Milwaukee City Conference

2014 — WI/US

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Declamation

Event Description:

Rules

1. The selection in this category must have been actually delivered in real life as a speech by a speaker other than the present contestant. Selections may include, but are not limited to professional speeches, public orations, former competition speeches, eulogies, sermons, etc. The introduction must name the work and author and describe the actual circumstances under which the speech was originally presented.
2. The original speaker’s words may not be altered for this presentation with the exception that cutting is permitted.
3. The speech must be memorized.
4. The presentation should not exceed 10 minutes, including at most one minute of introduction and transitional material other than the author’s words. Judges may not award first place to any contestant speaking beyond the thirty-second grace period.
5. Any questions regarding rules infringement should be brought to the attention of the Tabulation Room Staff immediately after the round, and not to the student.
6. This event is limited to 9th and 10th grade students.

Criteria for judging:

• Introduction: The introduction must name the work and author, provide necessary background information and establish the mood. If using a teaser, or if lines from the selection are used in the introduction, the speakers must adhere to the rules of the event.
• Presentation Style: The speaker should convey the message in a sincere, honest and realistic attempt to recreate the spirit of the original presentation. Although the style of delivery chosen by the speaker should be judged in light of the purpose of the speech, artificiality is to be discredited. The message should be conveyed credibly and convincingly as if the words were the speaker’s own. This event is an interpretation, not an impersonation.
• Vocal Delivery: The speaker should be articulate and fluent. The speaker should make use of contrast, making use of the elements of vocal variety: pitch, volume, rate, pausing, phrasing, stress, tone. The speaker should be conversational and concerned, passionate and pleasing. The speaker should be in control of the words and the emotions. The speaker should sound confident and self-assured, and seem eager to enlighten the audience. The speaker should convey the message in a sincere, honest, and realistic style in an attempt to recreate the spirit of the original presentation.
• Physical Delivery: The speaker should be physically open to the audience and use body language that invites the audience into the world of the declaimer. The speaker should vary facial expression to accentuate the natural flow of thoughts and feelings. The speaker should make eye contact with the audience. The speaker’s stance should be erect and controlled, without distracting movements. Movement, if used, should be motivated by transitions in thought or mood. Gestures should be visible, effectively used for emphasis, and varied.
• Overall Effect: The speaker should project an understanding of the speech’s message. The speaker should instill in the audience a concern for the speech’s content. The original speaker’s message should not be overshadowed by the delivery. Consideration should be given to the oratorical merit of the selection.