Crystal Lake Central Speech Team Handbook
2014-2015
Welcome to the Crystal Lake Central speech team. This handbook outlines expectations for speech team members. The final pages are an acknowledgement of having read the handbook and permission forms. These must be signed by a parent or guardian. Members will not be able to participate without these forms signed and returned to Mr. Chikos or Ms.Castillo.
Mr. Chikos may be reached at by email at His office is in room 200.Ms.Castillo can be reached at or in the English office.
Practices
Speech team is for students who can do independent work. Members are expected to practice every week with the coach but 95% of practice is independent. Members are expected to show improvement each week. Performances reflect effort.
A practice consists of a session with the coach and other members. During a practice, members will perform their piece and receive feedback for improvement.
Practices will be offeredMondays 3-5, Tuesdays 3-4,Wednesdays 3-5, and Thursdays 3-4by appointment.Members need to sign up for a practice sessionin advance. This can be done on a Google document.
Absences should be reported to a coach as soon as possible.
In order to perform at a tournament, members must demonstrate proficiency. Members will not be permitted to compete unless they have shown acceptable progress. Only the most proficient member in each category will be perform at each tournament. Non-performing members will have the opportunity to observe other performers and may have opportunities to perform in the case of an absence of a performing member.
Tryouts
At the beginning of the season, all members will perform a short piece in an area of interest. This is to help with category placement and to determine where they could be of most benefit for the team. The tryouts will be evaluated by the coaches.
Events
Dramatic Duet Acting (DDA) – Performing a serious piece with a partner
Humorous Duet Acting (HDA) – Performing a humorous piece with a partner
Dramatic Interpretation (DI) – Performing a serious solo piece as a character or characters.
Humorous Interpretation (HI) – Performing a humorous piece as a character or characters.
Extemporaneous Speaking (E) – Writing documented notes on a given subject and delivering a persuasive speech with 45 minutes of preparation.
Impromptu Speaking (I) – Writing notes on a given subject and delivering a persuasive speech with eight minutes of preparation.
Informative Speaking (IS) – Performing a piece about an area of interest, designed to inform instead of persuade.
Original Comedy (OC) – Writing and performing a humorous piece.
Oratorical Declamation (OD) – Delivering a speech, written by someone else.
Original Oratory (OO) – Delivering a speech written by the speaker.
Poetry (PO) – Interpretation ofa selection of poetry.
Prose (PR)– Interpretation of a short story selection.
Radio Speaking (RS) – Performing a news broadcast between 4:50 and 5:05 in length. Material is given to and edited by the performer.
Special Occasion Speaking (SOS) – Performing pieces for entertainment value. This may be humorous or inspirational.
Everyone should prepare for two events, for the strongest possibility of performing.
Tournaments
Tournaments are held on Saturdays and are all-day events. Members are expected to be on time for the bus, which arrivesvery early in the morning.
Tournaments are generally within an hour’s drive from Central. Due to liability reasons, every team member must ride the bus to and from the tournament. The bus will not wait for late members. At tournament sites, members are expected to stay on campus at all times and represent Central in the most positive manner. Food is usually available for purchase, but this tends to be somewhat expensive. Members are encouraged to bring their own lunch to save money.
There is a dress code for tournaments. Members should dress as if they are going on a business interview. Members come across as more professional and more likely to succeed when they dress well. It is not necessary to spend a lot to obtain a nice outfit.
Dress like these people
At the tournament members will be given a schedule for their events with the room numbers. Members are responsible for getting to their events within the host sites.
An event at a tournament consists of performing a piece in a classroom in front of the other competitors plus a judge. Pieces are about eight minutes in length and are typically performed three times in the preliminary rounds. Performers who do very well are often asked to advance to a final round.
At the end of tournaments, everyone meets in an area where the winners are announced. It is considered proper form to applaud for winners (unless asked to hold applause) and it is essential to give a standing ovation to all first place winners.
The team returns to campus in the early evening, usually around five or six.
Tournament Schedule
The tentativetournament schedule is as follows:
November 15that Huntley
November 22nd at Antioch
December 6that Cary
December 13th at Palatine
January 10that Buffalo Grove
January 17that Rolling Meadows
January 28th Conference, Site to be determined
February 7thRegionals, Place TBD
February 14thSectionals*, Place TBD
February 21st State*, Peoria
*If qualifying
Parental Involvement
Speech team needs a booster liaison to attend the booster club meetings once per month. If any parent is interested in serving, please contact Mr. Chikos.
Student Behavior
Members are expected to carry themselves in a classy manner throughout the season. Rude and/or offensive behavior will not be tolerated and can be punishable by suspension or dismissal from the team. While some liberties may be taken with language in a piece if it is germane, check with a coach for approval.
Members are required to pass their classes in order to compete. Speech has the same eligibility requirements as any other sport.
Memorization of material
In order to be successful, members need to have mastery of their material. Pieces must be memorized two weeks prior to competition. The remaining two weeks are dedicated to refining material. Members who do not have their pieces memorized two weeks in advance will not participate in the upcoming tournament.
Scarves
Central has a tradition of team scarves. It is no longer a requirement to purchase a scarf, but there is a limited number available for $25. See Mr. Chikos if interested.
Captains
Prior to the first tournament, the coaches will select two members to serve as team captains. Candidates for captain must have had at least one year of experience with the team to be eligible. Members may nominate themselves to one of the coaches.
Speech Team Permission Form
To be filled out by both student and parent