Expository/illustrated oratory

An Expository/Illustrated Oratory speech is a prepared speech, written by the speaker, which explains or “exposes” a topic usually with the help of visual aids. In the NCFCA, the event was known as "expository" until the 2009-2010 season, when the rules were rewritten and it was renamed "Illustrated Oratory". A more traditional Expository category still exists in Stoa, as of the 2013-2014 speech season.

Goal
The goal of an Expository/Illustrated Oratory speech is to develop a winsome, polished speaker who can present a creative, well-organized speech while efficiently employing audio/visual aids or props.

Preparation Rules
An expository speech can be on any topic, and is meant to inform about a subject, but can also be persuasive or entertaining or otherwise. Like other platform speeches, the expository must be an original work written by the student, which can be used in other leagues in the same season, but cannot be reused the next year. The competitor must pick a new topic. The speech can only be entered into one category per tournament, but can be entered in a different category at a different tournament.

For script submission, the competitor must fill out the Stoa Platform Script Submission Form, which can be found on the Stoa website, and must turn in the full typewritten script of the speech and a works cited page, which includes the citation of any copyrighted images used on the expository props. Only 30% of the speech's script is allowed to be directly quoted material. 

Presentation Rules
Any direct quotes and major sources must verbally cited in the speech itself, in order to avoid plagiarism. The speech script must be memorized, and the script or notes cannot be brought into a round, otherwise a 2-rank penalty will ensue.

The speaker may use a wide variety of props to enhance the speech, including audio electronics and computers. Nothing that looks like a weapon or explosive may be used in the round, and people or living animals may not be used as props. Any "costuming" (prop clothing worn specifically for the speech) must be put on and taken off during the duration of the speech. Nothing may be given or offered to the judges, as the room must be left exactly as it was before the speech began.

All equipment, including power cords, projectors, screens, etc, must be brought by the competitor, unless the tournament officials say otherwise. The competitor may use the two-minute judges' evaluation time to set up their props. These props must be set up by the speaker, without any help from other people.

As with any Stoa speech, gratuitous vulgarity is not allowed. The speaking time starts when the speaker begins speaking, and will stop when the speaker finishes.

Speaking time limit is 10 minutes. There is no minimum time. 

NCFCA Rules
An Illustrated Oratory is a speech that informs the audience about a subject. The subject must be real, and not fabricated. The speech must be an original work written by the student and scripted word for word. The speech may be used only for the current NCFCA speech season. The speech may be used to express opinions that may be contrary to the judges', and humour and satire are allowed. If the topic is unsuitable for younger audiences, the speaker should warn the audience before the speech begins and allow families and younger audience members to leave the room. As with any NCFCA speech, gratuitous vulgarity is prohibited.

For script submission, the competitor must turn in the full typewritten script of the speech and must follow this script during all the rounds of competition. Any outside sources must be cited within a Source Citation Page, which must be included with the script. Only 30% of the speech's script is allowed to be directly quoted material.

Any direct quotes or major sources must verbally cited in the speech itself, in order to avoid plagiarism. The speech script must be memorized, and the script or notes cannot be brought into a round, otherwise a 2-rank penalty will ensue at any National Open, Qualifier, or Regional tournament. If a script is used at the National Championship, the competitor will be disqualified. Prompting from audience members is also not allowed.

The visual aids allowed are 3-10 boards, which must be no bigger than 20x30 inches. No door flaps on the board may open past this measurement limit. Both sides of the boards may be illustrated however the competitor chooses. The competitor may use a standard-sized easel, and may modify the easel to include a ledge to better hold the boards and other visual aids. A box with a volume no bigger than 35 inches may be used to hold additional props. The box must have a lid, which does not have to be taken into the competition room, but must be present at the tournament. All extra props must be able to fit inside this box with the lid on.

At the beginning of the speech, only a blank board may be visible to the judges. All other props must be hidden. The speech must end in the same way - All props out of view and only a blank board showing. The speaker must leave the room as they found it. Any board illustrations taken from published works must have an easily visible citation on or near the illustration. Electronic devices are only allowed if they are power off, and may not intentionally make noise during the competitor's speech. The competitor may not wear costumes or any visual aids during their speech. People and/or live animals are not permitted as props. Anything able to be perceived as a weapon may not be used for a prop.

Any set up should take place outside of the room, before the competitor goes in the room to speak. They may not have any assistance with their props once inside the competition room.

Only the competitor's feet are allowed to touch the floor. The speaker's time begins when the speaker begins speaking, and ends when the speaker finished. If audience laughter causes the speech to go overtime, the speaker should not be penalized. The speaking time for Illustrated Oratory is the same as for Expository. 

Script Submission
Expository competitors must complete the general Stoa Platform Script Submission Form for Stoa tournaments, but it is important to note that expository speakers must also cite any pictures used as their props. As this is the only sort of speech that uses props, this rule is unique to Expository Speaking.

Primary Judging Areas
Expository is judged on the quality of the speech itself and the speaker’s presentation, as any other Individual Event, but Expository also judges the use of visual aids. The visual aids are judged on creativity and how proficient the student is at handling the visual aids while speaking.