Brighton
2022 — Rochester, NY/US
Original Oratory
Event Description:
Time Limit
• Maximum - 10 minutes. If the speaker goes over a 30 second grace period, that contestant must not be awarded first place. No minimum time.
Judging Criteria
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Topic: The topic should be interesting, stimulating, and of some importance. The purpose of the oration may be to inspire, to persuade, to eulogize, or to inform. These purposes may overlap in the same oration.
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Structure: The introduction should gain attention, specify a clear thesis, and give some direction as to how the speech will unfold or develop. The body should be organized for easy understanding. Transitional words/devices should help to move the speech from point to point. The conclusion should recap, make you want to think more about the topic, and end interestingly.
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Development: The speaker should be held accountable for substantiating and supporting main positions. There should be a variety of effective supporting material from qualified sources. There should be clear explanation that helps the listener follow the speech’s flow and appreciate the use of supporting material.
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Language: The word choice should be clear and potent. Figures of speech and rhetorical devices should be used effectively.
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Vocal Delivery: The speaker should be articulate and fluent. The speaker should make use of contrast, and make use of the elements of vocal
variety: pitch, volume, rate, pausing, phrasing, stress, and tone. The speaker should stress words to enhance meaning. The speaker should be
conversational and concerned, passionate and pleasing. The speaker should be in control of the words and the emotions.
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Physical Delivery: The speaker should vary facial expression to accentuate the natural flow of thoughts and feelings. The speaker should make
eye contact with the audience. The speaker’s stance should be erect and controlled, without distracting movements. Movement, if used, should be
motivated by transitions in thought or mood. Gestures should be visible, effectively used for emphasis, and varied.
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Delivery and content should be evaluated equally.
Additional Judging Criteria (from the Bylaws)
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Original orations should be composed from the standpoint of the present speaker. However, the use of a persona for a maximum length of 1 minute shall be permitted.
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While singing is permitted, it should not be excessive or dominate the performance. Judges’ ranks may reflect if singing has dominated the performance.
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