Introduction to Speech Events

At 3Down Studio, we're a community of competitors, coaches, and creatives who know the grind — the late-night script cuts, the last-minute intro rewrites, the chase for the perfect hook. We've stood in final rounds, waited for ranks, and learned what makes a piece work. This space was built by speech people, for speech people — to make powerful, personalized scripts more accessible to other competitors chasing the 1.

What Speech Event Is Right for You?

Do you want to be informational or acting-based?
Informational
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POI
Acting-Based
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Solo or Partner?
Solo
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DI
HI
Partner
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DUO
DUET

The Events (Easiest to Most Difficult)

Dramatic Interpretation (DI)

Solo EventBeginner Friendly

Perform a dramatic piece of literature or media in 10 minutes. Often monologue-style and great for beginners — it typically involves one character and embraces emotional storytelling. Expect serious themes, strong tone control, and a powerful connection to your audience.

Humorous Interpretation (HI)

Solo EventBeginner Friendly

Tell a complete comedic story in 10 minutes using an originally humorous text. This fast-paced event often involves 'popping' between characters and energetic delivery. It's a physical workout that demands voice control, comedic timing, and personality.

Duo Interpretation (DUO)

Partner EventIntermediate

Two performers act without ever making eye contact, touching, or using props. It's abstract and movement-heavy — great for exploring emotions, timelines, and synchronized performance. Can be funny or dramatic, and works well for soloists who want to try partner events.

Duet Interpretation (DUET)

Partner EventIntermediate

The most stage-like of the events. Duets use full interaction, voice, physicality, and minimal props (two chairs). You and your partner create any kind of world together. Great for students with theater backgrounds. Expect dynamic movement and detailed character work.

Program Oral Interpretation (POI)

Solo EventAdvanced

Mix and match various sources — poetry, prose, drama, articles — to tell one unified story. Performers shift between characters and styles while holding a small black binder that can represent props. POI is advanced, rewarding creative risk and complexity. Think of it as a remix of literature with a message.

🎙️ The Speech Glossary: A Beginner's Guide to the Lingo

Time Signals(n.)
Keeping Time(v.)
Signing In(v.)
Frankensteining It(v.)
Filler Words(n.)
Documentation(n.)
Popping(v.)
Filler(n.)
Teaser Intro(n.)
Hook(n.)
Book/Binder(n.)
Book Tech(n.)
Chair Tech(n.)
Page Turns(n.)
Pantomiming(v.)
Transition Noise(n.)
Kristy Thomas(n.)

The Novices Handbook
(When and Where to Fake it)

Professional competitor in formal attire with first place medal
1

All pieces must come from a single published work (e.g., one book, one episode, one play). If you couldn't buy it individually, you can't cut it.

2

Every event listed here is 10 minutes, timed (with a 30 second grace period), and must include an original intro explaining the piece's significance. The intro should also name the title and author.

3

Creative liberty is key — when the timer starts, who knows what lines, blocking, or even sources you'll bullshit. But when the fist goes up, you better have presented a believable outline to hold it all together.

4

Props? Use what you're allowed. The binder (POI) and chairs (Duet) can become anything. Be inventive.

5

You can enter more than one event. Competing in multiple categories is common — and it's often a right of passage so go crazy!

6

Dress well and learn the lingo — this competition is all about faking it till you make it. If you're going to shake on stage, you're better off doing it in a blazer and dress shoes.

Ready to Get Started?

Now that you know the events, let's create a script that will help you chase that 1st place finish.

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