“The ability to express an idea is well-nigh as important as the idea itself.”
Booker T. Washington
Rising Voices Oratorical Program
FIND YOUR VOICE. SPEAK YOUR TRUTH. CHANGE THE GAME.
Our Authors Study Club, Inc. proudly presents the 75th Annual Oratorical Program, a tradition founded in 1950 by Vassie D. Wright. Each year, dedicated OASC members and volunteers mentor and support students on this journey, upholding a legacy of integrity, honor, and distinction.
Rising Voices is an multi-week intensive oratorical program culminating in a finals competition designed for marginalized and underrepresented youth ages 13-18. The program centers on the annual National Black History theme, examining its relevance to contemporary social issues affecting participants' communities. Through structured instruction, mentorship, and competitive motivation, Rising Voices empowers young people to research, analyze, and articulate solutions to pressing social challenges while developing essential communication skills.
Black History Theme Connection
Each year, the program adopts the annual National Black History theme as established by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). Participants explore this theme through a social justice lens, connecting historical contexts to current realities facing their communities. The theme provides both historical grounding and contemporary relevance for their speeches.
For over seven decades, this prestigious program has provided students with the opportunity to:
- Master the art of public speaking—delivering eloquent, persuasive, and effective speeches.
- Improve critical thinking
- Amplify youth perspectives on community issues
- Intergenerational celebration of African American history, honoring and sharing its richness
- Increased knowledge of Black history and its contemporary relevance
Rising Voices transforms the traditional oratorical competition into a comprehensive leadership development program that builds on the rich tradition of oratory in Black history while equipping young people with the tools to address contemporary social challenges with confidence, historical awareness, and persuasive skill.
Details and Schedule
timeline
- The contest is Saturday May 3, 2025.
- Application deadline is April 12, 2025 or by permission.
- Orientation Meeting: Sunday, April 6, 2025 via Zoom.
- 1st Draft of Speech due: Saturday April 19, 2025
Key Dates and Deadlines
Participation Requirement: Contestants must attend at least two practice sessions. Exceptions may be made with prior approval from the contest committee.
- April 6th – Orientation: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
- April 19 – First Speech Review (Submit 1st draft to [Terri@oascla.org] by 9:00 PM
- Date Forthcoming – Second Speech Review (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM); Individual time slots scheduled
- Date Forthcoming – First Practice Session (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM); Individual time slots scheduled
- Date Forthcoming – Second Practice Session (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM); Individual time slots scheduled
- May 3 – Oratorical Contest (10:00 AM - 12:00 PM); Planned as an in-person event (Details TBD)
Judging criteria
- Delivery (25 points) – Voice, diction, pronunciation, enunciation, gestures, emphasis
- Interpretation (25 points) – Content, subject adherence, theme, logic, and creativity.
- Platform Presence (25 points) – Poise, appeal, impression, attitude, and effect
- Projection (25 points) – Strength of voice and overall emphasis
Entry SUBMISSION or Download Application
Required Information for Submission
To apply, please submit the following information via email:
Subject Line: Oratorical Contest Application
- Student Name
- Grade
- Address
- Home Phone
- Cell Phone
- Email Address
- Parent/Guardian Name(s)
- Parent/Guardian Email Address
- Parent/Guardian Contact Number
- Name of High School
1st Draft of Speech Due: TBD
Final Application Deadline: TBD
Final Competition Date: TBD (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM) (Check-in at 11:30 AM)
Submission Details:
Email your submission and a recent photo to: Oasc1945@gmail.com
Subject Line: "Oratorical Contest Application"
We look forward to your participation!
Contact:
Ms. Terri Lyons
Oratorical Contest Chair
(310) 259-7779
Speech Requirements
- Each contestant must prepare and deliver one original speech.
- Speech must align with national Black History Theme.
- Speech must be between 4 to 6 minutes in length.
- Contestants may include short excerpts (one paragraph max) from speeches by famous individuals, but the majority of the speech must be original.
- Memorization is required – no notes allowed.
- Costumes and props are not permitted.
- Contestants must submit an outline and draft by Date Forthcoming.
- Contestants exceeding 6 minutes or restarting more than twice cannot win a prize.
- Contestants must attend orientation and at least two workshops or practice sessions (exceptions must be approved in advance).
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