Original Speech Events

Welcome to Cupertino High School Speech And Debate's subsection for original speech events. Here you will discover online resources, lesson materials, links, and more to help you build up your speech skills.

About Original Speech Events

Original speech events are distinguished by the fact that the speaker has to create his/her own "original" piece to perform.
Here is a list of the specific events under this category. Each event has a performance time of 8-10 minutes.

Original Advocacy (OA)

Do problems such as the education crisis or the way the government is run bother you? Well, here’s the chance for you to make your stand. OA is a persuasive speech where you find a problem, explain why more attention should be given to it, propose a solution, and explain why this solution is the best one possible. Topics for this event are oftentimes concrete.

Original Oratory (OO)

Like OA, OO is a persuasive speech. Unlike OA, topics for OO are usually abstract such as hope, fear, happiness, etc. Creativity is a big plus for this event and the more original topics tend to do better. This speech can inform, make the audience think, or be inspirational.

Original Prose & Poetry (OPP)

Are you an inspiring writer or simply love to write? Then this is the event for you! Out of all the speaking events, OPP is usually the most rewarding because this event gives you a chance to share your brilliant writings to others. In this event, you create your own piece and interpret it. Pieces can be poetry, monologues, plays, or whatever else seems to float your boat. There really is no trend to this event, but it is much more than your typical DI or TI (see below). It is more than that. This event is one that is extremely creative and original.

Expository Speaking (Expos.)

Quick! Start procrastinating before it’s too late! You guessed it-Expos. is oftentimes corny. Don’t you just loooooove those corny jokes? XD Anyway, this event is an original and informative speech on any topic. The object of this speech is to inform and entertain the audience (which explains the corny jokes and puns). The best topics are those the audience can relate to-even everyday objects.