ADS, EXPOS, ORATORY, RADIO Resources
- Shelbey Colt
- Jun 23, 2018
- 7 min read
So you think you can write your own speeches? You probably can, and these four events are the ones that require that skill. These events are all about delivering original compositions that will either make you laugh, make you learn, make you change, or make you think. That's why it's important to be well-researched and well-prepared before you walk into your first round. I've broken this post down by event, so you can scroll down to find my links and very ill-advised advice on whatever event your heart desires.
ADS:
Are you the class clown? Do you have whoever you're around in stitches within the first five minutes of being with them? Or can you just come up with a creative way to call everyone virgins for spending their Saturday at a speech and debate tournament? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then ADS might be the event for you.
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The ballot for ADS can be found on the resource page, but the ballot cover, which provides an even more detailed description of the event, is here.
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Next are two ADS videos from the example playlist, found on the resource page. The really good thing about these speeches are that they were spoken here in Oregon, so that means that all the requirements that you will be expected to meet are the same ones being met here. These speeches won 3rd in state in 2017, and 1st in state in 2018, respectively:
TIPS FROM THE AUTHOR FOR CRAFTING AN ADS:
When choosing a topic, pick something that you are personally affected by or can relate to. The ADS's I've seen succeed have been the ones about things that include personal anecdotes regarding the speaker's identity, a cause they believe in that they can poke fun with, or just something that really pisses them off.
Don't rely on one type of humor. One mistake I see people in ADS do is that they use only the humor that is their go-to in normal conversation. Whether it be self deprecation, slapstick comedy, or outrageous impressions, everyone has a style when it comes to humor. However, when you utilize a variety of ways to make people laugh, you have a higher chance of making more people laugh, including the judges that will ultimately be determining your fate.
Have confidence and persevere. This is generally true for every speech, but it's especially true for ADS. Humor is so subjective, so don't be worried if a quip you thought would have the audience roaring produces only a slight giggle or nothing at all. You should only be worried if absolutely no jokes in your speech makes anybody laugh. Our buddy Matthew knows a lot about that.
EXPOS:
If you have artistic talent, something interesting to talk about, and the willingness to commit a variety of fun facts to memory that you will probably be able to recall forever, then expos might be your gig. This event might be the area I am most qualified to speak on (hahaha), as I spent my entire freshman year doing expos, and plan on doing it again. So if you want to join me in taking on the world of posterboards and Card twin domination, then the following may help you very much...
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The ballot for expos can be found on the resource page, but the ballot cover, which provides an even more detailed description of the event, is here.
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The beautiful thing about expos is that none of the ideas you come up with for speeches have to be entirely originally. Just ask the 3 people that all did an expos about memes at the Clackamas tournament last year. If you're struggling to find ideas for what you want to spend countless hours researching and talking about, then this list and this list might help you a lot.
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Next I have two videos that explain the process behind constructing the visual aids that you must have for expos. If you, much like myself, struggle with visual design or anything related to arts and crafts, then these videos will help you a lot.
TIPS FROM THE AUTHOR FOR CRAFTING AN EXPOS:
Take a UNIQUE approach. This not only makes your speech more fun to listen to, but it also makes it more fun to create. Unique action yields unique results, so if your speech is about high heels, don't be afraid to conduct your own not-so-scientific experiment by wearing only high heels for a week straight and document your experience and it's effects. This doesn't only apply to research though. If you can find any way to make your visual aids something unforgettable, then by all means, TRY IT.
Have a definite structure. You don't have to come up with the way your speech is going to be organized right away, but having that at some point before you finish is a necessity. You can go chronologically, by geographic location, past and present and future, or whatever. It makes your speech easier to follow, and it allows your audience to know what's coming up next.
Infuse humor in your speech. Expos's aren't necessarily supposed to be about the most depressing topics of the world, so adding in humor can be greatly beneficial. It makes you appear less robotic to the audience and when used properly, can make the audience care more about what you have to talk about. Just don't get too carried away, of course.
