Shamrock Invitational with Wyatt Debate

2025 — Louisville, KY/US

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Original Oratory

Event Description:

ORATORY—Junior & Senior Divisions

Judge Instructions

Rules Summary

1. In this event, each student delivers an original speech which informs and/or persuades.

2. The maximum time is ten minutes, including a required introduction. There is a thirty second grace period, after which the student must be dropped in rank/rating. Time signals may be given at the request of the competitor. No violation of the grace period in Regional/State Quarterfinal, Semifinal, or Final rounds may result in disqualification. No performance violating the grace period may receive ‘1’ in the round.

3. The speech may be of an informative or persuasive nature.

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

5. Direct quotations may be used, but they must be indicated and limited to 150 words of quoted material.

6. No props or visual aids are permitted.

7. Each Oratory contestant will have a print or electronic copy of the Oratory available for the Regional and State tournaments if asked for.

Hints for Judges

1. The introduction should get the attention of the audience as well as preview the speech.

2. Good speaking skills should be evident.

3. Organization must be clear and easy to follow.

4. Eye contact is essential.

5. Audience rapport should be evident.

6. Sources should be used to support any facts or claims.

7. Fluency of language is important as well as logical development of content.

Judging Criteria

I. Choice of Material Used in Speech

Did the speaker confine remarks to the topic of the speech? Did the speaker show depth of analysis and a desire to contribute to the audience's understanding? Did the speaker select supporting materials that contributed to the informative or persuasive nature of the speech?

II. Organization of the Speech

Did the speaker have an appropriate introduction and conclusion? Did the speaker present clearly and compellingly the main points in the body of the speech? Did the speaker employ transitions that were clear and smooth? Did the speaker develop evidence, examples, and illustrations to support the main points?

III. Demonstration of Rhetorical Excellence

Did the speaker demonstrate good sentence structure and effective use of language? Did the speaker effectively inform or persuade the audience?

IV. Presentation of the Speech

Did the speaker demonstrate attributes of effective speaking such as eye contact, facial expressions, and gestures? Did the speaker exhibit poise, control of bodily action, and clarity of speaking voice?

********Judge Notice********

In an effort to ensure fairness in judging practices, KHSSL has standardized the point values given to student performances. Please use the following rubric in order to assign point values to each student's performance. Students may not receive the same point value. Students may not receive more points than an individual more highly ranked. Judges are strongly encouraged to justify the reason for the rating on the ballot.