Kennedy Middle School Speech Tournament

2025 — Cupertino, CA/US

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Oratorical Interpretation

Event Description:

Oratorical Interpretation/Declamation (OI)

A published speech written by someone else that was actually delivered in a public forum. You must analyze and understand the goals and motivation of the original speaker, and interpret the speech with a new voice for a new audience. Remember: it is not an impersonation, it is an interpretation.

• Timing: A 10 minute speech; 30 second grace period.

• Rules/Regulations:

• No combining separate speeches.

• Include an introduction with the name of the author, the title of the oration, if any, and the name of the source where the oration was published. You also need to include the place and date of the original delivery.

• You may add a maximum of 150 words, including the introduction and any transitions. The editing and/or delivery must not change the author’s intent.

• Students may not consult the script during their speech and will be penalized at the judge’s discretion if caught doing so.

• Performers may only use their own bodies, and any use of props will result in a penalty within the round.

Adapted from the 2013 CHSSA OI guidelines.