Rogue Valley Invitational
2022 — Medford, OR/US
Oratory
Event Description:
13.13. Oratory. 13.13.1. Communication among judges during the round. Judges must make independent decisions. Judges shall not discuss decisions with other judges prior to turning in ballots. Timekeepers may share the length of a given speech only. If questions arise regarding the rules or conduct of an event, judges shall ask at Speech State Championships headquarters. 13.13.2. Subject. No limitation is placed on subject matter, other than that it be significant and worthy. The composition is to be the student's original work. No more than one hundred and fifty quoted words including all short words such as "a," "an," "the", etc., may be used. 13.13.3. Length. There is no minimum time limit; each speech is limited to 10 minutes’ presentation time with 30 seconds of grace allowed. Time signals may be given at the speaker’s request; however, presentation within the time length is ultimately the responsibility of the speaker. If laughter delays the speaker, the timekeeper shall make allowance by stopping the watch at the beginning and starting it at the end of each interruption. Contestants who violate the time limit may receive a lower rank. No contestant may be penalized if a stopwatch was not used for timing. 13.13.4. Manuscript. A copy of the speech, including the bibliography, must be available if requested by the Speech State Championships Director at the District or Speech State Championships. Failure to provide a manuscript if requested may be used as a basis for disqualification from the Speech State Championships. 13.13.5. Memorization. Verbatim memorization is optional. However, departures from the manuscript may not add to the length of the speech. 13.13.6. Changing Speeches. The oration used in the District Tournament must be used in the Speech State Championships. 13.13.7. Notes. No notes are permitted, and no promptings are allowed. 13.13.8. Instructions to the Judges. In this contest, the students have chosen their own subjects, written their speeches, and committee them to memory. They are, however, permitted to deviate from the original script in order to make a better adjustment to the speaking situation. Students are expected to choose a significant subject. They may discuss a problem of social, economic, moral, or political importance, or they may praise (eulogize) a person or idea, or inveigh against an immoral practice, law, group, or person. Ordinarily, the student combines argument with emotional appeal. Speakers employ materials and language that are graphic, striking and sometimes dramatic ‐ but always with the desire to put the speaker's idea across, not to call attention to the speaker's techniques. The oration is a speech, not a dramatic reading.