Persuasive
("Original oratory")

Persuasive speaking, titled 'Original Oratory' at competition, is another common prepared individual event, during which a student's speech aims to persuade an audience to take a particular action. The topic is meant to be significant to our society. Similar to an informative speech, a student researches for their persuasive speech and integrates evidence to support their point of view. Besides logical argumentation, the student often has an emotional appeal as to the urgency of the issue and the audience taking action.

Topics can range from the environment, to technology, constitutional rights, education, animal treatment, taxes, sports, and more: https://www.thoughtco.com/list-of-persuasive-speech-topics-for-students-1857600

See the example persuasive speech "Original Oratory" to the right.

See the PDFs above for event rules and a sample ballot used by a judge to evaluate the round. View examples of the event below.