I don't really understand

[apples]

Exactly what an appropriate OO topic is?

I do to an extent, but at the same time I am extremely confused. I understand the catagory, but I don't understand why there seems to be such a wide range in topics. Could someone offer a little explanation?

[CManning]

Here's something to help you pick a topic:

1. List 5 things that tick you off more than anything in this world.
2. Narrow this list down to one that can be applied to a broad audience.
3. Put a personal twist on it, like focusing on a specific area underneath the broad umbrella topic.

and VOILA! You've got yourself an OO topic. I've used this method for the past 2 years. Last year my speech was on violence, but specifically our desensitization to it. Trust me, this works.

[apples]

Ok, so let me get this straight.

I could hypothetically talk about how unicorns are clearly dominant to all other mythical creatures and that would be alright?
Obviously, that's a silly topic. But my assumption right now is that OO can be about ANYTHING?

And topics that apply to society are better though?

[MajesticTOASTER]

Well, there's not really much to get.
Oratory, as you know, is simply a speech written and preformed by the contestant. The reason you see so many varying topics is because the speech can be about virtually anything. In fact, the more the creative, the better. That's why it's called original oratory.

In oratory, the name of the game is being as catchy, creative, and as thorough as possible. Nobody wants to see 8 speeches in a row over why we should be striving for world peace, or something equally stupid, so we orators try to stay away from those generic topics and think outside the box. However, despite the unique topics each performer will present, you may notice that they try to bring it full circle to one of the more generic themes.
For example, my first ever oratory was about shiny pennies. Random, I know. So, I talked about how, when I was little, I collected the prettiest pennies I could find, and it eventually transitioned into the importance of treasuring the little things in life. I was consistently in the top 3 at tournaments.
That was a lot of information, but I hope it helps. : ]

[Funyuns]

There are informative speeches too(that are very topical), Chris Mocrief from Bronx Prep had a speech on Scars and it was both personal and VERY imformative, best written speech I've ever heard!!!! Another kid I saw at Yale and Villiger, (goes to check Villiger thread**) Matt Khoury from Fordham has a speech on the French Influence in America, it too is personal and imformative. Another one I've heard that is completly different from these two styles is Taylor Nortons. He finaled at Villiger and his speech is on being responsible. Adam Connor's (Yale and GMU champ) is similar in the way that it really applies to society(and he does that very well)

So for me there are two types of speeches, informative ones and ones that try and point out things in society. Both are awesome!

Good luck!

[prosergal]

Ok, so let me get this straight.

I could hypothetically talk about how unicorns are clearly dominant to all other mythical creatures and that would be alright?
Obviously, that's a silly topic. But my assumption right now is that OO can be about ANYTHING?

And topics that apply to society are better though?
You are correct. It's kind-of like when a teacher says "okay, we are going to do a research paper and you get to choose the topic!"

I am not saying your hypothetical topic would do great on the circuit, but you have the correct idea: it can be anything (almost).

Although, if I saw an OO about how unicorns are the best mythical creature, and it was done well, I might be inclined to rank you well because that's a risky topic...and HILARIOUS. But then again, I'm awkward.