How do you perform a declamation?

Answer 1

The first thing you need to do is find a Declamation piece to use. If you are referring to the Dec event in Speech and Debate you need to be certain the piece is published and has been previously performed publicly. Choose a piece that love. It can be funny, serious, but should always have a point.

If you have a time limit for your Declamation you might have to cut your piece to fit time. Be sure to trim the excess, never the necessary bits.

Part of what makes a successful Dec performance is analysis. Go through your script and mark it up. Underline, circle, note moments where a pause would work, where you should increase your pace--make notes of how you wish to perform it. Also, make notes of what the piece is saying. What does it mean? Look at diction; why use this word here? Further, look up any words you do not understand. This might seem tedious, but fully understanding your piece is the only way to present it properly.

As far as the actual speaking/performance goes, be sure to:

-project

-be articulate

-use dynamics (loudness and softness and everything in between)

-variation of pace

-variation of pitch

-variation of tone

-variation of gestures (do not go over-board)

-make eye contact

-try not to stumble over words

-any movement should be done appropriately (move at the beginning of a point typically)

-do not fidget

Use your script to determine what to do vocally/physically. Again, analysis is essential to determine how to present.

Hope this is helpful! If you have any more questions, or want more details, please feel free to leave a message on my board, or check out the link on my bio page.

Cheers!

-ForensicsFriend