Communications Training

Communications and Postings

The Comms Lead collects postings from the Tabulation Team approximately 30 minutes before each round.

The Tabulation Team or Comms Lead should organize the postings in a logical, easy-to-follow order to ensure quick and efficient delivery to each posting area

The Comms Lead assigns Runners (responsible junior competitors or available parents) to deliver postings to Comms Team members.

One runner is usually sufficient; consider two if postings cover multiple buildings.
If a runner isn’t available, Comms Lead can deliver to each station and/or work with Comms Team members to distribute postings

Confidentiality Reminder:

Keep postings discreet until it’s time to post.
Place them under a computer or keep in envelopes if the Comms station is unattended.
Do not preview or distribute postings until the round turns green on the NCFCA Dashboard.

Posting Timing Overview

Wall Postings and Speech Time Postings should be placed in several common areas throughout the facility. For example: Main Lobby, the Judge Room, Competitor Hangout, Comms Lead Station, and at each Comms Team Member’s station.
- The Comms Lead should communicate with the Tabulation Team in advance to confirm how many copies of each posting are needed to cover all designated areas of the building.
Wall and Door Postings should be placed 20–30 minutes before the round begins
- Door Postings are placed next to the assigned door for easy viewing.
- Door Postings are for Speech Rounds only.
Wall and Door Postings may be posted at the same time, but only after the round turns green on the NCFCA Dashboard or is confirmed by the Tabulation Team.
Follow all facility guidelines for posting methods (use blue tape, magnets, or bulletin boards as directed)
Ensure all postings are secure, straight, and easy to read for judges and competitors.
Speech Speaking Time Postings will be communicated to the Comms Lead usually 10–15 minutes before the round starts.
- It is imperative that the Comms Lead picks up speaking times immediately and distributes them to Comms Team Members to post as soon as possible.
- For Extemp, a second speaking time slot sheet is required—be sure to post that sheet along with the regular speaking times during the Extemp Speech Pattern.

Additional Tips:

Organize Speech Wall Postings alphabetically by event category, left to right, for quick and easy viewing.
Keep LD A and LD B debate postings separate to avoid confusion.
Ensure postings remain visible and undisturbed during the round.
After each round concludes, remove and discard old postings to make space for new ones and prevent confusion.