VOICE OF DEMOCRACY Sponsored by The Veterans of Foreign Wars

Annual National Audio Essay Contest Designed to Foster Patriotism.

3 to 5 minute oral essay presentation with a typed double-spaced copy of the oral essay.

2020-2021 Theme is

“Is This the Country the Founders Envisioned?”

National winner receives a $30,000 scholarship

State winners receive an all expense trip for them and their families to Washington, D. C.

Local winners and District winners receive varying levels of financial recognition

Develop your concept

Dramatic Opening Statement

Patriotism

Positive message

Human interest

Use voice for emphasis (raise or lower inflection, add short pause for emphasis

Organization

45 seconds introduction (dramatic statement and 3 points)

3-minute main body (1 minute per point)

30 second conclusion / wrap up

- Do not identify yourself. Otherwise, do not mention your name, your high school, your city or your state in your essay.

- No singing or music.

- No background noises.

- No slang (yo, ah, you know, man, etc.)

4. Grading Criteria

- Delivery - 35%

- Originality - 30%

- Content – 35%

Typed Essay, Double spaced

Due Date: October 20th

Please help 50 points for the essay