Duquesne University Invitational
2026 — Pittsburgh, PA/US
Original Oratory
Event Description:
Following PHSSL rules for "Persuasive Speaking" and "Informative Speaking" combined:
Students must prepare to speak on a subject of their own choosing.
The general purpose of the persuasive speech is to get the members of the audience to change or modify their beliefs, to believe more strongly, or to take specific action. The general purpose of the informative speech is for the members of the audience to gain understanding and/or knowledge.
Rhetorical questions may be asked but there should be no expectation of audience participation in rounds.
Students may not move throughout the audience as part of their presentations.
The maximum time limit is ten minutes, with a grace period of 30 seconds. If a student is more than 30 seconds overtime, the student must not be ranked first in the round. Excessive time violations may be penalized more harshly. There is no minimum time requirement.
Quoted materials must not exceed a total of 150 words.
If the speech is informative, then the following applies:
Visual aids may be used but are not required. During the presentation, no electronic equipment is permitted. Electronic equipment is defined as any object requiring an electrical cord, battery, or solar power to operate it (projectors, cell phones, radios, iPads, computers, etc.). The use of live animals or any additional people as visual aids is not allowed during the speech. Items of dress put on and/or removed for illustration during the course of the presentation are considered costumes and may not be part of the contestant’s presentation. Visual aids may not violate policies as dictated by local and state law (weapons, drugs, etc.) Contestants may not distribute items to the judges or audience before, during, or after the round. This includes but is not limited to food, objects, handouts, flyers, and promotional merchandise. The host school is not responsible for providing any facilities, equipment, including tables, chairs, or easels, or assistance in a contestant’s use of visual aids. If a visual aid displays published pictorial material, the source must be included in the workcited page but does not need to be cited orally.
Notes may be used, but excessive reference to notes should be part of a judge’s consideration when ranking students.