Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

          Delta Beta Lambda Chapter

Virtual Oratorical Competition

Click Here for the Application Information Form

Dear Friends,

Dear Friends,

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., Delta Beta Lambda Chapter, Hampton, VA proudly presents our Virtual Oratorical Contest on Saturday, May  6, 2023. This year the theme of the contest is inspired by the uptick and subsequent backlash to public health meansures instituded in response to the COVID -19 pandemic. “Does the government have the authority to make such mandates? If so, how restrictive should they be”.

The competition is open to students in grades 9th through 12th. Students interested in competing may register by completing the enclosed registration form, which includes a copy of the rules, requirements, and judging criteria. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me: Melvin Brown (757) 876-6239 and email address DBLOratoricalContest@gmail.com.

Competition Guidelines

We invite students from Hampton and Newport News area high schools to participate by creating an original speech based on this year’s theme. The participants must deliver their speeches live through a video link with minimal reference to notes, for the competition.  All speeches must have original content and be no more than 1,000 words in length (7-15 minutes).

On the day of the event, participants will be expected to present at 1:00 p.m.  A copy of the essay or speech, typed and double-spaced, must be presented to the Chief Judge prior to your live presentation. A parent or guardian must be present for each participant, and participants are encouraged to extend invitations to members of their family, classmates, teachers, churches and friends.

Essay Question:  This year the theme of the contest is inspired by the uptick and subsequent backlash to public health meansures instituded in response to the COVID -19 pandemic mask mandate. “Does the government have the authority to make such mandates? If so, how restrictive should they be”.

In this oratorical competition, participants are asked to take a position in support of, or in opposition to mask mandate.  Among the issues, participants may choose to address are the following:

●       Should there be leeway given when police officers are being prosecuted for a crime?

●       Police officer training varies dramatically from department to department, in delivery, dosage and content.

Having said that, do you think there should be a ratio of de-escalation training per hour of firearm training?  

         If so, provide the ratio.

●       Should police officers live in the area their precinct covers?

●       What is your position on the current state of police funding?

 Essay Criteria: The essay must be no more than 1,000 words in length, should be delivered in seven to fifteen minutes in length, and should contain the following:

●       An introduction, which identifies the subject and contains an explanation of the writer’s position. The objective is to

         demonstrate an understanding of the essay question and show that a response (position) has been formed.

●       A body, which develops the argument from the writer’s point of view. This part of the essay should clearly articulate

         the position of the writer and reasons for that position.

●       A conclusion, which summarizes the essay and restates the writer’s position.

Evaluation of Essays: Applicants will email their essays 48 hours prior to the Delta Beta Lambda Virtual Oratorical Competition on May 6, 2023 at DBLOratoricalContest@gmail.com

Participants will be evaluated by a panel of judges using the following criteria:

●     Focus: Examines how well the essay responds to the various parts of the question.

●     Organization: Looks at the structure of the essay and the strength of the position taken.

●     Conclusions: Examines how well the essay is summarized and closing thoughts presented.

●     Voice: Considers how well the essay engages the reader. Does the essay fully capture the reader’s attention?

●     Style and Mechanics: Examines how well the essay is written in terms of grammar, spelling, punctuation, word-use and

        sentence structure.

●     Oral Presentation: Examines how well the orator presents his/her essay to an audience.

Deadline for submission: A typed copy of the written speech and the Virtual Oratorical Contest entry form must be emailed to DBLOratoricalContest@gmail.com no later than 3:06 p.m. on April 29, 2023. The entry form must be completed and signed by a parent or guardian.

Contest Awards/Recognition: Upon completion of essay presentations at the Oratorical Competition, the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place participants will be selected by a panel of judges and given monetary awards valued at $300, $200, and $100 respectively.

Don't Forget To Click Here for the Application Information Form