Impromptu FAQ (PDF, revised 10/09)

The Impromptu FAQ contains rules clarifications provided by NCFCA for use by both participants and Tournament Directors.

Can I be creative in the way I address the topic?

Yes, the speaker may approach the topic in any way he or she chooses but the topic must be the central theme of the speech and not peripheral to it.

Can I tell others about the topic of my speech or other speeches in the round?

Speakers will not disclose the topics to other students until after the round has finished.

Why is the student not allowed to disclose topics after leaving the room?

Disclosing topics would allow other competitors to have an advantage of additional time to think about their speech.

My child has special needs and/or circumstances. Can he be considered an exception to a competition rule?

From a practical standpoint, an exception here would open the door for a host of exceptions. An unlimited number of participants could see themselves in need of exceptions and an infinite number of potential exceptions requested. It becomes highly complicated to communicate the variety of potential exceptions to the judges as well as competitors. The ultimate purpose for participating in competitive forensics is for to improve communication skills. Special students have shown much improvement in this environment.