Laurel Balcom is a senior at Jackson High School, a 4-year member and 2x State Qualifier of the speech and debate team in Informative Speaking, and the Director of Oration for Speech Resources.
Declamation is a speech event in which students perform a published speech originally delivered by another speaker and interpret it as their own. Since the content is not self-written, selecting an appropriate speech is a critical part of the event.
Start by evaluating yourself. The speech should align with your ideas, values, etc. to strengthen your delivery of the piece from already having a passion for the topic. A strong declamation piece feels credible when performed and allows you to speak with confidence and control. If the language or perspective feels unnatural, it will likely come across that way to judges.
Next, focus on the message and purpose of the speech. Effective declamation pieces have a clear central idea and a strong point of view. Topics often include leadership, social issues, justice, or personal responsibility. Choose a speech whose message you understand fully and can communicate clearly to an audience.
Consider the structure and adaptability of the speech. Most declamation performances require cutting the original text to meet the 10-minute time limit. Speeches with a clear introduction, progression of ideas, and strong conclusion are easier to edit without losing meaning or coherence.
When searching for material, look to sources such as historical speeches, political addresses, commencement speeches, and reputable modern talks. Always confirm that the speech complies with your league’s rules and that proper attribution to the original speaker is included.
Choosing the right declamation speech sets the foundation for a strong performance. A well-selected piece allows you to focus on analysis, delivery, and clarity while speaking about a topic you have a true passion for, allowing you to speak boldly about a topic you love.