An Informative speech is an original platform speech on any

topic the speaker chooses. The primary goals of the speech

are to inform, instruct, and/or inspire.

INFORMATIVE SPEAKING
SPECIFIC EVENT RULES
Goal: The goal of the speech is to inform, instruct, and/or inspire.
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. Directly quoted material may comprise a maximum of 30% of the total words in the speech.
3. Any sources used 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Only feet are permitted to touch the floor at any time.

NCFCA Informative Speaking Rules

Revised August 2015