Original Oratory
OVERVIEW:
Original Oratory is a prepared speech. Competitors compose their own speech, memorize it, and deliver it. Speeches can be on whatever topic desired (as long as it is not vulgar or crude). Speeches may last a maximum of 10 minutes, with a 30 second grace period. 8-9.5 minutes is the norm. A maximum of 150 words from outside works may be included if properly cited during the speech. Scripts may technically be used in novice, but they are not recommended as they distract greatly from the speech. If you enjoy writing, have strong, original views, or are good at making people laugh (with not-stolen jokes), this is a good type of speech to try.
STRUCTURE:
OO’s consist of an introduction, body arguments, and a conclusion—again, somewhat similar to an essay (though it does not have to be). Most OO’s are persuasive and motivational, referencing a societal problem and what we can do to fix it. The introduction consists of an attention grabber (often a humorous anecdote), explanation of the topic and its significance, and a brief roadmap of the rest of the speech. The body arguments should have both a tag-line argument and evidence to support your claims. The conclusion should, as always, tie your whole speech together. Good conclusions usually reference the introduction/attention grabber to provide a sense of fluidity and finality. If the OO is about a problem, the conclusion is also where you should state a definitive, final solution to the problem or reference and summarize a solution you presented previously (if you just talk about the problem with no solution, it’s pretty pointless and de-motivating).
JUDGING:
Contestants are ranked against others in the room on both presentation (voice modulation, speaking speed, body language, etc.) and content. 5-7 competitors are usually present in 1 room. Most commonly, 1 judge is present at the preliminary rounds of league tournaments, with 3 or 5 at break rounds. Most successful speeches have humor and emotional appeal, so make sure to include that in your speech, especially in the introduction and conclusion. Also try to let your personality show through and establish a friendly connection to the audience (self denigration is often used for this and humorous purposes).
EXAMPLES:
Stereotypes (lots of racist jokes and an Indian accent) http://goo.gl/PzhN5
“The Story of a Cultural Banana” (super unique and hilarious) http://goo.gl/sGZGy
Original Oratory is a prepared speech. Competitors compose their own speech, memorize it, and deliver it. Speeches can be on whatever topic desired (as long as it is not vulgar or crude). Speeches may last a maximum of 10 minutes, with a 30 second grace period. 8-9.5 minutes is the norm. A maximum of 150 words from outside works may be included if properly cited during the speech. Scripts may technically be used in novice, but they are not recommended as they distract greatly from the speech. If you enjoy writing, have strong, original views, or are good at making people laugh (with not-stolen jokes), this is a good type of speech to try.
STRUCTURE:
OO’s consist of an introduction, body arguments, and a conclusion—again, somewhat similar to an essay (though it does not have to be). Most OO’s are persuasive and motivational, referencing a societal problem and what we can do to fix it. The introduction consists of an attention grabber (often a humorous anecdote), explanation of the topic and its significance, and a brief roadmap of the rest of the speech. The body arguments should have both a tag-line argument and evidence to support your claims. The conclusion should, as always, tie your whole speech together. Good conclusions usually reference the introduction/attention grabber to provide a sense of fluidity and finality. If the OO is about a problem, the conclusion is also where you should state a definitive, final solution to the problem or reference and summarize a solution you presented previously (if you just talk about the problem with no solution, it’s pretty pointless and de-motivating).
JUDGING:
Contestants are ranked against others in the room on both presentation (voice modulation, speaking speed, body language, etc.) and content. 5-7 competitors are usually present in 1 room. Most commonly, 1 judge is present at the preliminary rounds of league tournaments, with 3 or 5 at break rounds. Most successful speeches have humor and emotional appeal, so make sure to include that in your speech, especially in the introduction and conclusion. Also try to let your personality show through and establish a friendly connection to the audience (self denigration is often used for this and humorous purposes).
EXAMPLES:
Stereotypes (lots of racist jokes and an Indian accent) http://goo.gl/PzhN5
“The Story of a Cultural Banana” (super unique and hilarious) http://goo.gl/sGZGy