Composed of thirteen categories, Minnesota High School Speech is competitive forensics (public speaking) where individuals compete against one another in their same categories. Individuals are assigned a Personal and Round score that are then totalled and added to their team's total score. A competitor's personal score (out of 100 points) is based entirely on their personal performance. A competitor's round score is their rank (1-5) compared to the other competitors in their round (usually 6-8 speakers). Personal and Team Awards are handed out based on overall performance at that particular competition.

Duo Interpretation: Two people performing in an interpretative manner a piece of literature. Limited Movement Allowed. Includes Introduction. Time: 8 minutes.

Great Speeches: Giving and analyzing a famous speech to establish its "greatness." Movement Allowed. Time: 8 minutes.

Extemporaneous Speaking: Answers a question relating to global or national issues, including support from credible sources. Movement Allowed. Time: 7 minutes.

Extemporaneous Reading: Performing a piece from a book: book is included during performance. Can use focal points. Students may focus on prose or poetry. Includes Introduction. Time: 6 minutes.

Drama: Performer interpreting a serious selection, can have characters performing to audience or focal points. Includes Introduction. Time: 8 minutes.

Poetry: An interpretative performance of poetry, books not allowed; may include one or more poems. Includes Introduction. Time: 8 minutes.

Prose: Performer interpreting a serious selection, can have characters performing to audience or focal points. Includes Introduction. Time: 8 minutes.

Informative: A piece written by speaker with intent to inform the audience. Visuals and Movment Allowed. Time: 8 minutes.

Original Oratory: A persuasive speech written by the speaker with the intent to persuade (change a mindset). Movmemnt Allowed. Time: 8 minutes.

Discussion: 6-8 competitors work together to solve a task they are given. Preparation includes research. Time: 45-60 minutes.

Storytelling: Perform a story from a collection of stories, book is <em>not</em> allowed. Includes Introduction. Limited Movement Allowed. Time: 6 minutes.

Creative Expression: A piece written by the performer of serious or humorous nature. Focuses around a central theme. Limited Movement Allowed. Time: 8 minutes.

Humorous: Performer interpreting a serious selection, can have character performing to audience or focal points. Includes Introduction. Time: 8 minutes.