In EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEAKING, a student draws three questions on a foreign or domestic current event topic from an envelope, selects one, and has 30 minutes to prepare an answer using factual basis and logic. The student uses a set of research files s/he has built as a resource. Only published materials may be used as resources. At some tournaments, the topics are split into international and domestic categories.
Video of Extemporaneous Speaking: “Was the US war in Afghanistan in vain?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lzoUu1fDmWE
ORIGINAL ORATORY allows students to deliver a self-written, ten-minute speech on a topic of their choosing. Limited in their ability to quote words directly, competitors craft an argument using evidence, logic, and emotional appeals. Topics range widely, and can be informative or persuasive in nature. The speech is delivered from memory.
Video of Original Oratory: “Let’s Dance” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lSFjmcld9w&t=591s
In INFORMATIVE SPEAKING, students author and deliver a ten-minute speech on a topic of their choosing. Competitors create the speech to educate the audience on a particular topic. All topics must be informative in nature; the goal is to educate, not to advocate. Visual aids are permitted, but not required. The speech is delivered from memory.
Video of Informative Speaking: “The Birds and the Weaves” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRNa6d9NP_E
In DECLAMATION, students memorize a previously presented speech. It may be an old oratory, a public address, or any such type of speech that has been presented before. Tournament competition is limited to freshmen and sophomore students.
Video of Declamation: “A Letter to a Young Enlistee” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZmdmNDoy8Y
Extemporaneous Speaking
Alex Sencer’s How To Teach Extemporaneous Speaking
Extemporaneous Speaking Primer
Tips for Writing a Persuasive Speech
What to Expect Competing in International Extemporaneous-Speaking
What to Expect Competing in United States Extemporaneous Speaking
Original Oratory
Original Oratory Guide – Wellington
Original Oratory Peer Evaluation
Original Oratory Worksheet – Jupiter
Rostrum Article – NFL’s Greatest Oration
Rostrum Article – Using Vivid Illustration in Oratory
Rostrum Article – You Can Be Melodious
More Public Speaking Lesson Plans
Tips for Writing a Persuasive Speech
What to Expect Competing in Original Oratory
Informative Speaking
What to Expect Competing in Informative Speaking
Declamation