Original Oratory

In this event, Original Oratory (OO), the student both writes and delivers their speech. The speaker will attempt to persuade the audience on any issue or topic dealing with society or individuals. Of course, the speaker is not expected to solve the big problems of the world. Rather, they should be expected to discuss intelligently, with a degree of originality, in an interesting manner, and with some profit to the audience, the topic chosen. Any appropriate subject may be used, but the orator must be honest, and the subject should be appropriate to the speaker and to the audience. Their thesis must be clear and understandable. Citing sources such as magazines, news articles, websites, etc, increases the credibility of the speech. No props or items are allowed in Original Oratory. Speeches must be delivered from memory. Speeches cannot be under 8 minutes and cannot exceed 10 minutes.