Communications (Comms)

Learn the correct setup for each event type to ensure consistent, distraction-free, and professional competition spaces.

General Tips for Room Setup

• Spectators should always sit behind the judge, never in front of the judge or behind the competitors.
• Position the judge’s chair or table so the judge’s back or side faces the door. This reduces distractions and allows quiet entry or exit for spectators.
• Spectators may rotate in and out between speeches or during debate prep time. If the room is small, limit the number of spectators to avoid crowding.
• Place a Head Judge Sheet on each judge table in each room, replace as needed throughout the tournament
• See the NCFCA Room Diagram file for assistance with setup for debate, speech, and elimination rounds.

Debate Rooms Setup

• Use three tables per room—one for each team and one for the judge.
• Provide:
  • 2 chairs per team for Team Policy (TP) rounds
  • 1 chair per team for Lincoln-Douglas (LD) rounds

• Include a podium or music stand for competitors.
• For judges:
  • 1 judge/1 chair for preliminary rounds
  • 3 judges/3 chairs for elimination rounds
• Adjust table spacing to maintain visibility and clear speaking lanes.

Speech Rooms Setup: 

• Provide one judge table with three chairs for all speech events.

• If the table is small, bring in an additional table if space allows.
• Maintain a clear speaking area in front of the judge’s table—allow extra room for interpretation speeches that require movement.

For impromptu and apologetics speeches

• Place a small table against the far left or right wall (opposite the judge’s table).
• Add a chair facing the wall and a competitor prep tent on the table.
• Fold each topic card below the competitor’s name and position them horizontally, left to right in speaking order, facing the competitor on the judge’s table.
• Provide each judge with a topic sheet.
• Set up cards shortly before the round begins, keeping them and the topic sheets discreet.
• Keep competitors out of the competition room until the round starts.

Extemporaneous 

• Check in with an Extemp Prep team member to confirm the room is set up correctly.
• Place extra “Extemp Prep” signs on the door for clear identification.

Digital Presentation

• Provide a table (not a podium or music stand) for the competitor’s device, positioned 3–4 feet in front of the judge’s table.
• Place digital tent cards on the judge’s table and instruction sheet on device table