• Oratorical Interpretation: The selections will be speeches previously delivered in a public forum. The
introduction must include the written source as well as the speaker’s name, place, and date of the original
speech delivery. The student’s aim is to convey the message intended by the original speaker.
Suggested Judging Criteria for Oratorical Interpretation:
Was the selection effectively edited and easy to follow?
Did the selection authentically present the original author’s intent?
Did contestants use effective oral presentation skills (volume, diction, speed of delivery)?
Did contestants demonstrate mastery of performance details (voice, facial expression, body
language, and movement) to achieve clarity, force, and aesthetic effect?
Did the speaker convey an understanding of the thoughts, emotions, ideas, and purposes of the
author?