Choosing the “right” speech event isn’t a walk in the part. You’ll think one event may be perfect for you that you’ll later find out just doesn’t fit you, and vice versa. Still, finding your ideal category doesn’t have to be random. Here are the 5 best ways to figure out which speech event is truly the best match for you:

1. Know Your Strengths

First things first: figure out what you’re naturally good at.

• Are you a strong writer who loves crafting arguments? Events like Original Oratory (OO) or Informative might be a great fit.

• Are you quick-witted and love thinking on your feet? Extemp could be your stuff.

• Are you theatrical, love storytelling, or good at capturing emotion? Interpretation events like HI, DI, or Duo might be the move.

The best speech event 9/10 will highlight your natural abilities

2. Try a Little Bit of Everything

This is far more straightforward and a bit obvious but so many people seem to forget that you don’t have to marry your event on day one.
Especially early in the season, test different categories. Write a mini speech. Try a practice round. Watch rounds online. Record yourself and see what feels most natural.

You can’t know until you try.

3. Pay Attention to What Energizes You

It’s one thing to be good at something.
It’s another thing to love it.

Ask yourself:

• Which practices leave you feeling excited instead of drained?

• What types of speeches do you look forward to giving?

• What event makes you want to keep improving, even after a rough tournament?

The best category for you is the one that feeds your energy. If you dread practice every week, that’s a sign you might need a different event.

4. Study Your Favorite Speakers

Who do you love watching at tournaments?
Who leaves you thinking, I want to be like that?

Chances are, your role models are doing events that match what you naturally admire. Just study what they do

If you want to emulate someone else whilst keeping your own unique style, then by all means go and do just that. You don’t have to swing for the fences

If you find yourself obsessed with Extempers’ speaking or by a DI performer’s emotion, that’s a strong clue about where you might fit best, too.

5. Match Your Goals to Your Event

Finally, think about what you want out of speech.

Some people are just aiming to reach the highest stages and be the best. If you’re aiming for national trophies, then it should be known that some events are more competitive than others. (Although it shouldn’t bother you if you really want to be the best). If you want to improve your real-world speaking skills then events like Extemp and OO translate well to careers like law, journalism, and politics. So on and so forth

Speech is a long season. Make sure the event you choose lines up with why you’re doing it in the first place.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, picking the right speech category is about being honest with yourself.

Don’t chase what’s popular. Don’t force yourself into an event just because your friends are doing it.

Because when you’re doing the event that truly fits you, your performance will feel less like a struggle, and your speech will feel less like hell. You've got this!

The Forensic Funnel Team