2026 Boldly and Truthfully Montana

Junior Event Rules

$10 Entry Fee

Junior Speech: This event is Platform-only. Speeches may be Original Oratory, Persuasive, or Expository. All Platform speeches will be placed in the same competitive division and will compete against one another.

JUNIOR PLATFORM RULES        

1. Each speech must be original to the student with only 30% of the total speech being direct quotes. All direct quotations and primary sources must be cited verbally within the body of the speech. Use of another person’s words or ideas without crediting them is plagiarism and is strictly forbidden. (no script submission is required)
2. Memorization is encouraged. 
3. For a Persuasive, the student must definitely be trying to persuade their audience of something. An Original Oratory can be on any topic and can inform, entertain, and motivate. An Expository is a speech to inform that uses visual aids.
4. The timekeeper will start the timepiece when the speaker begins and will stop the timepiece when the speaker has concluded his speech.  

The maximum speaking time is 5 minutes. There is no minimum time. There is no minimum time and no penalty for going over time.  

Rules Specific to an Expository Speech:

1. The speaker may use visual aids. Audio aids and effects may be used to enhance the speech. 
2. The speaker must set up his/her own props (and any other aids) without the assistance of anyone else. 
3. No setting up is allowed during the judges’ evaluation time between speakers. 
4. Students may set down their props when they get to the front of the room. All other setup and cleanup must occur within the time limit of the speech. 
5. Special clothing related to the speech may be put on, or displayed, and taken off, or hidden, during the course of the speech.
6. The speaking area must be left in the same condition as it was prior to the speech. 
7. Use of weapons, explosives, or incendiary devices is prohibited. 
8. Nothing may be distributed or offered to the judges or audience members. 
9. People and live animals may not be used as aids in the speech. 
10. Gratuitous vulgarity is strictly prohibited.