through speech and debate activities. For a complete list of scholarship offerings, visit www.speechanddebate.org/nationals.

SAPPHIRE LEVEL

RICHARD BITNER

TOM AND VICKI ROLLINS

JAMES M. COPELAND

JOE AND PAM WYCOFF

EMERALD LEVEL

A. C. ELEY FUND

HAROLD C. KELLER FUND

SANDRA SILVERS FUND

CARMENDALE FERNANDES FUND

MCCARTHEY FAMILY FOUNDATION

RICHARD B. SODIKOW FUND

THE JEPS FOUNDATION

HARLAND B. MITCHELL FUND

BOB AND SALLI STOCKTON

VICTOR JIH

LANNY D. AND B. J. NAEGELIN FUND

WILLIAM WOODS TATE, JR., FUND

ADAM AND ASHLEY JOHNSON

DONUS AND LOVILA ROBERTS

TINA WANG FUND

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Mission

The National Speech & Debate Association connects, supports, and inspires a diverse community committed to empowering students through speech and debate.

Vision

We envision a world in which every school provides speech and debate programs to foster each student’s communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and creative skills.

www.speechanddebate.org

CONNECT. SUPPORT. INSPIRE.

@ speechanddebate #WeAreSpeechAndDebate #Nats21 speechanddebate speechanddebate www.linkedin.com/company/nationalspeech-and-debate-association