A Note on Competition

In 1969, I attended my first speech tournament. I performed a medley of song lyrics from My Fair Lady (complete with Okie/Cockney accent) in Poetry and seven characters from Spoon River Anthology in Dramatic Interpretation. I lost in poetry, won in Dramatic, and fell in love with forensics. Decades later, hundreds of tournaments and thousands of students later, it is still my very favorite performance medium. It's acting without a net: no set, no costumes, no ensemble, no crew. Just an ordinary room, an audience, some wonderful words, and you. I adore reading; always have. I adore performing; always have. I adore competition; always have. This activity is for those savor beautiful words, empathize with all kinds of characters, and love to share a story. This book is designed to help you know where to begin looking for the beautiful words you can treasure and the quirky characters you can bring to life. This activity is for those who can rehearse tirelessly, endlessly and drive themselves to do their best. Entertainment matters, but technique and skill matter too.

There are no winning scripts. Scripts don't win. Performances win. What you do for that ten minutes, in that round, on that day, must make the story live for that judge and that audience. I don't care who they are, if you can take your listeners on a magical trip in their imagination, if you can move or entertain or enlighten them (not exalt yourself), you will win rounds. Eventually. You must not pout or whine or blame when you don't win. You must observe and admire the winners, pay your dues, and persist. Don't get opinionated. It limits you. Never assume. Anything can happen in this business. Proof:

1. Not too long ago, a nice boy from Texas won nationals with Tradition 1A . The very next year, a different nice boy from Texas won nationals with it again.
2. Jennifer Kober won nationals with A My Name is Alice.
3. I Never Saw Another Butterfly won nationals in DI.
4. Demond Wilson won nationals in DI with Paul Robeson when he was a Sophomore.
5. Kendal May, the best interper I ever saw won second at Nationals. Twice.

I have been privileged to know a number of state and national champions through the years. There seem to be a few characteristics which fit almost all of these performers:

1. They love to perform. It is not a chore for them, it is a joy. They savor it.
2. They don't resent good competition. They thrive on it.
3. They have a commitment to give the best performance possible, every time.
4. They don't dabble in this activity. They immerse themselves, heart and soul.
5. They develop a personal connection with and commitment to their script and character.

As you spend your time competing, keep your spirit pure and your heart in the right place. The end result you seek is not a trophy. Your end result is a captivating performance. The trophy is a by-product. Win and lose with equal grace and dignity. Do justice to the words, work your butt off, savor the opportunity to perform and to watch others perform. The rest will come.

Wishing you the best at tournaments!
Karen Baker
Spirit Productions, 2003