STATE ORIGINAL ORATORY BALLOT

Round _____ Section _____ Student Code ______________________________

Judge’s Name ______________________ School _____________________________

Topic ____________________________________ Length of Speech _______________

Please comment on the following areas. The questions may be used as guides.

See reverse for OSAA rules.

Introduction

Was the belief and/or action sought by the speaker clear? Is the thesis statement evident?

Content

Was the speech clearly organized? Were there effective transitions? Was the student’s approach imaginative and original? Was there evidence of critical thinking? When used, were sources appropriately cited? Was the word choice discriminating?

Delivery

Was the speaker direct and communicative? Were unmotivated gestures, random movement, and artificial vocal variety avoided? Did the speaker connect effectively with the audience?

Total Effectiveness

What was the total impression of the speech and speaker upon you, the critic, as compared to other speakers in the round?

CIRCLE THE NUMBER BELOW THAT INDICATES THE RATING OF THIS SPEAKER. TIES ARE PERMITTED.

50-49-48-47-46-45 (Excellent)

44-43-42-41-40-39-38-37 (Good)

36-35-34-33-32-31 (Fair)

RANK THE SPEAKER. NO TIES.

1^ST 2^ND 3^RD 4^TH 5^TH 6^TH

OSAA ORATORY RULES

Subject. No limitation is placed on subject matter, other than that it be significant and worthy. The composition is to be the student's original work. No more than one hundred and fifty quoted words including all short words such as "a," "an," "the", etc., may be used.

Length. Each speech is limited to 10 minutes presentation time with no grace period. Time signals may be given at the speaker’s request; however, presentation within the time length is ultimately the responsibility of the speaker. If laughter delays the speaker, the timekeeper shall make allowance by stopping the watch at the beginning and starting it at the end of each interruption. Contestants who violate the time limit may receive a lower rank. No contestant may be penalized if a stopwatch was not used for timing.

Memorization. Verbatim memorization is optional. However, departures from the manuscript may not add to the length of the speech.

Notes. No notes are permitted and no promptings are allowed.

Instructions to the Judges. In this contest, the students have chosen their own subjects, written their speeches, and committee them to memory. They are, however, permitted to deviate from the original script in order to make a better adjustment to the speaking situation. Students are expected to choose a significant subject. They may discuss a problem of social, economical, moral, or political importance, or they may praise (eulogize) a person or idea, or inveigh against an immoral practice, law, group, or person. Ordinarily, the student combines argument with emotional appeal. Speakers employ materials and language that are graphic, striking, and sometimes dramatic - but always with the desire to put the speaker's idea across, not to call attention to the speaker's techniques. The oration is a speech, not a dramatic reading.

Communication among judges during the round. Judges must make independent decisions. Judges shall not discuss decisions with other judges prior to turning in ballots. Timekeepers may share the length of a given speech only. If questions arise regarding the rules or conduct of an event, judges shall ask at Speech State Championships headquarters.