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Oratory Speech
LEARNING TARGET: I can cut a speech to a time frame without losing the integrity of the
content. I can make sound decisions about the delivery of my piece.
STEP ONE: Trial Reading
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Before you even think of cutting, be sure to read your piece aloud to get an estimation
of time
Read the speech out loud a few times, being sure to clock yourself, to get an average
This will help you get an idea of how much you need to cut and how much room you
have to play with
If your selection is less than 5 minutes you need to question if you need to cut lines or
pauses
If your entire selection is 6+ minutes, you should just pick a section of the speech
instead of trying to fit the entire message into a few minutes
STEP TWO: Cut
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Remember our time frame is 3:15-4:15
Keep the integrity of the speech
Make sure the speech still flows and is easy to understand and follow
Do not slash any vital support; if support does need to be removed keep the most
important segments
Do not cut anything or anyone that explains a reference you have kept in the piece
(unless you do not need the cut information to comprehend)
Do retain the structure of the speech
Re-time yourself until you fall into the time frame!
STEP THREE: Teaser
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A teaser is a short selection of the piece performed prior to the introduction
The teaser should get the audience hooked and stop with a button-a profound
statement, a question, something that leaves the audience thinking
STEP FOUR: Write an Introduction
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Needs to list the piece's title, the author's name and necessary information
Locate it logically between the teaser and the body of the speech – make sure it’s not
jarring
An introduction is the place to be yourself, so write an intro that you are comfortable
with
Intro should set the tone for the speech
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Try This Format: Set the tone while listing any necessary background information, give
the piece's title and author, and have a clever quip to transition back into the piece (a
question, powerful statement, etc.).
More ideas for writing introductions:
o Declamations often deal with a specific moment in history. Capture that
moment in the beginning of your introduction. Do some research to see why this
speech was pivotal and learn the basics regarding the historical event. After you
have become knowledgeable writing a few sentences on the background of the
speech and its relevance to history should come easily.
o Or, maybe your Declamation was written about a person? Again, do some
research on who this person was and why they were important enough to be
remembered. If the Declamation focuses on a person and a particular idea
regarding that person, you should focus on the givens that the speech contains. If
you are speaking about a well-known figure it might be in your best interest to
not include the facts everyone already knows but offer something new.
o You may choose to start with a question of how life would be if "X" never
existed. Or a quote can be given that is in relation to the subject at hand. Maybe a
personal account of how "X" warms your heart is more your style. If you wish to
link a past event to one current, your introduction is where to bridge the two
times. Whichever you choose, be sure it is appropriate for the tone of the speech.
For instance you would not tell a joke in your introduction if the piece was
serious.
STEP FIVE: Plan your Delivery
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Before you start planning your delivery, re-time your speech.
Make purposeful decisions about your vocal and physical delivery: You must mark at
least 2 decisions about your “Vocal Delivery” and at least 2 decisions about your
“Physical Delivery” that you plan on incorporating into your speech on your word-forword. (total usage of 4 purposeful delivery techniques)
Vocal Delivery:
Volume
Rate
Pitch
Vocal Emphasis / Inflection
Articulation and Pronunciation
Physical Delivery:
Body Language
Eye Contact
Posture
Facial Expressions
Movement/blocking
Use of lectern or podium
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Movement / Blocking (optional)
o Blocked moves should be motivated by transitions in the piece. A change of
idea signals a change in blocking.
o Blocking can be an effective way to show transition, climax, emphasis, or to
move the speech along
o A usually speaker moves to various, pre-selected spots with the start of a new
paragraph of support and on the conclusion
o Try this Format: Blocking usually takes the form of a flat, obtuse triangle. Start
in the center for the teaser/intro; move stage right for the 1st point; move center
for 2nd point; move stage left for third point; back to center for conclusion
o Plan your route in advance so there is no confusion
o Be sure to always come back to center (where you began your speech) at the end
to signal closure.
o Looking at the language and structure of a Declamation speech is a surefire
solution to blocking. The script will give suggestions on when you should move
STEP SIX: Practice
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When performing, NEVER imitate the original speaker.
http://www.forensicscommunity.com/declamation/excelling-declamation-advancedguide