What is the purpose of Illustrated Oratory?
The purpose of Illustrated Oratory as an event is to train the student to research, assemble, and communicate a prepared speech with the assistance of visual aids that would appeal to a variety of audiences.
The purpose of the Illustrated Oratory speech is to craft a compelling speech that is enhanced by but not solely dependent upon visual aids. The speech could pose a problem, offer a solution, alert to an issue of concern, strengthen devotion to a cause, or more generally to inform. The following goals could be served by the speech: informing, inspiring, persuading, entertaining, or teaching, among others. The topic of the speech is chosen by the student.
What is gratuitous vulgarity?
This refers to vulgar, obscene or profane language or gestures which are included for shock value. Gratuitous vulgarity is not appropriate.
Can I compete with the same speech in two different categories?
Speakers may not use the same speech in two separate categories at the same tournament. However, the same speech can be moved to a different category at a different tournament. If the speech qualifies to advance to a higher level of competition (Regionals or Nationals) in both categories the speaker will have to choose a category.
Can I use a costume as a visual aid?
Yes, however you may not wear the costume during your speech, and it must fit in your box with the lid on.
Can I use my sword as a visual aid? What about my gun? Explosives?
Visual aids that are weapons, or look like weapons are not allowed. This includes, but is not limited to, knives, swords (including fencing swords), guns, explosives, or other items that are used as weapons. Weapons, as well as visual aids that look like weapons, may be confiscated at the discretion of the Tournament Director.
Can I use any device to make a sound?
No, none of the visual aids may make noise.
Do I need a separate blank board to begin and end my speech?
No, you may use the blank backside of a board that has been illustrated. You may also use a completely separate blank board if you chose.
Can I use less than three boards?
No, a minimum of three boards must be used. One of these boards could be completely blank for use at the beginning and end of the speech. The other two boards will be illustrated.
Does a board with illustrations on the front and back count as one board or two boards?
This counts as only one board, even if the front and back are both illustrated.
Do any additional visual aids (those other than the easel and the boards) need to fit in the box with the lid on?
Yes, all additional visual aids need to fit in the box, of overall dimensions no larger than 30 inches, with the lid on.
Do any additional visual aids need to be in the box as I enter and leave the competition room?
No, the additional visual aids do not have to be in the box as the competitor enters and leaves the room, but additional visual aids should not be visible to the judges before the speech begins, or by the time the speech ends.
What is the purpose of the box for additional visual aids then?
The box for additional visual aids is designed to limit the combined size of visual aids in the IO event. The additional visual aids are subject to inspection by tournament officials at any point during the competition.
If I attach a visual aid onto one of my boards during the speech, does the visual aid need to be returned back to the visual aid box by the time the speech ends?
No, the visual aid does not need to be returned to the box; it can remain on the board. However, only a blank board should be visible to the judges by the time the speech ends.
How do I give a citation as I am presenting my speech?
References to sources should be included in the text of the speech as it is delivered.
Examples:
1. Psalm 23 says, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”
2. According to C.S. Lewis, Aslan apparently cannot be called a lion that is tame.
3. In his book The Leadership Paradox, author Denny Gunderson reminds us of this: "Obedience and humility are God's twin guardians against the plague of vain ambition resident within the heart of the leader who wants to be a star."
How do I cite sources for script submission?
Any citation needs to be given according to MLA format. The author's last name and the page number(s) from which the quotation, paraphrase or general idea is taken must appear in the text, and a complete reference should appear on your separate Source Citation Page.
Examples:
1. In-text citation for a direct quote: Psalm 23 says, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want” (New King James Bible, Ps. 23.1).
2. In-text citation for a paraphrase: According to C.S. Lewis, Aslan apparently cannot be called a lion that is tame (Lewis 25).
3. In his book The Leadership Paradox, author Denny Gunderson reminds us of this: "Obedience and humility are God's twin guardians against the plague of vain ambition resident within the heart of the leader who wants to be a star" (Gunderson 42).
Is there a website which gives some information on MLA formatting?
Assistance with MLA format can be found online at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/, other online sources, or in manuals at most bookstores.
How do I cite sources for board illustrations?
Citations for board illustrations, such as pictures or other source material, would be included on the board adjacent to the illustration.
My piece is pretty intense and may not be suitable for younger audiences. Is there a way for me to help protect them?
The best way to protect the younger or more sensitive members of an audience is to announce before your speech begins that it may not be suitable for all audiences. This will allow younger students, families and others with care of small children, and also the timekeeper to leave the room before the piece begins.
Can automatic script penalties be waived for a speaker with learning disabilities or difficulty with memorization?
The answer is that there can be no exceptions. Competitive forensics reveals strengths in young speakers who did not believe they were capable. Speakers are frequently unable to memorize until they "have to." When speech participants have to, they often try harder and achieve more than they thought they could. Finally, the purpose of this activity is not to win, but to grow in communication ability. The memorization requirement is included to encourage speakers to be the best communicators they can be.
My child has special needs and/or circumstances. Can he be considered an exception to a competition rule?
From a practical standpoint, an exception here would open the door for a host of exceptions. An unlimited number of participants could see themselves in need of exceptions and an infinite number of potential exceptions requested. It becomes highly complicated to communicate the variety of potential exceptions to the judges as well as competitors. The ultimate purpose for participating in competitive forensics is for to improve communication skills. Special students have shown much improvement in this environment.
If my script is accepted at the script submission check-in at my tournament, does that mean the script doesn’t have any problems?
No, there still may be issues with the script or the piece. The script submission check-in reviews the script for structural compliance, meaning that submission is structurally in compliance with the format for submitting a script. Script submission check-in verifies that the script paperwork is completed correctly, but the script may not be in complete compliance with all of the rules and FAQs for the event.
Is there a preference for double- or single-spacing the typewritten scripts?
The preference (although not mandatory) is to double-space typewritten scripts.
