ORIGINAL ORATORY (OO)
Original Oratory (OO) is an event in which the student presents an original speech on a topic of their choice.
Topics may be of a value orientation and affect people at a personal level, such as avoiding peer pressure, or they can be more of a policy orientation and ask an audience to enact particular policies or solve societal problems.
The speech must be memorized and a maximum of 150 directly quoted words is allowed in the oration.
Time limit: Maximum of 10 minutes.
ORAL INTERPRETATION
In this event, two pieces, one poetry and one prose, are alternately presented in competition rounds. For example, round 1 is poetry and round 2 is prose.
The literature chosen may include any form of published prose or poetry, fiction or nonfiction (no drama)
Each program must contain an introduction for purposes of explanation, setting, or selection transitions.
Judges will rank students based on which performer best used their delivery to transport you to the time and place required by the literature.
Time limit: Maximum of 10 minutes.
DUO INTERPRETATION
Similar to DP, except with two people
Students perform a selection displaying different characters without touching or making direct eye contact
Unlike in DP, poems are permitted
Judges will rank students based on which team best portrayed their individual characters and showed the physical and emotional interactions between their characters.
Time limit: Maximum of 10 minutes.
EXTEMPORANEOUS
For this event speakers have 30 minutes to prepare a speech to answer a current event question. In a supervised preparation room, each student will draw three topics and must pick one to prepare for a presentation. Students are allowed to use the internet and electronic devices to prepare their speeches.
Students who successfully compete in Extemp keep up with current events and have an appreciation of history.
Contestants are permitted to use one 3″x 5″ card at preliminary tournaments. (not at metros)
Time limit: Maximum – 7 minutes
DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE (DP)
A student must memorize and present a selection of literature from a single published play script, or book (no poetry).
Judges will rank students based on which performer best captured the essence, characteristics, and emotions of the character or characters that they were portraying.
Time limit: Maximum of 10 minutes
DECLAMATION
Declamation is open ONLY to students in grades 7 – 10
Declamation competitors present memorized speeches that were written and delivered by another person. Options: Commencement addresses, historical speeches, political speeches, celebrity speeches, eulogies, and sermons
The presentation should include an introduction that provides the title of the speech and the author, and should include relevant information about the theme and date of the oration or its historical significance.
Judges will rank students based on which speaker best demonstrated an understanding of the author’s message and delivered that message in a poised and engaging manner.
Time limit: Maximum of 10 minutes
IMPROMPTU
Impromptu is an event where students have seven minutes to select a topic (prompt) (you are given 3), brainstorm their ideas, and deliver a speech.
Impromptu topics can include proverbs, ordinary objects, events, quotations and famous people.
As soon as the topic is chosen, the student shall prepare a speech without consultation and without reference to prepared notes or research materials.
The student may make limited notes on one 3” x 5” note card.
Time limit: The maximum time for preparation and speaking is 7 minutes.