How to Write a Civic Oration Speech

A civic orations speech follows specific guidelines.

A civic oration speech is a short speech generally three to five minutes that focuses on the country or the community. There are annual civic oration contests for school children throughout the country. A speech should have a central theme, and the words should flow well together. It is important to go through several drafts of your speech to be sure the points are clear and concise. The delivery of the speech is just as important as the writing, so it is important to practice presenting it.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pencil
• Stopwatch

Instructions

1. Find out the assigned topic from your teacher or local contest representative. The topics generally focus on civic duty and the country.

2. Brainstorm ideas on the topic. In this stage of the writing process list as many ideas as you can, then pick the one you like the best.

3. Outline five key items you want to include in your speech. Each of these items should support the main idea you chose for your speech.

4. Write your speech. Take time to get your ideas across. Make sure that you cover each idea completely.

5. Edit your speech. Begin by reading it out loud or having someone read it to you. Underline the places where you stumble over the words, or they rhythm of the words feel out of place. Take time to look for a better word choice and to clarify your ideas.

6. Read your speech to someone else. Ask them to tell you any points where they got confused or had a hard time paying attention to your speech work out a way to fix those spots in your speech.

7. Ask someone else to read over your speech to check for grammar or punctuation problems. An adult should not correct your sentences or give you additional ideas to use in your speech.

8. Time the speech to make sure you are in the three to five minute window. Add or remove ideas if you need to finish in the right amount of time.

9. Practice the speech at home and memorize it for the contest.

Tips & Warnings

• In the judging of the American Woodsmen contest up to 40 points are awarded for the structure, ideas and the appeal of the speech. You can receive up to 40 points for the presentation of the speech, which will be the way you pronounce the words, as well the way you carry yourself through the speech. An additional 20 points are given for the overall impression of the speech.

• You will be docked points if you wear a costume while giving the speech.

References

• Nebraska Access: Civic Oration Lesson Plan
• Cumberland County Schools (North Carolina): Civic Oration Speech
• Scholastic: Speechwriting

Resources

• Modern Woodmen of America: Civic Oration Speech Contest Guidelines