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The heart of the wise teacheth his mouth, and addeth learning to his lips." Proverbs 16:23

By Marti Ackland

Most parents would love for their children to become effective speakers! This would be an important goal when we consider how Scripture calls us to speak out for the cause of Christ. Minnesota Homeschool Speech and Debate (MNHS&D - www.mache.org/mnhs&d) believes in that goal and desires to be supportive to parents and students alike. Because of the times in which we live, we particularly need to raise up the next generation of young people to stand firmly for the freedoms and issues that we face now and in the years to come! One area of opportunity to hone those skills is in the competitive realm. A specific question we hear frequently is, “How do I prepare my children for competitive speech and debate?” Good question! I’d like to address this issue based on my experience and study.

Home educated students age 12 and up by January 1 of the current school year may participate in qualifying speech competitions.

One of the first areas to consider is the type of speech a child is interested in presenting. What are their interests? Are they up on current events? Do they enjoy writing? Do they need a lot of time to plan ahead? Are they comfortable speaking without much preparation? Do they love reading good literature? Do they naturally enjoy making people laugh? Are they often referred to by others as dramatic? Do they have a love for Scripture? Answering these questions may help in deciding which type of speech may be good to begin with. Be careful not to fit your child into a box, however. With time and experience, many will take an interest in several of these areas.

MNHS&D currently affiliates with National Christian Forensics and Communications Association (NCFCA - www.ncfca.org). Categories offered for competition include Platform speeches (Expository, Original Oratory & Persuasive), Interpretive speaking (Dramatic, Duo, Humorous & Open), and Limited Preparation speeches (Apologetics, Extemporaneous & Impromptu). I’d suggest looking through the website for a clear description of each of these. After you and your child have decided what category they’d most enjoy, it’s time to begin looking at material.

Choosing material to present is a very important part of speaking. It is wise to choose material that “fits” the speaker. For a platform speech, consider topics that the student already knows about, something that they have experienced, or would like to experience so they can do some research. If the topic isn’t significant to them, they may quickly lose interest.

After a topic has been chosen, begin a thorough study of it. Check out books and websites regarding the topic for a platform speech. Talk with people who have experience in that area. Get a genuine feel for the subject. I highly suggest using 3” x 5” cards for note taking and following an outline form in the actual writing process. Determine a thesis statement and work around it. Watch transitions between paragraphs so that the final speech flows well. Then go back and write your introduction which should start with a hook (an engaging opening that grabs the audience’s attention) and give us a reason to listen. Creatively include your thesis statement so the audience clearly understands your topic. Leave writing your conclusion to the end, then essentially repeat the main points of your speech and give additional remarks bringing it to a nice/impressive close.

When an interpretive speech is the choice, again, decide on a selection the student is already familiar with. I advise my students to choose something they know they will enjoy. Perhaps it is a story that has been special to them for years. It may be that they can relate to a particular character. Maybe there’s a portion that always makes them laugh. It may be an emotional scene that makes them think or respond. Whatever portion of literature is chosen, it should give us something to hang on to. There may be a moral or lesson to learn. Ask the question, “What am I giving my audience?” It may be the gift of laughter with good humor or a life changing thought. We may gain insight into the author’s reason for writing the piece. We might even learn something about ourselves. Whatever it is, be sure the student understands the purpose of the piece.

When choosing an interpretive piece, skill level should be considered. If the student is new to speech, select a piece that doesn’t include too many characters; something they can easily understand and will enjoy giving to others. Later, as they progress in their skill level, something a little more difficult will keep challenging them and produce more mature speeches.

A more challenging piece will typically include several characters and should be at least at a high school reading level. Look for developed characters that you can do something with. Each character will need to be clearly defined by way of voice, gestures, stance, and body movement. A good character study will help determine how this should play out.

Interpretive speeches are a good way to begin competitive speech, but a limited preparation speech will truly challenge a student. The extemporaneous, apologetics, and impromptu speech doesn’t begin at competition, but comes from knowledge gained ahead of time. Mark Twain stated, “It takes me about three weeks to write an impromptu speech!" Each of these speeches requires practice and consideration beforehand. Because of the very limited prep time, knowing several good short stories or examples greatly helps. Strategic planning is the key. Being able to form an outline quickly helps use the prep time wisely. Studying and knowing Scripture, reading quality books on the topics, and writing out the apologetics questions (from the NCFCA website) is obviously an important part of apologetic speaking. Being up to date with current events and maintaining a collection of current national and international articles is necessary for the extemporaneous speaker. In other words, having a wealth of information in our minds and hearts all contribute to a well-planned speech.

No matter what type of speech is being presented, consider the element of word bouquets. Word bouquets are good descriptive words that give life and interest to a piece. They help us “see” what is going on and “feel” a part of what is being said. They keep our attention as we become involved in the speaker’s words.

Practicing before a variety of audiences helps the speaker to be ready to perform. Try your speech out on grandparents, neighbors, family gatherings, church friends or anyone who’s willing to listen. Then appreciate their suggestions and feedback. Practice wearing the clothing and shoes that you’ll be wearing to the competition. That way they won’t feel funny or odd. There’s a huge difference between speaking with jeans and tennis shoes and dress clothes.

All this preparation builds up to the big day! I suggest eating right, getting good rest, and putting in a lot of practice time before that day arrives. Have your presentation clothing ready to go so that you look and feel sharp. It should be conservative and professional. Stay away from patterns and bright colors. The audience’s focus should be on your eyes, face, and voice rather than what you’re wearing! Shoes should be broken in and comfortable. Take some water to keep your throat and mouth wet. Pack in some safety pins and whatever is necessary to keep your hair back and out of your eyes. Be sure you’ve got a tie clasp if wearing a tie. Plan ahead so you’re confident and ready to compete when the big day arrives. Add your smile and pleasant personality. Encourage others and display godly character toward those you’re competing against. Remember that you are a winner when you’ve done your best for God’s glory, not the glory of men. And finally, go prepared and prePRAYERed.

Let no man despise thy youth;
but be thou an example of the believers,
in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
1Timothy  4:12

 This page is © 2007 by Michael P. Mullen Jr. for MNHS&D - 03/19/2008