Discovered this tidbit on the NFL Website this morning. What’s interesting is that limited prep (ie, extemp) is not specifically mentioned. I wonder if that’s lumped under public address? Given the limited prep aspect of the event, I would think extempers would have a unique advantage; however, I can’t image them being excluded from an event. We’re following up with the NFL for more details.
Update: Just got word from the NFL that all students are welcome to participate in the event. Yes, extempers are particularly well-suited for this event. Looks like, Extemp Central’s national tournament prep could come in even more handy this June!
The first-ever supplemental debate event is scheduled for pilot implementation at the 2010 NFL National Speech and Debate Tournament in Kansas City. Any competitor in debate, public address, interp, or Congress may pre-register to compete in this new event.
Based on significant discussion and collaboration, the new event would modify existing rules of Parliamentary Debate to address the needs of a supplemental event at nationals. Under the proposed framework, the one-on-one debate format will address a topic that changes each round. The debate does not permit published material to be used or consulted during the round, but debaters may reference scholarly work in their speeches. Debaters will not read pre-written speeches, briefs, or evidence. Instead, debaters speak impromptu from a few notes that record the arguments the other debater made, as well as outline his/her own main points. Each of these points should be signposted, explained, supported by relevant facts and examples, and given impact. Debaters must learn to think on their feet, adding and elaborating upon arguments while speaking. However, unlike Parliamentary Debate, all time is protected. A speaker may not interrupt another. There is designated cross-examination of the proposition and opposition by the opposing debater immediately following the constructive speeches.
For more information, view the event announcement in the April Rostrum.
via the National Forensic League