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 unique event because the words you perform are not your own; they belong to someone else. Success in declamation depends not just on memorization, but on interpretation. Making a speech your own requires understanding the text deeply, connecting to its meaning, and delivering it in a way that reflects your voice and style while still honoring the original speaker.
The first step is comprehensively analyzing the speech. Take time to research the speaker, the historical or social context, and the original audience. Consider the purpose of the speech: Was it meant to inspire, persuade, or provoke thought? Understanding why the speech was impactful will guide your performance decisions. Ask yourself questions like: What was the speaker’s tone and energy? Which words or phrases carry the most weight? Where did the original speech build tension or emotion? This insight allows you to choose how to emphasize points, when to pause, and how to pace your delivery for maximum clarity and impact.
Next, focus on building a personal connection. A speech feels authentic when the performer believes in the ideas they are presenting. Identify sections of the speech that resonate with you personally. This emotional connection doesn’t mean changing the meaning of the words; it means delivering them with conviction that reflects your perspective. When you can relate to the ideas, your audience will feel that authenticity. This connection is often what separates a competent declamation from a truly memorable performance.
Vocal variety and pacing are among the most powerful tools in making a speech your own. Varying volume, tone, and emphasis allows you to highlight key phrases, create contrast, and guide the audience through shifts in emotion or argument. Pauses are equally important; they give the audience time to absorb ideas and create natural rhythm. For example, pausing before a pivotal line can increase its emotional impact, while a slight quickening in pace can convey urgency or excitement. Experiment with these choices in rehearsal to find what feels natural and supports the speech’s meaning.
Gestures and physicality should complement the words rather than distract from them. Subtle movements (such as leaning forward on an important point, raising a hand to emphasize a key phrase, or shifting posture to indicate a change in perspective) can enhance clarity and connection. Avoid exaggerated or repetitive gestures, which can draw attention away from the speech itself. Every movement should have purpose and intention, reinforcing meaning and helping to convey the emotional arc of the performance.
Another critical aspect of interpretation is characterization and emphasis on perspective. Even in a single-speaker speech, different “voices” or perspectives can emerge through tone, pacing, and focus. Highlighting these shifts helps the audience follow the argument and maintains engagement. In speeches with multiple ideas or sections, using slight variations in delivery to distinguish points can make complex arguments more understandable.
Practice with purpose is the final, essential step. Rehearse multiple times, experimenting with emphasis, pacing, and gestures until the performance feels natural and intentional. Record yourself or practice in front of others to receive feedback. Pay attention not only to memorization but also to emotional delivery, timing, and clarity. Strong declamation performances are the result of careful preparation, reflection, and refinement.
Making a declamation speech your own is about more than memorizing words; it is about analysis, connection, and intentional delivery. When you understand the speech’s meaning, connect to its message, and make thoughtful choices in voice, gesture, and pacing, you transform someone else’s words into a compelling and authentic experience for your audience. By bringing the speech to life through your interpretation, you create a performance that is memorable, persuasive, and unmistakably yours.