Contestants will give a three- to five-minute speech in English on the convention theme (varies annually), in the style of a proper Ciceronian oration.
Judging will be by grade level, but if there are few entries in a particular grade, entries may be judged against those in another grade. Each school may enter no more than six (6) contestants, with no more than three (3) in any single grade level. Contestants need to bring three copies of their speech with them to give to the judges. Note cards may be used during the speech, but excessive use of note cards may result in a lower score. The criteria for judging will be classical oratorical style, enunciation, adherence to theme, eye contact with audience, creativity, voice control, and gestures.
Previous years' themes:
2018 The convention theme is: “EGO VOS HORTARI TANTUM POSSUM UT AMICITIAM OMNIBUS REBUS HUMANIS ANTEPONATIS” I urge you, as much as I am able, to place friendship before all human issues. Cicero - De Amicitia 17
Entrants must NOT have entered the essay contest prior to the convention.