1. MODERN WOODMEN OF AMERICA
2011 Oration Speech Contest

2. “An American Invention”
"An American Invention" is the topic for the 2011 School Speech Contest. The United States of America is the birthplace of many great inventions.
Select ONE invention and discuss it in your speech. In organizing their speeches, students can consider these questions:
What is the greatest invention in United States history and why?
Who is the American citizen(s) who created this great invention?
How did the invention positively impact American life? And how does it continue to improve the quality of life for people?

3. Details about the speech…
Speeches must be at least 3 minutes and no longer than five minutes long.  Speeches must be in the students' own words.
Judging criteria Contestants will be judged using the following 100-point system
40 points for material organization This accounts for theme and subject adherence, structure, content, logic and color points for delivery and presentation This includes voice, pronunciation, enunciation, gestures and poise points for overall effectiveness This scores impression and effect.

4. More details…
No costumes, visuals or props may be used at the contest. If used, 50 points will be deducted. Also, you will need to be able to hold a microphone or use the microphone stand.
DUE DATES:
Monday, December 13- Rough Draft due
Friday, January 7-Final Draft due
Tuesday, January 11- The 16 Best speeches presented
Tuesday, February 1- The final 8 speeches presented

5. Grading of Speech for Reading/Language Arts
Requirements: Points
Appropriate them/topic 5
Maintain theme/topic
Content information
Organization/structure of content
Use of descriptive language
Voice level/ varies for emphasis
Clear pronunciation/annunciation
Gestures/poise
Overall impression and effect
TOTAL

6. Ruth Handler
While watching her daughter play with paper dolls, Ruth Handler decided to create a grown-up three-dimensional doll that girls could use to act out their dreams.
Ruth named her new Barbie doll invention after the nickname of her daughter Barbara
In 1959, Barbie became an instant sensation after premiering at a Toy Fair and she remains as one of Mattel’s best selling products today

7. Willis Carrier
Inventor Willis Carrier was an engineer from the east coast (not the deep south as one might expect), who started out working for a heating company.
In 1902, Carrier was given the task of decreasing the humidity in a printing shop where the intense heat was causing the inks to run and bleed.
Carrier continued to improve his invention and, in 1915, he founded the Carrier Engineering Corporation (still a major producer of cooling equipment).

8. George Washington Carver
In 1896, Carver devoted time to research projects that were aimed at helping farmers improve their economic situation
He discovered three hundred uses for peanuts, as well as soybeans, pecans and sweet potatoes
Some of the peanut developments included: soap, milk, cheese, coffee, flour, ink and cosmetics