An original persuasive speech including the identification of a problem and the offer of a clear, concise legislative solution on a national or statewide problem. Examples: “Fatness is Not a Moral Issue (Medical issues with Fat),” “Colorism (Skin Whitening),” or “Pink Tax,” “40 not 4 (Pediatric Cancer).”
Rules:
Introduce an issue and find a legislative solution for it
An introduction is required (topic, gives any necessary information, and sets the tone) and given after a minute or so of the piece has been delivered, at a natural break-point
No notes are allowed
Time limits are to be adhered to: 10 minutes with a 30 second grace period
No more than 150 quoted words or 30 seconds of quoted speech
No props, diagrams, charts, etc
Must be truthful, honest, and factual
Speech effectiveness will be judged—did the speech clearly present an idea, motivate, etc?
Judged solely on the “effectiveness of development and presentation” according to the National Forensic League
Event Checklist:
Notebook or pencil 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:
Numbers hold more power than we realize and the key is to utilize them as attention grabbers to keep your audience wanting to know more. I recommend to use a groundbreaking statistic right before the road map at the end of the introduction, that's always one of my personal favorite spots.
Another thing is to keep a balance between facts and commentary. Since OA is mostly fact driven, make sure to balance it with your analysis to keep the audience awake.
- Manreet Sohi
It’s easier if you find the legislation you want in place first.
If you have no clue, then just read the news. If there’s anything there that makes you mad, you can probably find a topic from it.
Don’t do a topic your not passionate about. You won’t perform it well and you won’t enjoy it.
- Zainab Butt
Focus on the advocacy. That's what makes this event unique.
- Chinmayi Mutyala
Pick something that you love. If you are passionate about the issue that you are acting on, that makes the best OA's. Also make sure it is unique. Do your best research but make it easy to understand and have a story, because that is the key to the best OA's out there.
- Jannat Ashfaq
Practice by looking in the mirror when you speak to see what hand movements and facial expressions look good.
- Bernice Lozada
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