General Contest Information

In Modern Oratory, the sixth, seventh and eighth grade 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 they will defend and support that side with additional evidence. 

Along with the skills of analysis, research, note-taking, documentation, evaluation and decision-making come those of delivery and the skill of memorization.

2024-2025 Modern Oratory Topics

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

1. Should schools ban cell phones?

2. Does artificial intelligence negatively impact the American workforce?

3. Can Texas government solve the state's water crisis? 

4. Is achieving the "American Dream" more difficult today compared to previous generations? 

5. Is the fast-food industry to blame for obesity in America? 

To achieve and maintain the educational goals of the contest activity, the teacher and/or parent may guide the development of the research and writing of the speech, but shall not be permitted to write the speech for the student.

NO NOTES ALLOWED- Study an outline of speech.