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Oratory ​

Description: 

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

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Overview:
Are you a wordsmith with a passion for public speaking? This competition challenges you to harness the power of words to captivate your audience with a compelling speech, either persuading them to a specific viewpoint or enlightening them on a chosen topic.

Notes for Judges ● Each contestant will have 5 minutes to present their performance and then the judging co-hort will have 5-10 minutes for any follow up questions and quick deliberations before the next contestant. Each contestant will only have an allocated time frame of 10 minutes. ● You should not under any circumstances engage with the students before or after the competition until the Awards Ceremony has concluded. ● You must provide honest constructive feedback for each contestant that you are judging. ● Scoring Rubric: ○ 95-100 - Qualifies as a Gold Medalist ○ 90+Up - Qualifies as a Silver Medalist ○ 85+Up - Qualifies as a Bronze Medalist ■ Please take heed that the identifying word here is “Qualifies”. There can be multiple contestants that can qualify as gold medalist and if that’s the case the highest score will receive the gold, and silver and bronze will be allocated to the next two highest scores. In the event the highest score is a 90 then there is no gold medalist and there’s only a possibility for a silver and bronze medalist as long as the remaining scores land within the 85+Up region.

Requirements:

 

1. Single Speech, Concise Delivery: Present a single, original speech that doesn't exceed five minutes. 

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2. Your Unique Voice: The speech must be your own original work, crafted to inform or persuade. 

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3. Focus on Substance, not a Spectacle: Avoid dramatic performances, costumes, or props. 

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4. Contestant Introduction: State your introduction in full, per the Contestant Introduction Script, before beginning your speech.


5. Statement of Integrity: Submit a completed Statement of Integrity Form with your application

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Necessary Equipment
This equipment is provided and standard at the national competition.

Note: Contact your local ACT-SO Chairperson to see if this equipment is available at the local level. 


1. 1 Sound System w/2 Speakers, a microphone, and necessary cables that is electricity based, not battery powered
 

2. Outlet Surge Protector
 

Required Submissions
 

• Bio (PDF) → First_Last_Bio
• Contestant Photo (PDF) → First_Last_CP
• Statement of Integrity (PDF) → First_Last_SOI
• Written Project (Speech) (PDF) → First_Last_Monologue
 

When uploading your documents, you must name each file exactly as shown above in order for it to be properly uploaded and integrated into our automated system.


Example: John_Doe_WP (using your own first and last name, followed by the file label shown for your category).
 

Note: If files are not received in these formats, they are out of compliance and ineligible until rectified. If they are not corrected before the deadline, the contestant will no longer be able to compete at this year's iteration of the National Competition

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Contestants Will Be Judged By The Following Criteria

 

25 Points: Delivery 

  • Diction

  • Pronunciation

  • Enunciation

  • Gestures

  • Emphasis

  • Memorization

  • Tempo

  • Time

 

25 Points: Interpretation

  • Subject matter

  • Theme

  • Logic

  • Emotion/Connection

 

25 Points: Platform Presence

  • Poise

  • Attitude

  • Overall Impression

  • Audience Engagement

 

25 Points: Projection

  • Voice quality

  • Emphasis

  • Tone

  • Pitch

  • Volume ​

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100 Total Points

Point Deduction -0.25 per 15 sec 

For every 15 seconds the performance exceeds the allotted time limit (5 minutes), 0.25 point is deducted.

Tips for Oratory Contestants


Know Your Audience: Tailor your speech to resonate with your specific audience.


Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse your speech multiple times to ensure smooth delivery.


Master Your Material: Memorize your speech thoroughly to avoid relying on notes.


Project Your Voice: Speak clearly and loudly to engage your audience.


Use Body Language Effectively: Employ gestures and eye contact to enhance your message.


Connect Emotionally: Convey passion and sincerity to captivate your listeners.


Time Yourself: Practice within the five-minute time limit to avoid penalties.


Seek Feedback: Practice your speech in front of others and solicit constructive criticism.


Embrace Nervous Energy: Channel your nerves into positive energy to fuel your performance.


Be Yourself: Let your personality shine through in your delivery.

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