The
Events
Events
The only two events that require a black book.
What is Prose & Poetry?
Before playing Ant-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe or being named People’s Sexiest Man Alive, this ageless actor made it all the way to the final round of Humorous Interpretation at the 1987 National Speech Tournament.
Who is Paul Rudd?
*shows up to any tournament they can squeeze into the basketball season*
Who is Mr. Scott?
The length of time that most events are required to be.
What is 8 minutes?
What is qualifying the most events to Sectionals? (12/14 events)
The Limited Prep events.
What is Extemp, Impromptu, and Radio?
Before voicing the lovable snowman Olaf or starring in Broadway’s The Book of Mormon, this actor was a powerhouse for the Nova High School speech team in Florida, winning the National Championship in Humorous Interpretation AND in Original Oratory in both 1998 and 1999.
"Eyebrows are the windows to the soul, not your eyes."
Who is Coach Pouls?
For liability reasons, students competing in duets are strictly prohibited from standing on these two provided pieces of host-site furniture.
What is a table and two chairs?
The only student (thus far) to be named a National Speech and Debate 'Academic All-American,' after competing at Nationals for the first time in LT History.
Who is London Muscolino?
Unlike standard speech events where speakers visually engage with their audience, competitors in Radio Speaking are entirely hidden from the judge OR must deliver their broadcast facing this specific direction.
What is backwards (away from the judge)?
Appointed to the nation's highest court in 2022, this Supreme Court Justice was a standout high school speech competitor in Humorous Interp at Miami Palmetto High School and has publicly credited her speech background with teaching her how to think critically under pressure.
Who is Ketanji Brown Jackson?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_wpT4hgu1w
(Note: Sonia Sotomayor is also a famous speech alum and can be accepted as an alternative answer!)
"just... feel all of the feelings!"
Who is Coach Gordon?
What happens when a Radio Speaker goes 5 seconds over or under time.
What is an automatic drop a rank?
The teacher at LT who coached speech for 20 years.
Who is Ms. Manthei?
(2005-2009 Assistant) (2009-2019 Head Coach)
Performers *cannot* play multiple characters in these two events.
What is HDA & DDA?
This Emmy-winning talk-show host honed his quick wit and sharp timing doing high school speech team at the Porter-Gaud School in South Carolina.
Who is Stephen Colbert?
"...walk with me."
Who is Coach Morris?
Per IHSA rules, the percentage of your script that is allowed to be in YOUR OWN words (including the Intro).
What is 15%?
Before saving lives on Baywatch or driving a talking car in Knight Rider, this actor found his voice on the Lyons Township High School speech team.
Who is David Hasselhoff?
The number of events that can have humor in them.
What is TEN?
HI, HDA, DI, DDA, PR, PO, ES, IMP, SOS, OC
Long before making history as the youngest two-time Emmy winner or desert-trekking in the Dune film franchise, this individual competed in Extemporaneous Speaking and Humorous Interpretation for Oakland School for the Arts.
Who is Zendaya?
(Fun fact: She frequently credits her high school speech team days with helping her overcome extreme childhood shyness and learning how to hold a room's attention during high-stakes auditions)
"LITERALLY YESSSSS!! I LOVE IT!!!!"
Who is Coach O'Malley?
For interpretation events like Prose, Poetry, or Dramatic Interpretation, the IHSA rules strictly state that all performed literature must have a verifiable date and proof of this.
What is publication?
The most events Lyons has qualified to IHSA State Final Tournament.
What is 3?
(2025 - DI, PR, SOS)
(2023 - DDA, ES, PR)
(2018 - ES, SOS)
(2014 - PR, SOS)