Make your posters memorable. Even though posters aren't required for an expos, they can greatly enhance your presentation. Think outside of the box, and make your viewers remember about you the next time they hear or see something relating to your topic. Dazzle your judges by making your posters interactive, and pleasing to look at! Use Velcro, flip open a pamphlet, or just simply point at your drawings! Look up fonts online, hand-draw your pictures, and in the end, just have fun with it!
ORATORY:
An oratory is the speech of all speeches. When I think of an oratory, I think of MLK's famous "I Have a Dream" speech. He was passionately speaking about something he wanted to see change in society, which is exactly what you will be doing in your oratory round. Getting someone to change their mind is no easy feat, but knowing you gave it your honest effort is just as valuable. Here are the tools you will need along the way, young grasshopper...
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The ballot for oratory can be found on the resource page, but the ballot cover, which provides an even more detailed description of the event, is here.
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I also have the Wikipedia page for original oratory here, which is actually more helpful than you might think it is.
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ForCom actually has an entire part of their website dedicated to oratory, and it offers many significant insights into how to construct and deliver a piece. Just scroll past the forum posts (or don't, if those are your thing) and you'll find the resource articles from the beginning of the speech-making process to the end. You can find that right here.
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This next nifty pdf page is incredibly helpful because it provides a very detailed outline of an oratory and even proposes some possible topic ideas. It is located here.
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Next I have two oratory videos from the example playlist, found on the resource page. These are two great examples, as they both focus on abstract concepts and use specific real life issues and instances to make the topic more applicable to everyday life. These pieces won 1st in the nation in 2017 and 1st in the nation in 2016, respectively.
TIPS FROM THE AUTHOR FOR CRAFTING AN ORATORY:
This is not a political speech. You can use elements of politics to get your message across, but do not make it the focus of your speech. We already have enough political divisiveness in our media, we do not need you to bring that to the oratory round. And please, for the love of God, be conservative with the Trump jokes. I promise, you will see so many of those from your competitors already.
Offer something tangible. Sure, we all want to eliminate world hunger and stop wars, but how achievable is that goal? In an oratory, you want to promote something that your audience can start doing right now. That makes them more likely to see the value in your speech.
Make your presentation visually appealing. One of the downsides to oratory is that you don't have any aids to support your ideas for your audience to look at. Use gestures to your advantage, and give your audience a reason to listen to what you have to say with more than just your words.
RADIO:
This is Nedward Edwardson broadcasting live from TS13-1989 radio station. My wife left me, and this is the job I've picked up in order to pay for the alimony. Have a great day.
Just kidding, but the radio event really is a lot like an actual radio broadcast. You have a sign off, a nifty radio voice, and you don't even have to look at the judge when you're giving your piece. It sounds neat, until you realize that you suck at it. This doesn't have to be you though, for nobody sucks when they pay attention to these resources I will lay out for your viewing pleasure.
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The ballot for radio can be found on the resource page, but the ballot cover, which provides an even more detailed description of the event, is here. ----
Unfortunately, since radio is an event pretty much exclusive to the Oregon speech and debate circuit, it's really hard to find anything specifically relating to it. An event that is similar and done more widely, Radio Broadcasting, has some of the same elements when it comes to its strict time constraints and vocal delivery. Here are two videos of Radio Broadcasting:
TIPS FROM THE AUTHOR FOR CRAFTING A RADIO:
Be hipster. By this, I mean you should pick something that doesn't get covered in the mainstream media. You must use current events, but it's better to not choose something that is constantly being talked about, such as gun control or nuclear weapons. Take the opportunity to expose something happening in a foreign country that is despicable, or something shocking happening right in our own backyard.
Train your voice. I don't mean hire a coach or anything crazy, but focus effort on making yourself sound more commanding and impactful. Focus on how you talk in everyday life and explore ways to improve the quality of your sound. After all, your voice is the only thing your judge will have to go off of when they're listening to your presentation.
Expand your knowledge. This means your vocabulary, current events knowledge, and everything else. Read a lot, have discussions, hell, maybe even do debate. You never know what kind of knowledge you will be able to draw on later to spice up your piece and give it more dimensions.
This brings me to the end of this post. I hope you gathered at least something helpful as you work on your pieces this summer. If not, here's an obligatory Taylor Swift gif to make your trip here worth at least something:
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