Speech Team is a fun, non-threatening way to gain public speaking experience. It is open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders! For over 20 years, St. Vincent’s has had a Speech Team that participates in contests held by three local Catholic High Schools (Blanchet, Seattle Prep., and Eastside). In the last few years, St. Vincent’s has won awards in Original Oratory, Duo Interpretive, Dramatic Reading, Humorous Reading, Storybook, and had the “Best Overall Boy” and “Best Overall Girl” at the Seattle Prep. Tournament (2006)!

HOW YOU DO IT. . .
                      Beginning in October, we meet once per week to practice speaking skills. The season goes through
                      February.
                      Select an event or two in which to compete
                      Practice your speech(es) at home and at meetings
                      Participate in speech competitions - one in December, one in January, & one in February

Volunteer Coach: Mike Brennan

Tournaments: Elocution contests are one-day events on Saturdays at the sponsoring high school. Students usually participate in 2-3 events varying from “interpretive readings” to “informative presentations” to “impromptu”. Student costs are $15-20 per contest. Speech club members are encouraged to participate in the contests but are not obligated to do so.

WHAT DO I GET OUT OF PARTICIPATING IN SPEECH TEAM?
Speech team offers a great deal to its participants! Below is a list of the numerous benefits of participating in St. Vincent de Paul’s Speech Team for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders.

In speech team, you will…
                        Have Fun
                        Prepare for public speaking in a non-threatening environment
                        Build and refine both written and verbal communication skills
                        Effectively organize ideas and express them in conversation
                        Meet other students from catholic schools in the Archdiocese
                        Become a better listener
                        Increase your standard of excellence, integrity, and professionalism
                        Develop interpersonal and group skills necessary for successful personal, school, and leadership
                        relationships
                        Improve your self-expression, performance, and presentation (including acting) skills
                        Improve your research and organizational skills
                        Build your ability to motivate and persuade
                        Increase your self confidence
                        Develop literary interpretation skills
                        Strive to win awards
                        Work as part of a team. Students have to work together and encourage each other to win events.
                        One cannot become a better speaker through self-improvement alone.

All of these benefits are enduring and life-long!
However, the skills the students develop vary somewhat depending upon the events they do and the effort that they put into it. Mr. Brennan, while committed to developing a strong, victorious team which benefits the students on many levels, firmly believes that if speech team is not fun for its participants, it isn't doing its job.

IS SPEECH FOR YOU?
Because Speech has so many categories, it caters to all types of individuals:
Introverts looking to be more outgoing.
Intellectuals wanting an opportunity to continue learning.
Comedians and Creative Writers looking for an outlet.
Performers looking to be center stage.
Socialites looking to make more friends.
Anyone who is willing to work hard, show a positive attitude, and have fun.
Speech can be a great activity for all types of personalities!!!