Declamation vs. Speech

Attribute	Declamation	Speech
Definition	A dramatic oration or recitation of a written work	An oral presentation or address to an audience
Purpose	To convey the emotions and message of the written work	To inform, persuade, entertain, or inspire the audience
Delivery	Usually more dramatic and theatrical	Varies depending on the purpose and audience
Content	Typically involves reciting a famous speech or literary work	Can cover a wide range of topics and formats
Formality	Often performed in a formal setting or competition	Can be formal or informal depending on the context

Definition

Declamation and speech are both forms of public speaking, but they have distinct differences in terms of their purpose and delivery. Declamation is the act of delivering a speech that has been previously delivered by another person, often a famous historical figure or a well-known public figure. The goal of declamation is to convey the original message of the speech with the same passion and emotion as the original speaker. On the other hand, a speech is an original piece of writing that is delivered by the speaker to convey their own thoughts, ideas, or opinions on a particular topic.

Delivery

When it comes to delivery, declamation requires the speaker to carefully study the original speech and try to mimic the tone, gestures, and emotions of the original speaker. This can be a challenging task, as the speaker must embody the essence of the original speech while still making it their own. In contrast, a speech allows the speaker more freedom in terms of delivery. They can choose their own tone, gestures, and emotions to convey their message in a way that is authentic to them.

Content

The content of a declamation is predetermined by the original speech that the speaker is reciting. The speaker must stay true to the original message and cannot deviate from the words of the original speaker. This can be limiting in terms of creativity and personal expression. On the other hand, a speech allows the speaker to craft their own content, giving them the freedom to express their own thoughts, ideas, and opinions in a way that is unique to them.

Emotion

Emotion plays a crucial role in both declamation and speech, but in different ways. In declamation, the speaker must convey the emotions of the original speech with authenticity and passion. They must tap into the emotions of the original speaker and deliver the speech in a way that moves the audience. In a speech, the speaker must also convey emotion, but it is their own emotions that they are expressing. They must connect with the audience on a personal level and evoke emotion through their words and delivery.

Audience Engagement

Both declamation and speech aim to engage the audience, but they do so in different ways. In declamation, the speaker must captivate the audience by delivering a powerful and moving rendition of the original speech. The goal is to transport the audience back to the time and place of the original speech and make them feel the same emotions that the original speaker intended. In a speech, the speaker must engage the audience by connecting with them on a personal level and making their message relevant and relatable to the audience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, declamation and speech are both forms of public speaking that have their own unique attributes. Declamation involves reciting a previously delivered speech with authenticity and passion, while a speech allows the speaker to craft their own content and delivery. Both forms of public speaking require skill, practice, and emotion to effectively engage the audience and convey a powerful message.