Collierville Holiday Classic

2026 — Collierville, TN/US

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Middle School Original Oratory

Event Description:

Original Oratory

Judging Rules and Guidelines

The Original Oratory is a serious speech, generally persuasive in nature, on any subject of interest to

the student. The speech must be the original work of the student including research, organization

and preparation.

a. Contest requirements

1. Orations should be on a worthy and dignified subject

delivered in a direct, earnest and sensible fashion. Such

speeches are designed to persuade or move the will of

an average audience.

2. The maximum time limit is ten (10) minutes with a 30 second “grace” period.

Penalties will be imposed for exceeding the time limit.

3. Orations must be memorized.

4. The speech must be the original work of the student.

No more than 150 words may be quoted from another source.

Any quoted material and ideas which

are not original with the student should be cited in the speech.

5. Contestants will be required to submit a copy of their speech to the

Tournament Director prior to the contest with a signed statement

verifying originality of the work.

6. Visual aids are prohibited.

b. Judging criteria

Original Oratory will be judged on the basis of the quality of the writing —

organization, topic development, evidence and support and originality of

thought. It will also be judged on the speaker's delivery— good vocal and

physical control, an expressive voice, natural gestures and a persuasive style.

All of these influence the total effect of the speech.