DSDL 3 Cary

2024 — Cary, NC/US

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Declamation

Event Description:

A. Purpose

A selection used in Oratorical Declamation must have been originally delivered in the form of a speech by its author, a person other than the present speaker. The speaker should have an introduction which is at most one minute and names the work, author, and describes the circumstances under which the speech was originally presented. The original speaker’s words must not be altered for the presentation with the exception that cutting is permitted. Material being performed must match the student’s original script. Selections may include professional speeches, public orations, eulogies, and sermons.

B. Length

The time limit is ten minutes with a 30-second “grace period.” If there are multiple judges in the round, all must agree that the student has gone beyond the grace period. Should a student go beyond the grace period, the student may not be ranked 1st. There is no other prescribed penalty for going over the grace period. The ranking is up to each individual judge’s discretion. Judges who chose to time are to use accurate (stopwatch function) timing devices. No minimum time is mandated

C. Age-Limit

This event is limited to freshman and sophomore students.

D. Performance

The selection should be memorized. If the speaker refers to prepared notes of any kind or a script during the presentation, they cannot be ranked above any contestant making a good-faith effort to perform from memory. The speaker should develop the ability to convey the message in a sincere, honest, and realistic style. The mechanics of speech must be observed faithfully: poise, quality of voice, effectiveness and ease of gesture, emphasis, variety, and enunciation. In addition, the speaker must be able to interpret the meaning of the speech and be able to carry the interpretation over the minds of the listeners. The speaker must be able to interest the listeners and to hold their attention. Positions other than standing should not be excessive in length or dominate the performance. No particular style should be demanded of the speaker; rather, the contestant should be free to select and to develop a personal style and be judged according to the degree of perfection attained and the effectiveness in influencing the listeners. While the specifics of the speech and any style of delivery which the speaker adopts should be judged in light of the purpose of the speech, artificiality is to be described. This event is an interpretation, not an impersonation. Any non-speaking expressions such as singing or dancing should not be excessive or dominate the performance. Judges ranks may reflect if non-speaking expressions have dominated the performance. No properties or costumes of any kind may be sued. Using “properties” means manipulating articles of clothing or objects to enhance the performance. Speakers using properties and/or wearing costumes will be disqualified.

E. Re-Use

A student may not use a cutting from a work of literature the student used in any previous contest year. A student entered in two events may not use the same selection of literature in both events.