2025-26 Beacon Class 

Beacon Speech Class Schedule – 2025-26

Fridays @ 11:00-12:15

Class   Date Topic

01    09/05           Why am I Doing This? (Good question!)  Intro to Necessary Good Communication - I always enjoy our first class, meeting students and parents! We talked about why good speech skills are necessary, a little about how we develop those skills, and heard some speaking slips from well-known folks from all walks of life. We considered opportunities to use our skills at this age and time of life. I shared some unique commencement speeches from the past. We also considered some Scripture verses that support the need for Biblical ways of speaking. Students will have four short homework assignments. 1. They are to write out some specific information about a speech on a 3" x 5" card for next week (a few speeches may not be used). The information about the assignment is given on a half-sheet handout. A copy of the entire speech is not necessary. 2. Fill out the Wise Words Scripture verse page, 3. Write out a time someone has affected you either positively or negatively with their words (see handout), and 4. Jot down some of their favorite things (handout).  Be sure to write you name on all of your homework. You'll be handing in your work.  It was good to meet you all!  I'm excited about this class and believe it will be a really special group!  

02    09/19             Introducing…gestures, body movement, fears, etc. & listening skills (1 ½ hrs) - I thank Ben P for filling in for me in class.  He exercised a lot of patience as I tried to go over everything over the phone with him, printing pictures of handouts, etc.  Phew!  The reason for all the homework is because I had to combine two classes into one.  That's tough enough for me to do, let alone someone like Ben trying to do it.  There's a lot I go over in those two classes so I'm going to pray the Lord fills in the gaps.  

Homework

1. Reread through all the handouts

2. Do the homework assignment finding someone with a speech impediment or a negative speaking experience (yes, some are humorous and that is ok!)

3.  Find out who from Scripture told God he was too young to speak

4. Memorize the verse on listening -- Proverbs 1:5

5. Listen to a speech (You-Tube is fine) and jot down the info requested in your handout.  Try to find something unique.  Again, clean humor is allowed. 

6. Engage someone in a conversation while using the active listening skills from your notes.  Write out the results on a 3"x5" card.  The conversation should be more than one quick question.  Talk a bit. 

03    10/03           Voice and Enunciation - Using our voices well makes a big difference when speaking.  When we speak crisply and clearly, enunciating each word, we are less likely to be misunderstand and we'll hold on to our audience better.  Once again, this means being prepared!  We've got to add those pauses and other punctuation as we speak.  Remember what we learned about the plosives!  Homework - Fill in the blanks on the back page of the handout.  It shouldn't take long to do this.  Bring them to class completed and with your name on it.  Also, for those who have homework not handed in, please email me to me or bring it to class.  You want to get credit for your work.   Enjoy what's left of this summer weather!  It won't last much longer.  🍁🍂 

04    10/17           Introduction to Interpretive Speeches/ Finding Quality Material - Once again, we went over a lot of material pretty quickly (two classes rolled into one).  Re-read through your notes.  You need to look seriously for a portion/chapter/scene of a piece of literature that you will interpret (bring to life)! A good interpretive speech will include a lot of facial expression, movement, emotion, and varied voices for each character.  Each character needs to be evident by how they move and speak.  This is basically acting without props, special clothing, stage makeup, etc.  Consider if you want to do something humorous, dramatic, or open (somewhere in between).  Your interp should have a main point that you are trying to get across.  Make the author proud.  Remember you cannot add words at all, but you can take words out. You may need to take out several paragraphs from a chapter or put two chapters together to form your speech. Short children's books can work well for humorous speeches.  If you have questions, please ask. 

Rewrite three of those poorly written introductions from your handout.  Remember to include a title and author, even if one isn't given.  Make them up if necessary!  Add to what's there.  Make it very interesting so your audience would want to see what would be presented as though you were actually using it to introduce a speech from literature.  This is NOT a book report so don't make it sound like one. You may want to read through the introductions (in your handout) that were given as good ones for ideas.  Using adjectives so we can "see" what you're talking about is most helpful!    You will all be asked to read one for class. 

