MSHS Speech Team
MSHS Speech Team 2024-2025
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Welcome to the MSHS Speech Team!
Speech Team is an IHSA interscholastic activity that involves students in individual and group speech & theatre activities. It focuses on pursuing excellence in acting, interpretation, and public speaking. It will help you be a better actor and speaker, both at school and in the future!
Who can become a member?
Speech Team is open to ANYONE who is interested in acting, interpretation, or public speaking. However you must be willing to WORK to refine your skills, SUPPORT your teammates, and maintain IHSA academic eligibility (keep your grades up). There is also a $35 school activity fee.
Are there tryouts or cuts?
No. Everyone who wants to be involved in Speech Team can join. However, the coach will make final decisions about what events each person will prepare for competition based on ability levels, student availability, and the number of competition spots available.
What events are there?
Speech Team has 14 different events that include individual and 2-person events. You can choose an event that sounds interesting to you, or a coach can suggest that you try an event that you might be good at.
When are practices?
Practices include 1-on-1 rehearsals with a coach, group rehearsals with a coach, and practice time on your own. Coaches are available for rehearsals after school, as well as some days before school. We can work around other school activities, and you will choose your rehearsal times with a coach each week.
When are competitions?
Competitions (“Speech Meets”) are held on several Saturdays in November through February. You will also have opportunities to attend a competition just as an audience member, to get a feel for what a Speech Meet is like!
What are my responsibilities?
Attend weekly 1-on-1 coaching as well as work on your own outside of coaching times.
Participate in at least 1 weekend Speech Meet (or as many as you can!)
Be on time and be prepared for all coaching sessions and competitions.
Support and encourage your teammates.
Keep your grades up.
Why should I sign up?
Speech Team is a great way to meet people at MSHS!
You can win awards and gain recognition throughout the county and state!!
You will make new friends while becoming a better actor and public speaker!!!
It's a lot of fun!!!!
Who is the coach/sponsor?
Allyson Sanborn is the head coach of the MSHS Speech Team. Coach Sanborn competed in Speech for all 4 years of her high school career, including competing in Oratorical Declamation at the IHSA State Tournament her junior and senior years. You can contact Coach Sanborn at allyson.sanborn@gmail.com Generous community members and the MS Drama Boosters support the team financially. If YOU want to support our team, please contact Coach Sanborn!
IMPORTANT DATES
October 7 : Kick-off meeting in the MSHS Library from 3:30-4:30pm
November 2024 - March 2025 will be our competition season
October 26 - Tournament at Limestone HS (CISDA)
November 2 - Tournament at Normal West HS (CISDA)
November 9 - Tournament at Olympia HS (CISDA)
November 23 - Tournament at Pekin HS (CISDA)
December 7 - Tournament at Bloomington HS (CISDA)
December 14 - Tournament at Normal Community HS (CISDA)
January 11 - Tournament at Eureka HS (CISDA)
January 11 - United Township Asynch Tournament for those attending TheatreFest
January 18 - Tournament TBA
January 25 - Tournament at Heyworth (CISDA)
February 1 - Tournament TBA
February 8 - IHSA Regional Tournament
February 15 - IHSA Sectional Tournament
February 21-22 - IHSA State Tournament at Peoria
March 1 - NSDA District Tournament
June 16-20 - NSDA National Tournament in Des Moines, Iowa
Awards & Recognition
Students participating in Speech Team can earn membership in the National Speech and Debate Association by attending competitions, serving within the community, and excelling within their individual events.
25 NSDA points = Merit Membership in NSDA, Certificate
50 NSDA points = Varsity Letter
75 NSDA points = NSDA Seal of Honor, Honor Cords
150 NSDA points = Scroll & Banner Pin, NSDA Seal of Excellence
250 NSDA points = Second Scroll & Banner Pin, NSDA Seal of Distinction
500 NSDA points = NSDA Seal of Special Distinction
750 NSDA points = Speech Team Patch, NSDA Seal of Superior Distinction
Team Captain = Captain pin
Graduating seniors who are members of NSDA will be recognized with a NSDA jeweled pin.
All-team meeting every Monday from 3:15-4:00pm.
After school practices will be held Monday through Friday in the MSHS Library.
Season Highlights!
The Speaking Bulldogs competed at NATIONALS for the first time in team history, with one main event qualifier in POI, and a Top 10 finisher in supplemental Prose Reading! June 2024
MSHS Speech Team advances to STATE for the first time in team history! Feb. 2024
MSHS Speech Team was featured in the news!
Speech Team Events
Dramatic Duet Acting (DDA)
DDA involves 2 people working together to act out a serious section from a play. The selection will be memorized and up to 8 minutes long.
Dramatic Interpretation (DI)
DI involves one person acting out a serious scene from a play involving multiple characters. The selection will be memorized and up to 8 minutes long.
Extemporaneous Speaking (Extemp)
This event involves keeping up-to-date on major current events in IL, the USA, and the world. At the competition, you draw 3 topics at random, choose one, and then write a speech on that topic in 30 minutes. You present your 4-7 minute speech using 1 note card.
Humorous Duet Acting (HDA)
HDA involves 2 people working together to act out a funny section from a play. The selection will be memorized and up to 8 minutes long.
Humorous Interpretation (HI)
HI involves one person acting out a funny scene from a play involving multiple characters. The selection will be memorized and up to 8 minutes long.
Impromptu Speaking
This event involves presenting an original speech on a topic which is chosen from a set list of words, phrases, quotes, or proverbs. You have a total of 2 minutes to prepare and 6 minutes to present the speech, using only 1 notecard and pen/pencil.
Informative Speaking (INFO)
INFO involves writing, memorizing, and presenting a 6-8 minute informative speech on a topic of current interest. It should include appropriate research and citations.
Original Oratory (OO)
OO involves writing a 6-8 minute memorized persuasive speech that follows a basic problem-solution format, and includes some citations to give your opinion support.
Original Comedy (OC)
This event involves writing, memorizing, and presenting a 6-8 minute humorous speech. It must be original and it should have a clear storyline or theme.
Oratorical Declamation (OD / DEC)
OD involves memorizing a 6-8 minute excerpt from a published speech written by someone else. It can be serious or entertaining, but it should have an important message of value.
Poetry Reading
This event involves a “program” (1 long poem or several short poems) that presents a common theme or author. The presentation is 6-8 minutes and is read from a notebook, so it does not have to be memorized.
Prose Reading
Prose involves presenting one short story. The presentation is 6-8 minutes and is read from a notebook, so it does not have to be memorized.
Program Oral Interpretation (POI)
POI is only offered at Districts and Nationals. It is a combination of Prose & Poetry.
Radio Speaking
This event involves writing a 5-minute newscast, including a commercial, from stories taken from radio or newspapers. For speech tournaments, the news must be no more than 24 hours old.
Special Occasion Speaking (SOS)
This event involves writing a 6-8 minute entertaining speech in which you could be addressing a real group on a real situation. The speech should have a serious message with humorous elements.