Original Oratory Speech Development

Introduction

• Developing an original oratory (OO) speech is challenging but rewarding.
• Successful national OO champions make it appear effortless, but it requires resilience and hard work.

Components of a Successful OO Topic

1. Mindset Explanation

   • A successful OO speech has a specific mindset that causes societal problems.
   • Distinguish between causes (mindsets) and effects (problems).
   • Novice mistake: confusing societal problems with mindsets.
   • Provide a clear, concise explanation of the mindset in 2-5 sentences.
   • Use expert quotes to back up the mindset explanation.

2. Unexpected Topic

   • The mindset should be surprising and not obviously bad.
   • Avoid obvious topics like "don't be racist."
   • Methods to make a mindset unexpected:
     • Prove a seemingly innocent mindset has bad consequences.
     • Challenge societal truisms.
     • Show mindsets taken over society in unexpected ways.

3. Establishing Common Ground

   • Show that well-intentioned people embody the mindset.
   • Avoid targeting only extremists or specific political sides.
   • Avoid topics like social media and procrastination, which are teen-centric.
   • Use examples that resonate with average adults.

4. Connecting to Current Events

   • Use current events to illustrate the mindset and its impact.
   • Include a diversity of current events (politics, economics, daily life).
   • Use light-hearted and serious examples to show prevalence and severity.

5. Severity of Problems

   • Prove that the mindset causes severe, widespread problems.
   • Use personal stories and dramatic societal harms to illustrate severity.

Tips and Strategies

• Watch national finalists’ speeches to understand patterns and structures.
• Develop speeches that resonate broadly and are not confined to teen issues.
• Avoid vague mindsets; ensure clarity and tangibility.

Conclusion

• Aim for a mindset that is thought-provoking and not universally agreed upon.
• Use a balanced approach in examples and evidence to engage diverse audiences.

Next Steps

• Subsequent videos will cover assignments for topic development and research strategies.