Speaking Truth Through Original Oratory
Original Oratory is more than just giving a speech — it’s about conviction, clarity, and connection. One of the most successful coaching teams in the country, Joe and Pam Wycoff, define Oratory as:
“An analytical sharing of a truth that has both insight and significance.”
Let's Break that Down...
"Sharing of a truth"
What belief, value, or idea have you learned that others need to hear? Your truth should drive your speech — it’s the core message that your audience walks away with.
"Analytical"
Your message must be backed by research, logic, and structure. Build your case with evidence, examples, and appeals that guide the audience to your conclusion.
"Has insight"
Include personal stories and lived experience. Why you? What do you bring to this topic that no one else can? These details build connection and authenticity.
"Has significance"
Your speech must answer, “So what?” Why does this matter to others? Why now? Why should the audience care?
Getting Started with Original Oratory
Where can I find a topic?
Finding the right topic isn’t about picking something trendy — it’s about finding a message with heart. Great topics often stem from personal experience, struggles, questions, or "aha!" moments. You're persuading your audience to adopt a new mindset, take a new action, or see something in a new way. Great topics can also come from simply asking yourself what are some things that are happening in the world around you that bother you and believe could be different if handled in a different way.
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Started with a close personal examination of self is THE BEST PLACE TO START. If you need inspiration, below are great places to visit.
Behavioral/Human-Centered Topic Inspiration
Policy-Oriented Topic Inspiration
Steps to Crafting a Powerful Oratory
Writing a great Oratory isn't magic...it's methodical. Every impactful speech starts with a strong foundation and builds toward clarity, persuasion, and a personal voice. Follow these steps to craft an oratory that doesn't just inform or entertain...it matters!
Step #1: Discover Your Message
Every powerful oratory begins with a realization. Not just a belief — but a truth you’ve come to understand because of something you’ve lived, witnessed, questioned, or wrestled with.
Instead of asking, “What do I believe?”, try asking:
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What personal experience has challenged how I see the world?
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What’s a problem or behavior I keep noticing — but no one talks about?
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What’s something I’ve had to unlearn that others still cling to?
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What mindset or message do I wish someone had told me sooner?
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What do people consistently misunderstand — and how can I help them see it differently?
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Feel free to use this topic worksheet to explore more!
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Step #2: Test for Significance
A great Oratory always answers the question: "So what?" Therefore, after you have an idea, you should put it through the following test questions:​
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Who is affected by this issue? And is that relatable to an audience of adults?
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Why does this issue matter now?
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What happens if we don't address it?
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Your speech needs to feel urgent, universal, or overlooked. If your topic can't pass the "so what" test multiple times, keep refining the topic until it does OR scrap the topic and pick a new one.
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Step #3: Structure & Write the Blueprint
Now that you've discovered your message, it's time to build the body of your speech around it. Your structure should walk the audience through a clear line of reasoning that leads them to your conclusion — not just with facts, but with purpose.
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Introduction (Outside the 3 Points)
The introduction should grab attention, define the issue, and introduce your truth.
It typically includes:
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A hook (personal story, question, startling fact, etc.)
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A clear definition or framing of the problem
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A thesis that hints at the solution or core truth
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A roadmap or emotional setup to prepare for the body
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Think of the intro as: “Here’s the problem. Let me tell you how we got here, what it’s doing to us, and what we can do about it.”
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Body Point 1: The Cause
Explain what led to the problem.
Ask:
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What systems, behaviors, or beliefs created this issue?
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How did this become normalized or go unnoticed?
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What is the root of the misunderstanding or harm?
Use:
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Research, psychology, history, or culture
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Anecdotes or metaphors that illustrate the source
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Statistics that show the problem’s growth over time
This point educates the audience on why the problem exists.
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Body Point 2: The Effect
Analyze how the problem is impacting individuals or society right now.
Ask:
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Who is being hurt, overlooked, or misinformed?
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What emotional, social, or systemic effects are unfolding?
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What are the short-term and long-term consequences?
Use:
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Personal examples and credible evidence
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Trends in mental health, education, relationships, etc.
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Pathos-driven moments that make the issue feel real
This point grounds the problem in reality and raises the stakes.
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Body Point 3: The Solution
Present a call to action — internal or external — that moves us forward.
Ask:
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What belief or behavior needs to change?
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What’s a more productive way of thinking about this issue?
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What can individuals or communities do differently?
Use:
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Innovative ideas or existing examples of change
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Practical steps or mindset shifts
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Rhetorical power to elevate your message
This point offers hope and direction, bringing your audience full circle.
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Tips to Make It Flow:
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Start with clarity, not cleverness. Define early, deepen later.
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Use internal previews and transitions between points so each builds naturally on the last.
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End your conclusion by revisiting your introduction emotionally or thematically.
Step #4: Revise, Polish, and Refine
Great speeches are not written — they’re rewritten.
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Read aloud to hear the rhythm.
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Cut anything repetitive or off-topic.
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Add transitions to create flow.
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Ask peers and coaches for feedback​
Step #5: Memorize with Intention
Memorization is not recitation — it’s internalization.
Tips:
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Break the speech into chunks.
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Rehearse standing up, full voice, with gestures.
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Practice with and without an audience.
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Keep refining as you memorize — especially your intro and conclusion.
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As you are memorizing, you should also focus on your delivery. Delivery makes the difference.
Focus on:
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Eye contact and connection
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Vocal variety (pitch, pace, pauses)
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Facial expression and emotion
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Gestures and movement with purpose
Ask yourself:
If I were in the audience, would I believe me?