Oratory Analysis
Event Description: Competitors select a historical or contemporary speech to analyze and
present. The original speaker, as well as the place and date of the speech will be given early in
the speech to provide the context. Student presentations must include two elements - Presenting
part or all of the original speech and analyzing the content and impact of the speech.
Goal: The competitor will seek to move and educate an audience by showing insights into a
historical or contemporary speech. This will result in a deeper understanding of and appreciation
for the speech, the original speaker, the time period in which he or she lived, and the impacts or
effects of the speech.
Value: This is a unique educational event with a proven track record. Students must analyze a
great speech, understanding the context, the speaker, and the rhetorical elements that made it
great. They also learn the importance of fitting a speech to the audience and culture which
surrounds it along with insight into the historical speaker. Ideally, students will transfer this
information to their own speech writing, and we will see growth in the quality of the speeches
presented in competition in the future.
Poetry Analysis
Description: Speakers will present a recitation and analysis of one or more poetry selection(s)
with respect to genre, tone, meaning, context, and/or application. Student presentations must include two elements - recitation of the poem (in entirety or part) and an analysis of the
selection(s). If more than one poetry selection is presented, the speaker's analysis will include a
discussion of the comparative relationship between the selections.
Goal: Speakers will develop a greater understanding and appreciation of poetry. They will learn
to effectively analyze as well as identify poetic language and unique elements within poetry.
Value: Poetry provides for a more creative and expressive vocabulary, using symbolism and
syntax to encourage a greater understanding of language. Poetry teaches meter, rhyme,
alliteration, symbolism, hyperbole, and more. Ideally, competitors will transfer these rhetorical
devices to their own speech writing, and we will see growth in the quality of the speeches
presented in future competition.