Interesting, New Topics for Oratory

**theatrix04** · 07-22-2005, 06:19 AM

Wondering if there are any interesting, newer topics for Oratory rather than some of the overused suggestions given to a student at camp this year:

something other than:
procrastination
success
overcoming adversity
what speech has done for me
a type personalities
road rage
vote
standardized testing
academic gap
parts of speech, the english language

**Aelfric5578** · 07-22-2005, 08:22 AM

Since when is the English language an overdone topic? I realized that it was not as unique as I had thought when I saw a few other people doing similar topics. Although, I have yet to see anyone else do a linguistic history of English in their speech as I did.

Also, how does one write a speech about parts of speech?

**theatrix04** · 07-22-2005, 08:26 AM

and yes it is necessary in order to write a speech...

however, I saw more than 10 speeches last year on this subject .... all quite similar.

so maybe not REALLY overdone

then again, ANY TOPIC, even the most overdone can be given a UNIQUE twist or charisma and be done well.....

I was trying to spur some posts and get people responding....

thanks for your input. We do not actually disagree on it.

**Aelfric5578** · 07-22-2005, 08:31 AM

Out of curiosity, did you ever see someone doing a linguistic history of the Evolution of English. I often wonder if my former topic was that original.

Also, I still would like to know how one can write a speech about parts of speech. Not that I would write such a speech, but it just doesn't seem possible at first glance.

**KrispyKreme** · 09-13-2005, 11:59 AM

I can see it now... "VERB: It's what you DO" will be the National OO Winner in Dallas this year... I better copyright that title before someone steals it...

A speech about the parts of speech? What are the points?

"First, we will discuss how the adverb is the cornerstone of American Society. Then, we'll turn the page to find that the Adjective is the brightest gem in our proverbial treasure chest. And finally, we'll discover that Verb is actually Brev spelled backwards, which has no true meaning, whatsoever."

Are we really THAT out of ideas?
-D

**tgjdlc** · 10-17-2005, 12:54 AM

as cheesy as it sounds, i am helping one of my students with the writing of this idea she had. The idea that cliches are so overused in this society to be optimistic and inspirational, but what they really do is set a standard. and if you live by standards, you will never truly be happy. What do you guys think? Its still a really rough idea, and we did write it, and she got 2nd at the first league tournament in a very tough final round. But we do need to clean it up a bit. It has a lot of humor, but i still need to help her with the research of what statements like 'when i was your age' and such can do to a child. Like i said, she is really humorous, is a really good speaker, but right now i just don't feel we have the power, (drama i guess you could say) or social significance behind it to say it is GREAT yet. Can anyone help with an idea?

**KrispyKreme** · 10-17-2005, 11:58 AM

tough...

Just from what you've told me... I figure that if she goes up against anyone whose presentation is just as good as hers, yet the speech is more significant... she'll lose it there. As a judge... I look for presentation first and then I look into content. Sometimes, I just look at presentation... depending on how bad the round is. But if/when she goes to bigger national tournaments (Glenbrooks, Emory, Harvard, Nats, etc...) she'll be eaten alive (it happened to me, and it hurt like ****). There are tons of very talented speakers out there and a bunch of them have very significant and relevant speeches that can apply to everybody. If you want her to win/have a great speech, either find a way to make it significant or find a new topic.

**toughguy422** · 10-17-2005, 07:00 PM

yea, third at emory is pretty much being eaten alive.

haha. jk.....but seriously, drew, thats horrible.

James

**KrispyKreme** · 10-20-2005, 09:06 AM

ummm... fourth, actually.

And first at Wake hurts like **** too? Doesn't it, James?

Sometimes I actually forget what place I got at Emory... simply because they don't really tell you. They name you... Champion, Runner-Up, (something weird for 3rd... can't remember) Then 4,5, and 6 are like "honorable mention" or something like that.. and you get this little funky key thingy that doesn't tell you anything. Emory is so freaky. But I was talking about THE NATIONAL tournament. I got eaten alive in Salt Lake City... but not in prose. Top 18 in prose. That was fun. Hope to see ya again, James!

**toughguy422** · 10-20-2005, 06:02 PM

haha, im sorry. anyway, congrats on prose. that is ridiculous. oratory is the extent of what i can do reasonably well. the fact that you can perform both at such a level is a real tribute to your abilities.

emory agreed. last year, i found myself counting to see how many people from finals still hadnt been called. i hope to see you again too. ill be making my way to villiger, emory, harvard, cfls, and ill try to get to nfls.

talk to you later,
James