Beginners (ages 4-8): Interpretation or Recitation

Beginners only give their speech once - during the first speech round
Beginners can recite anything they choose (e.g. a poem or Bible passage) or, if they prefer, they may do a piece in the interpretive style. If they choose to do an interpretive speech, the basic rules of open interpretive speeches should be followed with the exceptions listed below. (Please see complete event rules at NCFCA) However, the competitor does not need to worry about into which specific interpretive category his speech falls and these interpretives will be considered “open.” For either type of speech for this age group:


  • There will be no penalty for use of a script, but it is highly discouraged.

  • No script submissions are needed.

  • There will be a maximum time limit of 5 minutes.

  • There will be no minimum time limit.

  • Participants MAY use a simple prop if they wish.

  • We will choose our judges with care to provide an encouraging experience for beginners.

  • Beginners will not be placed #1, 2, and 3 but will be given individual comments and ballots.

  • Beginners will give their speech once on Saturday morning and can enter one event.

  • There is a "judge" in the room, but this event is intended to have a relaxed, "speech party" feel to it. Parents and students sit and enjoy each speech and clap.

Juniors (ages 9-11):

Follow the NCFCA rules for these events with the listed exceptions. (Please see complete event rules at NCFCA.)


  • There will be no penalty for use of a script, but it is highly discouraged.

  • No script submissions are needed.

  • Juniors give their speeches twice on Saturday and can enter up to 2 events.


Illustrated Oratory (JR IO)- up to 5 minutes and no restrictions on the visual aids.
Interpretive (JR INTERP)– While the rules to Open, Oratorical or Biblical Thematic should be followed, the competitor does not need to worry about into which specific interpretive category his speech falls. Maximum- 7 minutes (recommended at least 2 minutes)

Speech Events for ages 12 & up (Please see complete event rules at NCFCA.)

Biblical Thematic (BT)
Duo Interpretation (DUO)
Open Interpretation (OPEN)
Original Interpretation (OI)
Extemporaneous (EXT)
Digital Presentation (DP)
Informative (INF)
Persuasive (PER)
Apologetics (APOL)
Impromptu (IMP)

  • There will be no penalty for use of a script, but it is highly discouraged.
  • No script submissions are needed.
  • Competitors may enter up to 3 speech events