Greenhorn NOVICE Invitational

2024 — San Bernardino, CA/US

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Novice Original Oratory

Event Description:

Pattern A

Original Oratory (OO) Rules: If a rule is violated, check the violation box on the ballot, but rank the contestant as you would without the violation. Any penalty will be assessed by tournament officials.

A. No notes, visual/audio aids, or manuscripts shall be permitted; speeches must be delivered from memory.

B. Any non-factual reference, including a personal one, must be so identified.

C. The performance must begin and end from the center stage area. Contestants must remain in the staging area throughout the performance.

D. The speech shall be no longer than 10 minutes. There is no minimum time. Exceeding the time limit by more than 30 seconds (grace period) is a violation.

Guidelines for Judging: These are guidelines only, not rules; they should be used only when appropriate to the speech. Keep in mind that there is no requirement that a contestant must use a particular style of delivery. Please use the following questions to help you evaluate each contestant and rank the round.

Purpose: The primary purpose of an oration is to persuade, motivate, and/or inspire on a topic of general concern.

Composition: Did the speech display effective writing? Was the speech organized clearly and easy to follow? Did the speech contain good reasoning and logic rather than shallow thinking and broad generalization? Did the speech contain evidence, examples, or expert opinions in support of ideas or conclusions?

Delivery: Did the speaker use effective oral presentation skills (volume, diction, speed of delivery)? Was the speaker poised, sincere and comfortable in delivery? Did the speaker use effective body language (gestures, facial expression, eye contact)? Did the speech exemplify the highest standards of language usage, style and vocabulary? Did the speaker avoid slang, poor grammar, and mispronunciations?

NO TIME SIGNALS - IF THE CONTESTANT GOES OVER 10 MINUTES AND 30 SECONDS, MARK THE VIOLATION AND ENTER THE ACTUAL TIME NEXT IN MINUTES AND SECONDS.