COMPETITION EVENTS
RESOURCE EXCERPT
Original Oratory – Substructure In addition to our monthly resources, you can find other eventspecific materials on our website, including this new guide to structuring an original oration, written by Harrison Postler. This guide offers tips for understanding substructure in Original Oratory. We will focus on the substructure of a main point, walking you through the process of decoding substructure, outlining, and turning it into a drafted main point. This is not meant to be the definitive and only method for determining substructure; rather, it is meant to provide a solid foundation for students and coaches looking to improve their understanding of speech construction. Upon developing an understanding of substructure and how to apply it, examples will be used to help visualize the transition from page to stage!
Substructure Substructure refers to the holistic view of your speech’s structure—meaning, each paragraph is broken down into its component parts with each part serving a unique purpose. Substructure is not to be confused with structure writ large. An easy way to differentiate the two is by remembering that structure refers to the purpose of each paragraph (e.g., the introduction seeks to introduce your topic to the audience), and substructure refers to the purpose of each sentence within the paragraph (e.g., the significance statement in your introduction establishes the scope of your topic). Both concepts synergize into creating an effective method for conveying your point to an audience. A tried and true substructure for main body points is the S.E.S.S. Method, which stands for state, explain, support, significance. Each letter refers to a different section of an argumentative paragraph, and by devoting a few sentences to stating, explaining, supporting, and signifying, you will have created a complete argument. In an outline, it will look like this:
State: This section is devoted to stating the purpose of the paragraph. Think of it like a topic sentence in an argumentative essay.
Explain: Here is where you devote a little more time to developing your argument. This section is typically longer than the state section, and it’s where you will walk the audience through the logic of your argument. Use this section to provide context, link information together, and solidify the main point.
Support: What would an argument be without a source? If you think of the state, and explain sections as your claims, this is where the data comes in. Significance: Sometimes referred to as a clincher, this section is where you end your main point on a high note. Think of it as your chance to leave your audience with a lasting impression, something that summarizes your argument poignantly.
Harrison Postler serves as Resource Coordinator for the NSDA.
Find our complete guide to Original Oratory – Substructure on our website at www.speechanddebate.org/resources.
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Rostrum | SUMMER 2016
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Original Oratory Named After Joe and Pam Wycoff Only four times in our organization’s history has a national main event been permanently named for an individual or individuals: Sandra Silvers, Richard Sodikow, Lanny and B. J. Naegelin, and Carmendale Fernandes. June 16, 2016, was a special night as the National Speech & Debate Association added two new names to this prestigious list and commemorated one of our most historic and prized competition events. “To have a national event named for you by the Board of Directors, three things must be true,” explained Executive Director Scott Wunn. “You must be a coach of undeniable excellence. You must be a leader and educator of exceptional greatness. You must leave an indelible mark on the activity.” The Wycoffs have a combined total of 78 years coaching experience, which includes an unprecedented run from 2000 to 2012 of 13 national finalists in Original Oratory. Between them, they have coached nine national champions and eight runners-up in Original Oratory—not to mention dozens of finalists and champions in other events. The 1995 national champion in Original Oratory, Ms. Sally Koering Zimney (pictured above, center), spoke from the heart Thursday evening as she helped congratulate her mentors. Her speech illustrated the tremendous impact Pam and Joe have had on their students and the entire speech and debate community. Congratulations to the namesakes of Joe and Pam Wycoff Original Oratory!