Modern Oratory

In Modern Oratory, contestants will select one of the topics, determine the critical issues in the topic, and acknowledge both pro and con points citing support discovered in their research. Students will choose a side to defend and support that side with additional evidence.

https://www.uiltexas.org/aplus/events/aplus-modern-oratory

2025-2026 Modern Oratory Topics

Contestants must select one of the following topics for developing the oration.

1. Do social media influencers possess too much power?

2. Should more Texas school districts adopt a four-day school week to improve student performance?

3. Is mental health as important as physical health?

4. Does technology have a positive or negative effect on relationships?

5. How important is it to preserve natural lands in the United States? 

Students will deliver a three to six minute speech without the use of notes on their topic. In the process of preparing for the contest, the student will need to:

1. define the problem;

2. determine the pro and con issues;

3. research the issue;

4. look at both sides of an issue;

5. reach a conclusion; and

6. support that conclusion with documentation.