A Biographical Narrative is an original platform speech

that focuses on the relevance and/or contributions of a

single persons life.

BIOGRAPHICAL NARRATIVE
SPECIFIC EVENT RULES
Goal: The goal of the speech is to focus on the relevance and/or contributions of a single persons life.
Time: 10-minute maximum; no minimum time. There is no official penalty for time, and judges may use
discretion when weighing a speakers time into their ranking. The speaker should not be penalized for excessive
audience laughter, which may occasionally extend the time of a speech.
Rules: All General Individual Event Rules and Script Submission Rules and Guidelines must be followed,
along with the specific event rules below.
1. The speech must be an original work, scripted word for word by the speaker.
2. The main subject of the speech should be a current or historical figure, known or unknown to the
audience. The focus of the speech may not be the speaker. Fictitious characters are not allowed.
3. Directly quoted material may comprise a maximum of 30% of the total words in the speech.
4. A speaker must use a minimum of 3 separate sources of information about their subject.
5. Sources used for outside material must be cited parenthetically within the script and listed on the
Source Citation Page. The term sources refers to books, websites, interviews, song lyrics, etc.
6. Sources used for outside material must be mentioned in the verbal delivery of the speech. Outside
material refers to direct quotations, specific information, and/or another persons research, theories
and/or concepts. Specific information that is considered to be common knowledge and can be found in
multiple locations does not need to be cited in any way.
7. Visual aids, electronics, and costumes are not allowed. The term visual aids refers to items or
audience members used to enhance the speech. A costume refers to a part or all of the speakers attire
that is worn to enhance the speech.
8. Only feet are permitted to touch the floor at any time.

NCFCA Biographical Narrative Rules - Revised August 2015