05            11/07          Good Introductions, and Examples of an Excellent & Poor Interpretation (1½  hrs) - If you did not hand in your homework, please do so.  About half the class failed to this week. That's not acceptable.  For next week - you are to bring in a double-spaced copy of your interpretive script.  If you don't, you'll be sitting for a while with nothing to do.  Also bring in colored pencils for script work.  We'll also be doing some practice activities in prep our speeches.  

06    11/21           Dissection of Our Speeches and Practice Activities - Keep working on your interpretive speeches!  Be prepared and follow directions as given in class and on your handout!  

07    12/05           Present Our Interpretive Speeches (1½ hours) Class will begin at 10:45 to get through all the speeches.  This is so you won't feel rushed.  Speakers today will be Allison, Anna, Charity, Gavin, Maretta, Robert, Roman, Ryan, and Samuel.  Way to go, speakers!  You did a fine job today.  I was impressed, particularly with your strong voices, which shows confidence.  I was thankful for the audience of moms and others.  I look forward to the next group speaking as well.  Stay warm and healthy! 

08    12/19           Finish Presenting Our Speeches & Introduce Duo Interpretive Speeches - Class will begin at 10:45 again so we can get through all the speeches and get into our duo practice groups.  Speakers this week will be Aaron, Cecelie, Clara, and Lydia.  Practice your duo speeches over the phone as you are able and prepare to do your part well!  Have fun with these!  Bring your scripts because I won't have any extra with me January 2!   We'll be starting class again at 10:45!  After our duos, we'll begin a new unit on platform speeches.  

These two young men were students of mine and worked very hard on this. I remember working with them for many, many hours as they prepared. As stated, it took 13th place at a national competition in California (STOA competition).  I think they did a great job.  Enjoy!

Watch their synchronization and how they have the off-stage focus with their eyes, though you don't have to do that. 

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7DSmHfJJIA

Have a wonderful Christmas break celebrating the Savior of the world.  

09    01/02/26     Introduction Platform Speeches and Present Duos (1½ hours) - BRING YOUR SCRIPTS!!!  Your duos were fun.  I enjoyed them.  We're starting a new unit on platform speeches.  I introduced some famous speakers and why their speeches were so effective.  l talked about the types of speeches you can choose from to present at a later date.  You'll be writing these yourselves and choosing your topic (within reason).  And, we had a little Christmas fun.  Homework:  Bring back three potential topics that you are thinking of for your platform speech.   Platform speeches should be 5-8 minutes long.  

10    01/16           Review of basic writing skills (sharpen pencils and minds!)  Today we learned about a speech that probably saved a president's life!  Interesting topic.  We talked about other well-known speakers/speeches and why they made an impact.  We went over the importance of using an outline to prepare a speech. It helps keep our topic organized, saves time, and is easier to remember as we write.  Homework:  Students should bring a simple outline to class next week, which should include their chosen topic and a few main points.  Start working on a little research if needed, coming up with examples and short stories to include, and help us to learn through your speaking.  

11    02/06           Putting it into practice - We talked a bit more about outlines and practiced completing one in class with partners.  We also reviewed what is expected for our platform speeches.  Students should continue working on their chosen topic as these will be given March 6 and March 20, half the class each week.  Homework:  Keep working on your speech and be prepared to give the practice speech I gave each of you.  These are all different so we can hear a good mix of actual speeches given by a variety of people.  You are not required to dress up for the practice speeches, but it would be good for the experience.  Be sure to bring your practice script to class.  I will have no extra copies with me.  

12    02/20           Present Assigned Practice Speeches and additional reminders/suggestions - Students will be presenting their practice speeches to ready themselves for their original speeches the next two weeks.  We'll also have a brief time of review.  We will most likely go overtime.  

13    03/06           Present Student Platform Speeches (Half the class) Presenters will be Aaden, Allison, Charity, Clara, Lydia & Gavin. Students did very well today!  I was impressed.  I'm excited for next week's speeches.  

14    03/20           Present Student Platform Speeches (Half the class) Presenters are Aaron, Anna, Cecelie, Maretta, Robert, Roman, Ryan, and Samuel. 

15    04/17           Intro to Impromptu - We'll be going over impromptu preparation techniques and doing some practicing.  The more you practice, the easier it will be for class. Be prepared to do your best!  All students will be speaking May 1, our last class.  😕

16    05/01           Present…ta da…impromptus and finish out the year (all speaking)