NSDA Speech Evaluator Rules V2026

1. Competition Event

Original Oratory Rules
  • Maximum Time: 10:00 mins
  • Grace Period: 30 seconds
  • Direct Quotations: Max 150 words
  • Speech Type: Original Work Required
  • Visual Aids: Not Permitted

2. Speech Audio Input

Drag and drop audio file here

Supports WAV, MP3, M4A, OGG or browse files
speech_draft.mp3 00:00
Size: 4.2 MB
00:00.0
Click to start recording microphone

3. Quick Test Speech Samples

No audio file? Load a pre-transcribed competitive speech sample with simulated timings to try out the evaluator.

4. Speech Audio Waveform 0:00 / 0:00

Provide audio file or recording to visualize waveform
0:00

5. Speech Transcript

Recognition Idle
Words: 0 | Characters: 0
Quoted: 0 / 150 words

6. Vocal Emotion Comparison Matrix

Side-by-side emotional comparison: what your voice expressed (left column) vs. the SLM-recommended script emotion (right column).

Pending Given Audio's Emotions
Provide speech audio to analyze expressed voice emotions.
Select Event Correct Script Emotions
Provide speech script to generate target script emotions.
Acoustic Voice Profile
No audio analyzed yet.
Vocal Delivery Suggestions
Vocal tips will appear here once audio and script are analyzed.
Vocal Emotion Heatmap Key
Sorrow & Grief (Gray)
Anger & Frustration (Red)
Joy & Wonder (Green)
Anxiety & Fear (Amber)
Nostalgia (Purple)
Relief & Acceptance (Blue)

7. NSDA Competition Evaluation Dashboard

0% Pending
Ballot Rank: -
Speech Duration
0:00 / 10:00
No audio provided
Delivery Pacing
0 WPM
Provide transcript
Verbal Fillers
0 Count
Filler Ratio: 0%

NSDA Rules Compliance

  • Duration within limit & grace period
  • Quotes word count limit (Max 150 words)
  • Pacing rate is competition-appropriate
  • Verbal fluency (Filler word ratio < 2%)

Rhetorical Structure Analysis

  • Attention-Getter / Hook in introduction
  • Clear Central Thesis statement
  • Roadmap / Signposted preview
  • Cohesive transitions between main points
  • Strong conclusion & memorable call to action

8. Vocal Emotion & Rhetorical Tone Analysis

Compares the simulated/recorded vocal emotions of your speech against competitive expectations to help you maximize delivery impact.

Existing Emotion (Detected) Expected Emotion (NSDA Standard)
No audio analyzed Select an event
Rhetorical Tone Elevation Guide
  • Provide audio input to receive tone elevation guidelines.

9. Category Breakdown & Rubric Scoring

Vocal Delivery & Pacing 7.0 / 10
Assesses volume, inflection, vocal variety, articulation, and rate matching competitive pacing rules.
Content & Rhetorical Quality 7.0 / 10
Assesses thesis clarity, logical reasoning, evidence weight, citation practices, and topic relevance.
Organization & Structure 7.0 / 10
Assesses introduction quality, roadmap clarity, transition flows, and cohesive summary closure.

10. Judge Ballot Feedback & Ballot Recommendations

Provide speech audio and script to generate official judge recommendations...

National Speech & Debate Association

OFFICIAL TOURNAMENT COMPETITION FEEDBACK BALLOT

Event Category:
Evaluation Date:
Speech Duration:
Time Limit Rules:
Average Delivery Pace:
Pacing Rating:
Quoted Words Count:
Rules Compliance:
Tournament Scoring Rubrics
Scoring Category Competitor Score Standard Range Rubric Definition
Vocal Delivery & Pacing 1.0 - 10.0 Vocal clarity, speed, projection, volume adjustments, filler word mitigation.
Content & Rhetorical Quality 7.0 / 10 1.0 - 10.0 Topic significance, thesis statements, evidence structure, citation accuracy, conviction.
Organization & Structure 1.0 - 10.0 Attention-getting hook, roadmap signposts, transition flows, and memorable conclusion calls.
Overall Evaluation Score
Vocal Emotion & Rhetorical Expression Comparison
Existing Emotion / Tone (Detected) Expected Emotion / Tone (NSDA Guideline)
Official Ballot Comments & Judge Recommendations
Tournament Judge Signature
Contestant Signature Code

NSDA Unified Rules Summary

Original Oratory (OO)

A persuasive speech written by the student that attempts to convince or inspire. Maximum duration is 10 minutes, with a 30-second grace period. Exceeding 10:30 prevents a first-place rank. No more than 150 words of direct quotations are allowed in the entire speech.

Informative Speaking (INF)

An informative speech written by the student designed to explain or describe a topic. Maximum duration is 10 minutes, with a 30-second grace period. Audio analysis is identical to Oratory, focusing on clarity, WPM pacing, and structural signposts.

Extemporaneous Speaking (USX/IX)

Students draw a question on current events, prepare for 30 minutes, and speak for a maximum of 7 minutes (with a 30-second grace period). Key rules include strict time constraints (7:30 maximum) and heavy reliance on verbal source citations (e.g. "According to the New York Times of June 12th...").

Impromptu Speaking (IMP)

Contestants have a total of 7 minutes for both preparation and speaking (with a 30-second grace period). A common approach is 2 minutes of prep and 5 minutes of delivery. Pacing is critical to fit the entire topic analysis in the brief speaking window.

Interpretation (DI/HI)

Performances of published literature. Maximum duration is 10 minutes (30s grace). Audio focus is heavily on character vocal distinctions, dramatic pacing, emotional pauses, and articulation.