Paragon Rhetorica

Paragon Rhetorica is a womb for public speaking spaces. Under Paragon Rhetorica, projects that unlock the power in African voices are curated from Africa to the world. 

Projects

Project 1: Speech Paragons - Uganda's Public Speaking Team at the Annual World Individual Public Speaking Championship

Founded in 1988, the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships (WIDPSC)  requires students to compete in 4 events: Debating, Impromptu Speaking, Interpretive Reading, and a Prepared speech (either Persuasive Speaking or After-Dinner Speaking). The reason for this combination of events is because they are the four major skills in Public Speaking so the World Champion should be able to excel as a debater, deliver an excellent prepared speech (Persuasive Speaking or After-Dinner Speaking), speak without preparation (Impromptu Speaking), and bring a text to life (Interpretive Reading). There are winners in each category and an overall champion based on the results in all four categories.

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Tasks at the World Individual Public Speaking and Debate Championship
Persuasive Speaking
This speech is designed to persuade and must be on a serious problem that actually exists, although this does not mean that humour might not be useful at points in the speech. A problem/solution approach must be taken, i.e. speakers must identify an actual problem (it need not be an earth-shattering one) and propose, or at least examine, one or more solutions to it. Speeches should be prepared beforehand (i.e. prior to arriving at the competition) and should be from 7 to 13 minutes in length.
Example (WIDPSC 2017 Grand Finals - Persuasive Speaking World Champion)
After-Dinner Speaking
An After-Dinner speech is the kind of speech that is given after a formal dinner to an audience who have a common interest or share some aspect(s) of identity, employment or character (e.g. the left-handed society or the dental association).This category includes the kind of speech given at a convention, e.g. by the Chair or sales manager of a firm or specialised group, reviewing the practices, policies or employees of that firm or group. The speaker must address an imaginary audience of their own choosing. They must deliver some new and relevant insights to them in a way designed to inform and entertain. An after-dinner speech must not be just a stand-up comedy routine.
Example(After-Dinner Speaking World Champion 2017 Sydney Australia - James Morphakis)
Impromptu Speaking
Each speaker will draw three topics, which may be a word, a quotation, a phrase or anything not related to current events. They must choose one of them and then has up to two minutes to prepare. They may write notes but may not bring them up when they speak. The speech must last from 3 to 5 minutes. Speakers may speak in favour of, against, in favour of and against, or about the topic. It should be the sort of speech that would be delivered if the speaker were asked to speak on short notice to a general audience on the topic given. They may interpret it within reason, including treating it as a metaphor, but must speak about the topic that they have been given.
Example (WIDPSC 2016 Grand Finals - Impromptu Speaking)
Interpretive Reading
Each participant should read a passage of prose or poetry ( or a collection of poems), serious or humorous, with an appropriate brief introduction. It must have been published in a book or magazine, not just a school or internet publication. Published speeches may not be used unless part of a novel or fictional story. Plays or excerpts from plays may not be used. The intent is that you are reading literature. If you are at all uncertain, check with the organizer rather than risk your reading being disqualified.
Example (WIDPSC 2017 World Champion Interpretive Reading - Lucas Irwin)
Debating
This is coordinate debating. Each competitor will debate with a partner from another school, usually from another country. The resolution will be announced 30 minutes prior to the debate and the government/proposition (the side in favour) must reveal the definition to the opposition (the side against) 10 minutes after that preparation time starts (these times may be longer in some cases). Resolutions must be defined in a way that a reasonable person might interpret the resolution, and should be in keeping with the intent of the resolution.
Example (Worlds Grand Finals at Hart House, University of Toronto)
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Project 2: Paragon Rhetorica - A Public Speaking tournament like no other

The Paragon Rhetorica has very uniqely crafted tasks to develop the most critical public speaking skills a speaker needs. Here are the amazing tasks that are in every typical Paragon Rhetorica competition. A Paragon Rhetorica event can happen wherever we choose it to happen whether its in your school as an internal speech day event with these tasks or as a stand alone competition in a city or village or town or a special event request anywhere.  

Heartfelt Monologue / Soul Speak
Participants share impactful stories in personal speeches, highlighting emotional depth and authenticity. Through this experience, they learn the power of vulnerability and the importance of connecting with others, gaining skills in storytelling that foster empathy and understanding.
Sample Heart Felt Monologue
Oratory Odyssey
Participants emulate speeches by renowned speakers to capture their style and techniques. This practice is vital for those aspiring to careers in theatre, drama, and television, as it provides valuable insights into effective communication strategies, enhances their speaking skills, and builds confidence in their unique voices.
Sample Oratory Odyssey Speech
Snap Speech
Participants will speak on surprise topics, testing their ability to think quickly and communicate effectively under pressure. This skill is essential for those pursuing careers in fields like theatre, drama, and television, where adaptability and quick thinking are crucial for captivating an audience and delivering compelling performances.
Sample Snap Speech
Taskmaster's Challenge
Participants receive a task before the competition and must deliver a speech addressing it. This process not only challenges their creativity and preparation skills but also mirrors real-world scenarios in fields like theatre, drama, and public speaking, where delivering on specific themes or topics is crucial for success.
Sample Task Master's Challenge
The Steve Jobs Challenge
In this challenge, participants showcase their prowess by pitching commercial products of their choice to any audience of their choice. This exercise not only hones their persuasive communication skills but also enhances their creativity and adaptability, essential traits for success in fields such as theatre, drama, and marketing.”
Sample Steve Jobs Challenge Speech
Echoes of Eternity
In this challenge, students craft a heartfelt eulogy or commemorative speech for a deceased figure, honoring their life, contributions, and lasting legacy. Through this process, students learn to express empathy and gratitude while deepening their understanding of the impact individuals can have on society and the importance of remembering and celebrating those who have come before us.
Sample Echoes of Eternity Speech
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Moments for the Inaugral Paragon Rhetorica Competition at Watoto Hope Senior School, Bbira
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Paragon Rhetorica Public Speaking Adjudication Course
The Course covers assessment Criteria and Techniques for Evaluating Speeches Based on Those Standards, Adjudicator Ethics and Professionalism, Providing Meaningful and Constructive Feedback to Public Speakers, and How to judge Special Topics in Adjudication e.g. Story telling, pitches, eulogies e.t.c. the Course was instructed by Harold Sewanonda (Uganda), Rioba Miriam (Kenya), Elijah Bakari (Kenya), Kanda Brian (Kenya), David Adungo (Uganda), and Gracious Ewach (Uganda).
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Upcoming Activities
Africa Individual Public Speaking Championship, Uganda
World Individual Public Speaking Championship, Malaysia

Contacts

[email protected] | +256 707 365196