Oratory Topics

**extemper1991** · 05-01-2007, 07:45 PM

Well, i did not qual to nats this year in either of my events, but i didn't do oratory, so i was planning on trying it again next year, or maybe even wait until my senior year. so i am debating between a few topics now. my first one is america the bully, and it is about how america is simply so nationalistic that we cut off other countries and other aspects like that . secondly, on how we get amusement off of each others flaws. we enjoy when someone messes up, and that needs to change. the final one is that we do not have enough determination, and the problems it leads to.

**WindyDays** · 05-02-2007, 06:56 PM

For the first topic... how can we as individuals actually solve that problem?

I like the last two topics better... because I think it would be easier for people to gain something from the speech... to be able to change themselves or their mindset in their everyday lives.

The most important thing... is to pick a topic you care about and that you're interested in. It's your chance to share your words with the world and connect with oher people. What do you want people to change? What do you want to persuade them to do or think?

**jdcongresscapt** · 05-02-2007, 09:19 PM

If I were you, I'd go with the third one. I'd shy away from the second only because the concept of schadenfraude is quite popular in oratory, especially over the last two years. As for the first one, it could be good...provided the speech was about actual bullying (using America's fopo as a case study).

That's my two cents.

**Aelfric5578** · 05-03-2007, 12:41 PM

I'm inclined to agree with JD. I was very surprised at one tournament last year to hear two speeches about Schadenfreude in the same round. Then I heard a third one in a different round.

I think you'd have a lot of potential with the first topic too, but you might have to tread more carefully. Occasionally, judges don't like speeches with negative messages. But, as an extemper, you probably have enought grasp on how to discuss politics without alienating judges, so you might want to go with the first.

The third one is a safer topic. If done right, you can succeed with it. It's not too much of a cliche` topic either, like many of the other safer topics I've heard of.