A ten-minute memorized presentation of a previously delivered, and published, speech. The aim is to effectively convey the message intended by the original speaker. Examples: ““’Equality of Women’ by Sojourner Truth,” “’A Few Lessons From Star Trek: From a Disabled Community’s Standpoint,’ or “Ten ways not to muck up the world worse than it already is…” by Russell Baker.
Rules:
Your piece must be a published speech, or parts of a published speech, which was actually delivered by a speaker in a public forum (excluding speeches used in high school or college speech competitions).
Combining separate speeches is forbidden.
Your piece must have an introduction that includes the name of the author, the title of the oration, if any, and the name of the source where the oration was published. You also need to be sure to include the place and date of the original delivery.
You cannot add more than 150 words, including the introduction and any transitions. The editing and/or delivery must not change the author’s intent.
You cannot use a selection, or any portion of a selection, that you have used in previous years, in the same or in a different event.
Reading from a book or magazine is prohibited
Your presentation cannot go over 10 minutes long (though some tournaments allow a 30 second grace period). There is no minimum time, but speeches that do well are usually not shorter than 5 or 6 minutes
Event Checklist:
Pencil and notebook for reflections
Try to know who you are competing against in your round
Figure out what room you will be performing in
Some Tips From People Who Have Excelled in this Event:
OI, like all interp events, is about transforming to tell the truth. Committing to this transformation is pivotal to getting your message across. Judges already know these aren't your words-- don't give them another reason to hold them against you. So, your first and most important job? Suspend their disbelief long enough for you to tell the truth you need them to hear and make them believe it.
- Eleana Paneda