In the Purus society, the ability to argue a point in public is considered vital for all adult citizens, and your transition from childhood to adulthood begins when you embark on the process of preparing for the Eisteddfod. Throughout the country, there is a huge industry set up around preparing young adolescents for the public Speaking Eisteddfod. These can include private and public lessons, preparation practice eisteddfods, and the employment of private speech delivery specialists by families of means.
The status of a whole family can be disadvantaged if a prominent child is unable to perform satisfactorily in the speaking eisteddfod so a substantial amount of effort is put into the process to ensure that the families status is maintained. This pressure to perform is further enhanced for the noble or monastic families of Purus who have for centuries been competing against each other and whose disgrace can be remembered for generations within the close-knit high society of the nation.
The Speaking Eisteddfod individual presentations always have a set 4 point structure:
| 1. |
Identification of a problem or issue that the speaker wants to be addressed |
| 2. |
Breaking down the current situation |
| 3. |
Arguing a point as to why it should be changed or addressed |
| 4. |
Proposing a change that the speaker advocates |
After this, the public or the examiners are allowed to ask up to 6 questions of the individual to further assess his understanding of the argument and his proposals. This is often the most critical time in the presentation as the participant is being assessed on their ability to rebuff criticism or a counterargument. Often rival families will attempt to be one of the 6 people who ask the question.
Finally, the choice of topic is most critical. Often a quirky or abstract topic is appreciated more than one on the general topics of the day and it shows more maturity of forethought.
Both the male and female child is expected to participate in the Eisteddfod at about the age of 20. Only after successfully participating in the event do the rights of adulthood apply to the participants, including the right to speak in the local political rallies and the right to hold a government job or high office. The success rate is about 80% on the first attempt.
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