1. What they are and how to deliver one
Declamation Speeches
What they are and how to deliver one

2. Defining Declamations
A declamation speech is re-giving of an important or famous speech
Students re-interpret the original piece to breathe new life into the speech
This is NOT an impersonation of the original speaker; rather it is an interpretation of the text itself

3. Breaking a Declamation Down
A Declamation contains two main parts:
A brief introduction that names the author, title, gives any necessary background information, and sets the tone
The selected portion of the speech that has been memorized

4. Selecting a Declamation
Pick a piece you like!
You're going to work on this piece to make it your own; therefore it needs to genuinely reflect you in theme and message

5. Selecting a Declamation
Understand your piece!
Your delivery will be empty if you memorize the text without doing this

6. Discovering your Declamation
Find out about context
What was the occasion the speech was written for?
Who was the audience?
What did they need or expect from the speech?

7. Discovering your Declamation
Find out about the original speech maker
Who was he or she?
What passions drove them?
What did they want from the speech?

8. Discovering your Declamation
What does this speech mean to you?
Can you put what is being said into your own words?
The more you dig into the meaning of the piece, the more able you'll be to convey it convincingly

9. Preparing to Declamate
Edit the format to help you prepare
Double space the text so you can write yourself notes and mark it up for delivery
Mark in the pauses, or breath points, the places to soften your voice, increase the volume or for movement