DSU to host 43rd annual Karl E. Mundt Oral Interpretation Tournament

October 23, 2026

MADISON, S.D. - Dakota State University will welcome high school students from across South Dakota on Saturday, Oct. 24, for the 43rd annual Karl E. Mundt Dakota Invitational Oral Interpretation Tournament.

The tournament, sponsored by DSU's College of Arts & Sciences, is expected to bring more than 140 students from 18 high schools to campus for a day of competition showcasing their public speaking, interpretation, and performance skills.

Students will compete in a variety of categories, including poetry, oratory, humor, storytelling, drama, duet, and reader's theatre.

The competition will feature three preliminary rounds in the morning, with students performing before judges in their respective categories. Final rounds will take place in the afternoon, followed by an awards ceremony recognizing outstanding performances.

DSU students and community members will also participate as judges, helping evaluate performances and support the young competitors.

The tournament is named in honor of former South Dakota U.S. Sen. Karl E. Mundt, whose career included significant contributions to speech and debate education.

Mundt, a former high school speech and debate coach, joined Eastern State Normal School (now Dakota State University) in 1928. He served as head of the Speech Department, where his students distinguished themselves in state and national speech competitions.

Mundt was also a founding member of the National Speech and Debate Association, an organization dedicated to promoting speech and debate activities among high school students. He served as the organization's president from 1932 to 1971.

Now in its 43rd year, the invitational continues a longstanding tradition of encouraging communication, creative expression, and public speaking skills among South Dakota high school students.

The tournament is open to the public.

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