Monta Vista Speech Mock Tournament NEW
2025 — CA/US
Original
Event Description:
Original Oratory (OO)
A self-written, persuasive speech on a topic of the speaker’s choosing. Competitors craft an argument using the foundations of rhetoric, including utilization of evidence, logic, and emotional appeals. Topics range widely, but should be informative or persuasive in nature and call for the audience to resolve the issue. The speech must be delivered from memory.
Competitors may also present an Original Advocacy (OA) speech, which is a persuasive speech about a societal issue that calls on the government/Congress to solve the issue. If a competitor chooses to do this, they are responsible for notifying their judges in each round that their speech is an OA.
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Timing: A 10 minute speech; 30 second grace period
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Rules/Regulations: All direct quotations and primary sources must be cited verbally within the body of the speech (up to 150 quoted words). Use of another person’s words or ideas without crediting them is plagiarism and is strictly forbidden. No props, audio, or visual aids may be used. Profanity, obscene content, and vulgar language are strictly prohibited. The speech must be written entirely by the speaker, though quotes from verbally cited sources may be included. Students may request time signals from the judge, but are responsible for ensuring that their performance is within the aforementioned time guidelines.