
Speech Tournament
The annual Speech Tournament is one of the proud traditions we maintain at St. Edward School. The Speech Tournament was introduced more that 15 years ago. St. Edward faculty believes that speaking confidently to an audience to express one's views and ideas requires regular practice. In answer to that, St. Edward School hosts an annual speech tournament and invites adults from our local business and parish community to participate in judging the individual events.
Students in grades 5-8 participate in the tournament every year, choosing a topic in a specific category, researching the topic, and practicing their speech for 3 to 4 weeks in advance of the tournament. Teachers share suggestions with students on how to sharpen their oratory skills . The categories for each grade level are:
5th Grade – Expository
6th Grade – Poetry (Memorized)
7th Grade – Dramatic reading and Extemporary
8th Grade – Oratory (only note cards), and Impromptu
At the end of the morning session, students from Oratory, Impromptu, Dramatic, and Poetry are chosen to be in the medal round. In the afternoon the top two students from those categories compete for a medal. At the end of the afternoon session four students will be awarded medals for their performance.
It is often said that speaking in front of an audience is the #1 fear of many students and adults alike. Over the years, St. Edward students have gained confidence in speaking to an audience by participating in our annual Speech Tournament.
The annual Speech Tournament is one of the proud traditions we maintain at St. Edward School. The Speech Tournament was introduced more that 15 years ago. St. Edward faculty believes that speaking confidently to an audience to express one's views and ideas requires regular practice. In answer to that, St. Edward School hosts an annual speech tournament and invites adults from our local business and parish community to participate in judging the individual events.
Students in grades 5-8 participate in the tournament every year, choosing a topic in a specific category, researching the topic, and practicing their speech for 3 to 4 weeks in advance of the tournament. Teachers share suggestions with students on how to sharpen their oratory skills . The categories for each grade level are:
5th Grade – Expository
6th Grade – Poetry (Memorized)
7th Grade – Dramatic reading and Extemporary
8th Grade – Oratory (only note cards), and Impromptu
At the end of the morning session, students from Oratory, Impromptu, Dramatic, and Poetry are chosen to be in the medal round. In the afternoon the top two students from those categories compete for a medal. At the end of the afternoon session four students will be awarded medals for their performance.
It is often said that speaking in front of an audience is the #1 fear of many students and adults alike. Over the years, St. Edward students have gained confidence in speaking to an audience by participating in our annual Speech Tournament.