THE MANIFESTO MONOLOGUES

The Voice of the people

Event description:

Overview of this literary event - Step onto the soapbox and command the public square. Inspired by historic traditions of public dissent and passionate oratory, participants will deliver a powerful, original 3-minute speech or dramatic monologue. This event challenges students to use the art of rhetoric, vocal modulation, and sheer conviction to persuade a crowd on a pressing global issue or a timeless philosophical question.
The ‘Soapbox’ Element: To mimic a classic public square, participants will stand on a designated, slightly elevated platform (the soapbox) provided by the host school.

Props and Costumes:

No costuming or external props are permitted. The focus must remain entirely on the power of the voice, body language and spoken words.
Audio/Visual: No microphones, background tracks, or visual aids (like PPTs) will be used. The orator must project their voice to command the space naturally.
Content: The speech or monologue must be completely original. It can be delivered either in the first person as themselves, or through a developed persona (e.g. an activist, a historical figure reimagined, or a citizen of the future).

Guidelines:

The theme/ topic will be shared with the registered participants 2 days prior to the event.
Participants will be given 5-10 mins on the day of the event to get their thoughts together.
Time Limit: 3 minutes maximum will be provided to each participant. A warning bell will sound at 2 minutes 30 seconds. A final bell will sound at 3 minutes, after which marks will be deducted for exceeding the time limit.
Participants will not be permitted to refer to their notes during their speech.
Judges will pose questions to the participants

Judging Criteria

Performances will be evaluated based on five core pillars of public oratory, scaled at 10 marks each:
Rhetorical Excellence and Writing - Use of persuasive literary devices; speech should have a captivating hook, a logical flow of arguments, and a stirring call to action.
Vocal Modulation and Elocution -Clarity of speech, pronunciation, and deliberate pacing.
Stage Presence and Physicality - Confident posture, purposeful eye contact
Audience Persuasion and Impact - Emotional resonance of the delivery.
Originality and Interpretation of Theme -unique perspective on the chosen global issue or philosophical question
Response to Judges’ Questions - Ability to think critically and respond confidently, accurately, and coherently to questions posed by the judges. Assessment will consider subject knowledge, clarity of expression, presence of mind, and the ability to defend or elaborate on ideas presented in the speech.

Mandatory requirements for registration:

The registration fee is Rs 150/- per participant.

Participants registering through school need to upload the below soft copies in the registration form

● Bonafide certificate on the school letterhead

● The school ID card