Presentation is what matters most to me.  If you use a so-called “over-used” topic but your presentation is great, than who cares?  (Presentation meaning both writing of the speech and performance).

ok

so as long as the topic is performed with passion it does not matter the topic.

The way I see oratory (and I guess most speaking events) is if you choose a cliché, overdone topic — you have to give it your own spin.  Throw some originality on to it and make it your own.

I did this with my oratory last year — overdone topic on “first impressions” and how they aren't accurate and such.  One judge slammed me for using the topic (I don't think he listened to my speech cause that was the only reason why he gave me a 6 so I didn't break out of my room at Emory; another story..) but the other two judges on that panel were glad I had a refreshing view on the topic.  I came up with a whole different sort of solution — and even switched the topic around from focusing on first impressions to becoming reflective of ourselves.

It's the way you present it — and how you present it.  You can teach an old oratory topic new tricks.

so its basicly making your Oringal oratory oringal. huh.

why this is some positive to hear as i prepare my informative for the carson newman competition

ok cause mine is on the communication process that uses cave men transitions.