Original Comedy...I mean Oratory

With an atmosphere that could be visualized as Victorian London shrouded within pea-souper smog, it is adequate enough to state that Original Oratories often favor heavy, serious fair.  This consistency is understandable.  A majority of OO's are centered around controversial topics.  The precedent has been set of Original Oratory being an event of consequence, with meaning.  Another factor is that Original Oratory is an extension of Declamation (or rather, any form of re-interpretation of an already existing speech) except with a focus on original content, and most remarkable speeches are of solemn nature.

Anyway, it is clear that OO is serious business.  Yet, advocates of Original Oratory will argue that some humor is necessary.  Humor helps to engage the audience, lighten the mood, and, bluntly put, ward away boredom.  To some humor is arguably necessary for a successful OO, but too much can ruin a speech.

  • This is not HI.  As nice as a few clever jokes can be throughout the speech, too many does not fit with the serious tone of the event.  Throw a copious amount in and your Original Oratory will become more like a stand-up routine.  If you want to do comedy than forgo Original Oratory and find an HI or Duo.  
  • Lose credibility.  When people are told factual information, and analysis to match, they want to receive it from a source that is credible.  Part of what determines credibility is the manner in which something is delivered.  Image matters.  Goofing around excessively when you are talking about an issue of concern can take the audience away from the topic and leave them wanting laughs. Your image can turn from an OO competitor into a comedian.  This is not The Daily Show and you are not Jon Stewart--do not try to capture the trust, credibility, and charm he exudes because most likely you will not.  He's been mastering for over a decade.
  • Lose focus.  If peppering in humor becomes your sole objective than your OO will fail.  The backbone of the event is the speech.  What makes a great speech in Original Oratory include a good thesis, research, analysis, and structure.  Focus on those, not the laugh.  Sacrificing content to squeeze a chuckle into the writing is a poor choice.  Your OO should revolve around a thesis not a joke.  As you write your piece remember that.
  • Awkward situation.  With comedy comes a slew of complications.  Have you considered how the judge will compare you to the others in your round?  Never should you blend in, but far too many jokes instantly separates you from the rest of your competitors.  And this might not be a good separation.  A judge might think you are not handling a fragile topic with enough maturity.  They just might not know what to make of your Original Oratory's comedic spin.  Also, what if what is funny to you is not to others?  Comedy also requires timing and an active audience; two things you might not have.  Telling a joke and receiving zero laughs is awkward.  Now multiply that if you have numerous jokes laced within your piece. 

Humor is an amazing tool.  Original Oratories with some jokes tend to do better in competition.  It might be because laughter loosens the audience up, which in turn loosens the speaker, which ultimately can lead to a more confident delivery.  It could be because moderate humor shows another side of the competitor the judge may never have seen.  Whatever the reason, laughter draws people in.  However, this is Original Oratory.  Standards of decorum exist and that includes maintaining some level of integrity through a serious message.  Keep the audience hooked but leave the rolling on the floor business to Humorous Interpretation, Duo, and the Marx Brothers.