Trojan Way Tournament April

2026 — NSDA Campus, IA/US

• Invite
• Entries
• Judges
• Register

Original Oratory

Event Description:

Rules from the National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) for Middle School Original Oratory

Original Oratory is a 10-minute event with a 30-second “grace period.” Should a student go beyond the grace period, the student may not be ranked 1st. There is no other prescribed penalty for going over the grace period. No minimum time is mandated.

Students deliver a self-written, ten-minute speech on a topic of their choosing. Limited in their ability to quote words directly, Original Oratory (OO) competitors craft an argument using evidence, logic, and emotional appeals. Topics range widely and may be informative or persuasive in nature. The speech is delivered with no props. No costumes may be used.