Overview:

Students competing in this event select a speech that was delivered in public and perform an excerpt of that speech to an audience. Speeches are up to 10 minutes in length. As a result, students typically shorten the text of the speech to meet time requirements. The event is not designed for students to mimic the original author of the speech. Instead, speakers are to develop an oration that delivers the author's message in an original and engaging manner.  Students often do a short portion of the speech before delivering their intro, sometimes called a teaser. Some students do the introduction and then go into the speech. Students in this event are typically in the 9th or 10th grade, but may also be in middle school.

• Analysis and Content: Did the speaker analyze the topic adequately? Is the subject worthwhile and fresh?

• Introduction: Did the speaker get your attention and introduce the subject in an interesting manner? Did it apply to the rest of the speech?  Did it identify when and where the speech was originally delivered?

• Cutting: Do you understand what is happening? Does the speech flow effectively? Does the sequence of ideas contained in the speech make sense?

• Delivery: Is the speech, as performed, appropriate for the situation? Does the student use voice, posture, and gestures to enhance the message?

• Oral Presentation: Was the speaker communicative?  Were mannerisms and posture appropriate? Did the speaker convey ideas effectively?