oratory

   The art of effective written, and oral presentation to persuade or inform. (This is not a dramatic presentation.)

1. Only one (1) speech is to be presented, and it must not exceed five (5) minutes.

2. The selection of the speech is the decision of the contestant; it should be an original piece written by the contestant.

3. The speech is not to be presented as a dramatic presentation.

4. Costumes and props are not permitted.

5. The material must be completely memorized.

Contestants will be judged by the following criteria:

Delivery (25)

Speech Clarity, Diction, Pronunciation, Enunciation, Gesture, Emphasis, Memorization, Tempo, Time

Interpretation (25)

Content, Subject Adherence, Theme, Logic and Color, Emotion/Connection

Platform Presence (25)

Poise, Appeal, Impression, Attitude and Effect, AudienceEngagement

Projection (25)

Voice, Emphasis, Tone, Pitch, Volume