Luck of the Irish Invitational
2024 — Online, MI/US
Declamation
Event Description:
Oratorical Declamation involves a student delivering a non-original oration written by another person.
The speech must have been presented as a public address and be published in print. The original speaker’s words may not be altered for this presentation with the exception that cutting is permitted.
The presentation should include an introduction that provides the title of the speech and the author, and should include relevant information about the situation in which the speech was originally delivered. This event is an exercise in interpretation, not mimckry, so the contestant should avoid trying to reproduce the delivery style of the original speaker. Each speech is presented as a memorized selection without the use of physical objects, script, or costume.
The time limit for declamation in middle school events is four minutes to seven minutes. Presentations that do not conform to the suggested time parameters may be penalized at the discretion of the judge. Penalties are not mandatory for timing irregularities.
BASIS OF DECISION
Suitability of Selection: Selections should reflect a reasonable standard of material that is appropriate for middle school competition. The selection should be adapted to the age, temperament, and capabilities of the speaker. The selection should be of the type that shows insight into human nature and creates an impact on the listener. The original speaker’s words may not be altered for this presentation with the exception that cutting is permitted.
Action and Platform Conduct: The student should exhibit personality, maintain direct eye contact with the audience, show physical poise, and demonstrate freedom in posture, movement, and gesture. Prompting from the audience is unallowed and could be the basis for disqualification.
Oral Presentation: The delivery of the speech should be enthusiastic, direct, sincere, and communicative. The speaker’s delivery should be free from marked defects in the mechanics of speech – quality and use of voice, enunciation, and fluency – and should be effective in enlisting and holding the interest of the audience.
This event is an exercise in interpretation, not mimckry, so the contestant should avoid trying to reproduce the delivery style of the original speaker. Each speech is presented as a memorized selection without the use of physical objects, script, or costume.