COMPETITION RULES
- Students must present a form of oration.....not song.In the interest of space and time, participation is limited to four entries per school with no more than two in choral speaking/dramatic skits.
(Please call 
(510) 326-5078
for special circumstances.)
- All presentations must be recited from memory ( no notes are allowed )
- Maximum time limit for a group is 5 minutes; 3 minutes for individuals.
- No coaching, costumes, props, or special effects are allowed.
- Any quotations or copyrighted materials used in the oration must be identified with the original author’s name.
- Adult supervision of students is mandatory at both Regional and Final Competitions. At the Regional Competition, there should be one adult supervisor per category.
- All decision of the Oratorical Fest judges are final.
- Schools must be on time. It is important to arrive and register on time.
- Entries to the Regional Competition must be typed and on current Entry Form or by ONLINE REGISTRATION .
- Microphones are used at the Regional and Finals (familiarize students).
CATEGORIES TO BE JUDGED
1. Original Poetry and Essays (written by student)
2. Individual Poetry
3. Famous Speeches and Essays
4. Choral Speaking and Dramatic Skits (group of two or more)
SCORING CRITERIA
The scoring will range from 1 to 10 in each category, thus having 40 points as the maximum number of points each individual or group performance can receive. Judges will discuss the categories before the contest so that each one is looking for basically the same thing. School site liaisons should discuss ratings with all staff.
1. INTERPRETATION/CREATIVITY
Does the student bring out the meaning (intent) of the literature?
How natural is the reading?
Does the student bring a special flair to his/her material?
2. EXPRESSION
Has the student accurately portrayed the attitudes of the characters?
Does the student use facial, hand, and/or body gestures?
Does the student use the appropriate volume? Too loud? Too soft?
3. ARTICULATION/PRONUNCIATION
How distinct is the student’s diction?
Is the student’s pronunciation clear?
How does the student use dialect (if applicable)?
4. STAGE PRESENCE
Does the student use gestures appropriately?
Does the student effectively portray a picture or scene (if applicable)?
How does the student set the stage (orally) to create the appropriate
atmosphere for his/her oration?
Does the student bring life to the literature?
Does the student create a clear, visible character (if applicable)?
POINT DEDUCTIONS
There is a (1) one point deduction from the presenter(s) presentation
for each of the following:
- Over the allotted time
- Coaching on the sideline by anyone
- Costumes, props, special effects
- There is a maximum three (3) point deduction.
