An introduction to Speech and why you should join.

 I have been in Speech for four years, I have competed in Creative Expression and Great Speeches, and I act as the team’s website manager. This last season I participated at the state meet.  Speech offers a new challenge at every meet.  Many of the people I have competed against have become good friends.

 Speech is a high school activity offered in several Minnesota High Schools.  There are 13 categories, each one distinct and different, with its own challenges and opportunities.  Speakers, nicknamed Speechies, compete at Meets, usually held on Saturdays between January and March, with the state competition usually held in late April.

 Creative Expression: Participants write their own scripts and perform them on whatever subject they choose.  Humorous: Participants choose and perform a humorous script. One of the more interesting speech members who participated in both Creative and Humorous.

 Storytelling: Participants selected a story from a selection of 15 stories and have ½ an hour to prepare.  Duo: Two partners must perform a script together. Duos usually dress in similar outfits for their speeches, while others play on their differences.

 Serious Prose: Uses a serious piece from a short story or book.  Serious Poetry: Uses a serious poem or poems or a section of a novel written in verse.  Serious Drama: Uses a serious piece from a play. Despite their reputation as more serious categories, participants still find time to have some fun.

 Informative: Competitors may use visual aids as they educate the audience on a subject.  Great Speeches: Participants select a speech given by another (famous) person, perform and comment on it. Informative often sees a wide variety of topics, ranging from Ice Cream to Batman.

 Discussion: Participants work in groups to come up with a solution to a problem in the world. The topic this year is: “Building the Future: U.S. Infrastructure Challenges in the 21st Century”  Extemporaneous Speaking: Must write a speech on a current events topic and then perform it (given 30 min).  Extemporaneous Reading: Participants read from a selection of stories or poems. A group of Discussants discuss their plan for the next round.

 It is a great way to gain public speaking skills.  It looks great on college applications.  Make new friends  It’s fun! After Sub Sections the Jordan and Le Sueur-Henderson Speech teams come together to celebrate.

Reasons:  I can’t do speech I have to work.  I play a winter sport so I wouldn’t be able to make it to the meets or practices  I can’t speak in front of others. Answers:  Actually its not hard to schedule around work.  Most meets are on Saturdays, and you can practice before OR after school.  You can, and this feeling will get better! And, it’s a small audience or 4-6 people.

 Talk to a coach at your local high school: Chances are they’ll welcome you to the team with open arms.  Work hard: You get what you put into it.  Don’t get discouraged: You can’t win them all, but don’t give up.  Keep an open mind: Sometimes the category that’s right for you is one you never expected.

 What should I wear for meets?  Whatever works best for you. Speech outfits tend to vary by person and taste. But all are tasteful and professional looking.

1. Get used to early mornings 2. Be ready to rewrite 3. Pay attention to your critiques from the judges. 4. Learn from the other speakers. 5. Never eat a sundae with a red tie on. 6. Always claim your spot on the bus before hand. 7. Make a friend everywhere you go. 8. And don’t forget to have fun. Early meets often means breakfast to go.