Charger Challenge

2026 — Draper, UT/US

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Story Telling

Event Description:

Storytelling is a performance-based speaking event that challenges students to bring a story to life through vivid narration, expressive delivery, and clear structure. Competitors select or create a story and present it to an audience, using vocal variety, facial expression, and physicality to fully engage listeners.

Purpose
The goal of Storytelling is to entertain and connect with the audience while demonstrating strong narrative skills. While the story itself matters, the performer’s ability to captivate listeners and make the story feel immediate and alive is what sets top competitors apart.

Time Limits

• Minimum: 4 minutes
• Maximum: 6 minutes
• Grace Period: 30 seconds

Content Guidelines

• Stories may be original or adapted from existing sources (folktales, literature, personal narratives, etc.)
• Students may use a book or printed text and read from it during performance
• Performers are encouraged to balance reading with audience engagement and expressive delivery
• The story should have a clear beginning, middle, and end
• Age-appropriate content is expected

What Judges Look For

• Engagement: Does the speaker hold the audience’s attention, even while reading?
• Characterization: Are different characters distinct and believable?
• Vocal Delivery: Effective use of tone, pacing, and emotion
• Physical Expression: Purposeful gestures, facial expressions, and movement
• Clarity & Structure: Is the story easy to follow and well-organized?

At its best, Storytelling blends strong reading with performance—where the book supports the speaker, but the speaker brings the story to life.