Speech Hub

A dramatic monologue or scene portraying one or a few characters from published literature, designed to move and engage the audience.

• •One or a few characters portrayed by a single performer
• •Focuses on deep character development, vocal range, and emotional resonance
• •Includes an original introduction explaining the piece's relevance
• •Strictly no props, costumes, or digital aids

A fast-paced comedic performance bringing a funny play, story, or script to life using dynamic character pop-ins, physical comedy, and timing.

• •Multiple distinct characters quickly popped between in rapid succession
• •Intended to create sustained comedic effect, laughter, and high energy
• •Strictly memorized with an original thematic introduction
• •No props or costumes allowed

Two performers stage a play, novel, or screenplay together. Performers must use offstage focus: no touching and no direct eye contact.

• •Two team members performing in complete synchronization
• •Strict offstage focus: actors look out toward audience, never looking directly at each other
• •Can be dramatic or humorous with complex blocking and sound effects
• •Both performers must remain memorized without props or costumes

A multi-genre performance combining prose, poetry, and drama excerpts centered around a pressing social theme or argument.

• •Must integrate at least two different genres of literature (e.g. poetry + prose or drama)
• •Performers hold a small black manuscript binder, using it creatively as a prop (e.g. a book, mirror, phone)
• •Must be memorized with pages turned smoothly in the binder
• •Focuses on thematic cohesion, advocacy, and diverse literary voices

An original creative work written entirely by the student. Can be dramatic, humorous, poetic, or a blend of story and verse.

• •100% self-authored creative writing (story, monologue, poetry)
• •Up to 150 words of quoted material permitted
• •Must be fully memorized with an introduction
• •California CHSSA / GGSA state championship qualifying event

Perform a speech originally delivered by someone else (e.g. famous commencement address, historical speech, or TED talk). Open to 9th and 10th graders only.

• •Speech must have been previously given in public (historical address, commencement, etc.)
• •Cut down to 10 minutes with an original student introduction
• •Focuses on message delivery, oratorical presence, and vocal nuance
• •Restricted to novice / freshman / sophomore competitors in CHSSA

A self-written, persuasive speech highlighting an overlooked societal issue, flaw, or human tendency, offering philosophical or cultural solutions.

• •Self-written 10-minute speech memorized from heart
• •Persuasive structure: identifies problem, cause, harm, and meaningful solution
• •Employs rhetorical appeals: Logos (evidence), Pathos (emotion), and Ethos (credibility)
• •Flagship NSDA and CHSSA platform speech event

An engaging speech designed to educate, enlighten, and explain a fascinating subject, scientific discovery, or unique cultural phenomenon.

• •Self-written 10-minute speech delivered from memory
• •Purpose is to explain, describe, and inform (not overtly persuade)
• •Visual aids permitted: 2D or 3D visual display boards, models, or posters
• •Known as Expository Speaking in older CHSSA state archives

A California state event where the speaker analyzes a domestic problem in the United States and advocates for a specific state or federal legislative solution.

• •10-minute self-written memorized speech
• •Must identify a concrete domestic problem facing the US or California
• •Must advocate for a specific, realistic policy / legislative bill / legal solution
• •CHSSA & GGSA state championship qualifying event

Speakers draw 3 questions about current domestic or foreign affairs, choose 1, spend 30 minutes researching using news files, and deliver an analytical 7-minute speech.

• •Divided into National Extemp (US politics, economics, law) and International Extemp (foreign policy, global diplomacy, world events)
• •30 minutes of preparation in a designated prep room with laptop news archives
• •7-minute speech answering the prompt with 5-8 cited credible sources (e.g. NYT, Reuters, Brookings)
• •Delivered without notes or from a single index card (memorized preferred at varsity levels)

Speakers draw 3 topics (abstract nouns, quotations, concrete objects, or current events), choose 1, take roughly 2 minutes to outline, and deliver a 5-minute speech.

• •7-minute total time bank (standard 2 minutes prep + 5 minutes speech)
• •Prompts include philosophical quotes, abstract concepts, historical figures, or everyday objects
• •Structured speech format: introduction with thesis, 2-3 examples (history, literature, culture), and takeaway
• •No notes, internet, or files allowed; completely delivered from memory and spontaneous thinking