Speech is a MSHSL sponsored activity which fosters student development in interpersonal and group skills needed for future relationships, both personal and professional. It also develops written and oral language skills. With thirteen different categories, ranging from current event discussions to poetry, it allows students of all backgrounds and interests to find something they enjoy. Speech is competitive and through competition students earn recognition and self-respect. In addition to all that, we do have fun!
Students travel to competitions in the area and participate in three rounds at each meet. In each round, they compete with 6-8 other students. A judge will rate each student's performance according to who has done the best in that round. Totals are added up and awards presented based on who performed the best in the day or in a final round of the best of the best. Students earn individual and team awards like ribbons, trophies, and pins.
Speech will naturally strengthen the soft skills like interpersonal communication, problem solving skills, creative thinking and time management that employers of today are looking for. In other words, it prepares you for whatever you choose to do after high school - work, military, or college. Quite frankly, it is the best preparation JWP has to offer to set you up for success in the future.
You may be thinking that you hate talking in front of people, and it scares you to death. That is true of many people. However, one great way to learn to conquer your fear is to join Speech. You are not the first person to join Speech that has hated speaking in front of people, or scared to do so, and you will not be the last. However, every student that has joined Speech that has been in that situation has emerged a more confident individual. Speech truly did help them overcome their fear, and each and every student has felt accomplished after their time in Speech. Trust me, you will need to speak in front of a group of people at some point in your life. Learn to do so now, when the stakes are low.