2025-26 Advanced Class Schedule
Thursday 9:30-10:30
Colored text indicates speeches will be presented.
The schedule is dependent on how many students register and the ages of the group. The schedule is subject to small changes.
Dates for presenting main speeches are underlined
Class Date Topic
01 09/11 Review and get acquainted - Though this is a smaller class than usual, I think it's going to be great! I'm excited. Please read your handouts since we didn't get through everything. There's a lot there. Also, be sure to bless someone with your words and write out how that took place and the response of the blessed. Be prepared to share either your storytelling, a selection from literature or from an actual speech given. These should be 5-6 minutes long. You don't have to do a lot of blocking/movement but try to use your voice and facial expression well. This is to get you used to being back up front. We won't be critiquing these except for maybe a little verbal feedback. Try to find something unique and creative! Remember, creative (but realistic) is the word for the year.
09/18 Sorry - postponed
02 09/25 Practice speech (platform or interpretive- 4-5 min) and Intro to Storytelling - You all did a great job today! I was excited about the variety of speeches given. Way to go! I'm looking forward to hearing your story next week. Enjoy thinking it through and writing it out. Add a lot of describing words and make it fun to listen to. Help us get to know you better!
03 10/02 Storytelling – your story – practice what we learned last week (=8 min) I think many of these were under the time limit, but I still enjoyed hearing your stories. I learned a lot about each of you. Your gestures, eye contact, etc., were pretty well done. Keep practicing to do even better with each speech given. Work on the things that could've been better.
04 10/09 Introduction to interviews - There's a lot to learn about having a quality interview. In today's business world, there can be many, many applicants for the same job/position. Some can prove very difficult to get into. If you are a good communicator, you'll have a much better chance! Let's get you geared up for the years ahead! I'd suggest reading through your handouts again. Please fill out your application (after making a spare copy just in case). Bring it to class when completed but be sure to keep a copy for yourself. I hope you gain a lot from this exercise for now and in the future.
05 10/16 Round table discussion (three students gone - A, J, and E) - Our discussion today was so interesting. I hope you were challenged to think through some issues that can be tough, even more so with various factors considered. I appreciated that you were all engaged and had some good things to contribute. Our worldview really makes a difference, so we need to be Biblically wise. Pray for that continuously. God will grant it as needed! Homework - continue to work on your applications so you're prepared for upcoming interviews.
For next week, remember to dress up. Suits and professional clothing are expected. That's all I'll say for now. It should be a very interesting and memorable class. You students make this class what it is! I love it!
06 10/23 Mystery class (Dress very well. Yes, I know what is planned.) I hope you all enjoyed class as much as I did. A huge thanks to President D. Tim Trump (aka Tim Watkins) for his presence in class. You students asked some excellent questions, and I was amazed at the variety asked. Way to go! Great job! Homework - Finish up your applications. They must be handed in next week! Remember that I will be critiquing both your application and your interview.
07 10/30 Introduction to After Dinner speeches- We went through a lot of material again today. It's always good to read through your notes again to be prepared. After dinner speeches should be light-hearted. Topics should inform us, be somewhat entertaining, and make us think. They should be something relevant to your audience (you choose who we are). As soon as you know who you want to be (name), your title (Senator, Top Salesman, Team Leader, Princess _______, or whomever), the title of your speech, and who or what company or ministry you want to represent, please let me know. It is essential that I know this info at least a week before your presentation, if not sooner. Have fun with these! I'll assign who is introducing whom as we get closer.
08 11/06 Interviews (half the class) - Carter, Lyn, Luke and Samson - Way to go, students! I hope you all get your jobs. Special thanks to Mrs. Sally Onyshuk for helping with interviews.
09 11/13 Interviews (half the class) - Azriel, Ella, and Jimmy. Another morning of great interviews. Way to go. Special thanks to Tim Watkins for his service on the interview board. He was impressed. Homework for next week - Using a permanent marker, please add various things that you are thankful for to your pumpkin. Think outside the box. What would you miss if you didn't actually have it anymore? Come up with an approximately two-minute speech sharing what you've written. We'll be talking next week about how gratefulness (being thankful) can be life changing. I think this is one of life's most important lessons.
10 11/20 Attitude of Gratitude (Blessing God and others with our words) - I always love this class on gratitude because it's such an important quality to have in life. It's a great reminder of all God has for us and how our lives truly can be different when we are grateful. As I said, it's a less on for life, not just class. Homework: Be ready to present your unique ministry speech at our next class. Keep working on your after-dinner speeches. Let me know what you've decided on for who you will be (name), title (salesman, Doctor, whomever), the title of your speech, and what company/ministry you are representing. Have fun planning these!
11/27 Thanksgiving week off – Show gratefulness for God’s blessings
11 12/04 Unique Ministry speeches - these were good! Some ministries were known but a few were new. I hope each of you will take away from these that you can be a part of various ministries and make a difference! For next week - Send me the information I've requested ASAP. Don't wait. Get your introduction info to the person introducing you and vice versa. That really helps the other person be prepared.
12 12/11 After Dinner speeches (Azriel, Carter, Ella, and Luke presenting = 10 minutes, including intros) - Great job today. I appreciated the creativity put into these. Way to go. We'll finish up next week.
13 12/18 After Dinner speeches (Jimmy, Lyn, and Samson presenting = 10 minutes, including intros) - We should have a little time for some Christmas fun today. 😀
12/25-01/01 Christmas and NewYear’s Break – Celebrate Christ with your family
14 01/08 Intro to Speaking the Truth in Love speeches - Be sure to read through your handouts as there is much included that we didn't have time for in class. I particularly want you to read through the Scriptures and articles in preparation for your STTIL speeches. Please do your best with these as they are so important. Remember that I want to see a specific occasion or person in regard to your topic. This is not a report on a topic, but you are addressing the subject/event from a Biblical perspective to an audience with those who may disagree with your stance. Let me know what you choose so there is no doubling up. These will be given February 5 and 12.
15 01/15 Town Hall/Open Forum meeting (no outside prep ahead of time) - I hope you all enjoyed these yet learned a bit from the pressure. So many people walk out of meetings wishing they had spoken up so this was practice for the future (or now!). Thank you to Emily and John for coming and participating with us! It's always fun to have alumni back. Next week will be moral/biblical object lessons. These should be around seven minutes long. Let me know if you need any extra items - table, etc. Remember we should learn from these and they should be interesting. Enjoy!
16 01/22 Moral/Biblical Object Lesson (= 7 minutes - all students) Be sure to bring in an object to use with your lesson. Well done, students! I was impressed!
17 01/29 Proverbs speeches (all students (= 7 minutes - all students). Great job today! Each of you did so well. I loved hearing your comments and thoughts on each selected piece of Scripture.
18 02/05 Speaking the Truth in Love speeches (half the class (= 10 minutes) - (Way to go, Azriel!) Carter also gave his Proverbs speech. Thank you, Carter!
19 02/12 Speaking the Truth in Love speeches (half the class (= 10 minutes) (Lynn, Carter, Jimmy, Samson, Luke, and Ella)
20 02/19 Speaking Out at Risk…In the words of those… (=7 min - all students) Let me know who you have chosen so there aren't duplicates. If you don't choose someone from the handout, please run your choice by me. Thanks. Great job today! I was impressed. You all have proved yourselves over and over! Now...
Go forth and use your God-given skills! He's got a job specifically for you to do!