Crafting an Original Oratory Outline

Sep 9, 2024

Crafting an Original Oratory Outline

Introduction

  • This lecture covers the foundational stage of crafting an original oratory (OO) outline.
  • Importance of understanding core components for successful speech writing.
  • Upcoming stages will focus on stylistic elements and transitions.

Tips for Creating an Effective Outline

  1. Study National Finalists:
    • Convert their speeches into outlines to understand successful OO structures.
    • Look for patterns in organization and writing.
    • Check examples posted on Canvas.
  2. Attend Student Coaching:
    • Get feedback from varsity members.
    • Explaining your OO to others helps refine your thoughts.
  3. Don't Procrastinate:
    • Starting early prevents problems later.

Mindset Explanation

  • Key Component: First element needed in your outline.
  • Aim for a 2-5 sentence explanation.
  • Should be clear, direct, and ideally include a catchphrase.
  • Common Issues:
    • Overly vague explanations.
    • Lack of concrete, expert-backed arguments.
  • Unexpectedness:
    • Avoid obvious or unsolvable mindsets.
    • Aim to change the audience's perception.
  • Mindset should be relatable to everyone, not just a segment of society.

Development of Prongs

  • Definition: Categories of implications of the mindset.
  • Each prong represents a way the mindset affects society.
  • Example: Not doing homework affects both learning and grades.
  • Organizational Structure:
    • Overall mindset explained in the introduction.
    • Two prongs creating the main body paragraphs.
    • Each prong supported by concrete examples.
  • Example Structure:
    • False Narrativization & Happy Ending Myth (J.J. Kapoor).
    • Vilify vs. Justify (Badri's speech).
    • Minimization & Marginalization (Harris Hosseini).

Use of Concrete Examples

  • Purpose: Demonstrate implications of the mindset.
  • Best Practices:
    • Avoid vague overgeneralizations.
    • Use specific, concrete examples.
    • Ensure strong link to mindset.
  • Sequencing in Paragraphs:
    • Start with shorter examples for prevalence.
    • Use longer examples to show harm.

Dramatic Implications

  • Role: Bring problems to emotional climax.
  • Structure:
    1. Extended dramatic story (often personal).
    2. Series of severe societal impacts.
  • Examples:
    • Avi Galati on growth: personal anecdote to societal issues.
    • Harris Hosseini on discourse: personal story to societal impacts.

Solutions

  • Goal: Introduce mindset shifts to solve outlined problems.
  • Structure for Solutions:
    1. Explain mindset shift needed.
    2. Back with expert evidence.
    3. Provide concrete illustration.
  • Examples:
    • Reject false equivalences or oversimplified binaries.
    • Commitment to meaningful communication.

Conclusion

  • Crafting a strong original oratory is foundational to success.
  • Use examples and coaching for guidance.
  • Approach the task with thoroughness and creativity.