Quick Guide to Original Oratory - Biblical Speaking (Drasha)

Biblical Speaking is an individual event where students prepare a an 8 to 10 minute memorized speech consisting of sources from the Torah, Prophets, Mishna and/or Gemara (no New Testament sources allowed) up to modern Jewish thinkers (i.e. Rabbi Lord Jonathan Saks, Rabbi Twerski, etc).  Topics is varied and should be interesting to not just a Jewish audience but a general lay audience. This event will be eligible to qualify for Nationals under the rubric of Original Oratory.

Content Rules

As this event is being run and judged in a Jewish environment all students must limit their sourcing to the “Old Testament”.   The speech should have numerous different source including directly from the Torah, Prophets, or Proverbs.  Sources may also be included from Misha and Gemara.  Torah scholars such as Rashi, Rambam, Ramban, etc. could be referenced.  Modern Rabbis and scholars may also be cited.

Preparation and Delivery: 

This event will be held live and students typically will develop one (possibly two) speeches during the entire year. They will run this speech during the tournament and also use it for Nationals Qualifiers in Original Oratory.

Speeches must be delivered from memory. It is recommended that students give themselves some space when presenting the speech on Zoom so that they can block (walk to different places on the stage) during the course of the speech.

Time:

The speech/drasha should be between 8 and 10 minutes. 

Judging Criteria:

The ranking is up to each individual judge’s discretion. 

Topicality and Structure:

  • Does the speaker stay on topic? 

  • Does the speech have a theme and is the theme related to the topic? 

  • Is there a clear link between the topic and the sub-points?

  • Does the speaker have a distinct structure to speech (easy to follow)?

  • Does the speech move from point to point or is the speech repetitive?

Quality of Speech:

  • Does speech have an exciting introduction?

  • Does the speech use varied techniques such as story, personal element, proofs, authoritative sources?

  • Is the speech innovative, entertaining and inspiring?

  • Is the speech informative and biblically accurate?

  • Does the speech leave off on an inspiring conclusion?

Delivery, Verbal and Non-Verbal

  • Delivery 

    • Reading the speech is a big minus

    • Extemp or from memory a big plus

    • Delivery grabs and maintains attention of the listener

  • Verbal Skills

    • How is the projection, enunciation and pronunciation?

    • Vocal dramatics as needed *

    • Pacing / Pauses 

  • Non-Verbal Communication Skills 

    • Eye contact 

    • Appropriate Facial expressions 

    • Appropriate Gestures permitted but not required