GVFL 4 McQuaid

2025 — Rochester/McQuaid Jesuit, NY/US

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Declamation

Event Description:

• A selection used in Oratorical Declamation must have been originally delivered in the form a speech by its author, a person otherthan the present speaker. The speaker must have an introduction which is at most one minute and names the work, author, anddescribes the circumstances under which the speech was originally presented. The original speaker's words must not be altered forthe presentation with the exception that cutting is permitted. Selections may include professional speeches, public orations,eulogies, and sermons. Stand-up comedy routines are prohibited.
• After the announced deadline, the selection must be memorized. If the speaker refers to prepared notes of any kind or a script during the presentation, the speaker will be disqualified. Though not until after the deadline.
• No particular style should be demanded of the speaker; rather, the contestant should be free to select and to develop apersonalstyle and be judged according to the degree of perfection attained and the effectiveness in influencing thelisteners. While thespecifics of the speech and any style of delivery which the speaker adopts should be judged in light ofthe purpose of the speech,artificiality is to be discredited. This event is an interpretation, not an impersonation.
• This event is limited to freshman and sophomore students.
• No properties or costumes of any kind may be used. Using “properties” means manipulating articles of clothing or objects to
  enhance the performance. Speakers using properties and/or wearing costumes will be disqualified.
• Positions other than standing should not be excessive in length or dominate the performance.
• The rules require that the speech be no longer than 10:00 with a thirty second grace period, but there is no minimum length. It should be noted, though, that speaking from memory for a longer time requires a higher degree of difficulty.