Ultimate Objective: To find, prepare, develop and present a

declamation piece.

What is DECLAMATION?
The action or art of declaiming; the repeating or uttering of a
speech, etc. with studied intonation and gesture.
Declaiming or speaking in an impassioned oratorical manner;
fervid denunciation with appeals to the audience.
It is the term used to describe the re-giving of a famous speech.
The speaker 'lives into' the original, reproducing its power once
more.

What is its difference to ORATION?

More formal.
Declamation is more animated.
“Speaking in action” = your mind and body must cooperate.

What is its purpose?

COMMUNICATIVE EFFICIENCY

What is its ORIGIN?

Today's declamation speech practice orginated in ancient
Greece where public speaking was considered a neccessary art
for anybody embarking on a career in public service. A
declamation was a practice piece set by a teacher for exactly
the same reason they are set these days: so the student could
learn the skills of combining eloquent language with equally
eloquent delivery.
The reading of declamations dates back to Ancient Greece,
where citizens who wished to become professional orators or
public servants would be tested in this way. The ability to take
beautiful words and deliver them in a moving and appropriate
fashion was, and still is, considered and important and
influential skill by most public speaking groups.

HOW DO YOU INTERPRET THE MATERIAL?

Prepare
Declamation Piece
What makes a good declamation speech?
What should I look for when choosing a declamation speech?
Vibrant Language
What does it mean?
Choose a piece that has a lot, colorful, rich, varied language
that allows for some creative expression.

What should I remember?

Dull language will make a lifeless performance.

What should I do?

Choose a piece that evokes emotion, imagery and a sense of
wonder. Pick a piece where you can express and impress.

Challenging Theme
What does it mean?
Make sure that your declamation piece would be something
that will stir a great passion among the audience.

What should I remember?

Audience responds greatly to speeches with gravity that
matters.

What should I do?

Look for a writing selection that can create a strong impact on
listeners.

Out of Ordinary
What does it mean?
Although classic political speeches are good bets, in some
cases, you may want to forge your own path.

What should I remember?

As long as the speech conforms to the rules of our declamation
presentation, consider getting creative.

What should I do?

Look for speeches that aren’t commonly performed.

Appropriateness
What does it mean?
The declamation piece must be something that suits your
personality and gender. The speech should also be an example
of “beautiful” language and construction.
What should I remember?
Be forewarned that the content of your speech must fall within
the boundaries of good taste.

What should I do?

Edit your piece for classroom-friendly elements.
More importantly, the key is you understand what you’re
saying.

Entertainment Value
What does it mean?
The speech must have reached and grabbed the hearts and
minds of its listeners.

What should I remember?

The memorable, the better!

What should I do?

Find something lively, sparkling and fun. Inspire us!
Find something you like!

Practice
How to rehearse your declamation speech?

Understanding is the top priority.

If you learn or memorize the text without it your delivery will be
empty - an ultimate talking head presentation.

Find out about the context.

What is the story all about?
What are the expected feelings to evoke?
What is the attitude/personality of the speaker?

Search for the meaning of the piece – to you.

What does the speech mean to you?
Can you put what is being said into your words?

Seek out for the original speech maker.

Who is he/she?
What delivery characteristics did he/she use?

“Practice makes perfect”

Responses and reactions can be achieved through constant
practice.

Practice in front of the mirror.

Have a friend listen to you.
Tape or record yourself and watch for critiquing.

Remember:
Effective delivery cannot be learned merely by applying these
set of rules, effectiveness comes from continual practice.

Present
7% words account
38% vocal element
55% facial expressions

Voice Delivery
Rate
Tempo
Pitch
Volume

Bodily Actions
Facial Expressions
Gestures
Movement
Posture

Dos and Donts

Do
Make yourself be heard and understood.

Adhere to the rule of control – commands sincerity and

exactness.

Suit one’s voice and manner in speaking.

*To be able to speak and to speak well are two different things.
Of course, not everybody can be a natural born-speaker but
training and practice are the by-words.

Create an appearance that suggest dignity and authority.

Give your audience the best!

Vary your eye contact, voice and facial expressions.

Don’t

Talk to groups,; talk to individuals. Look at them, talk directly to

them.
*Talk to the one in front, then to the one on the left, and to one
at the corner in the back.

Panic.
*Breathing exercises.

PRACTICE BUDDY

What to hand in?

short, white folder
hard copy of your declamation piece properly formatted
following the guidelines below:
Font style: Century Gothic
Font size: 12 (double spaced)
* You will use the gaps to write yourself notes and mark it up for
delivery. For example, putting in the pauses, or breath points,
the places to soften your voice, or increase the volume.

Ultimate Objective: To find, prepare, develop and present a

declamation piece.
To portray a believable and convincing character.

*VECTOR PORTRAITS.

In order to appear COMFORTABLE and IN CONTROL, you must

RELAX. In order to RELAX, you must KNOW YOUR SPEECH. In
order to KNOW YOUR SPEECH, you must PRACTICE!

RUBRIC
Choice of Speech
Is it classroom appropriate?
Does it have an identifiable structure with a message?

Approach
Does the speaker follow a five second rule with platform
movements with purpose?

Attire
Does the speaker’s attire adhere to the character of his/her
piece?
Is it appropriate and relevant?

Verbal Qualities
Does the speaker observe the following properly?
Audibility
Pleasantness
Variety
Animation
Fluency
Clarity

Non-verbal Qualities
Does the speaker demonstrate the following accurately?
Facial Expression
Posture
Movement
Gestures
Eye Contact
Body Coordination

Interest to Audience
Does the speaker create a strong impact on its listeners?

Over-all Effectiveness:

Things to Work On:

Assignment:
Bring your speech and be ready to commit to it.