Speech Meet

Summit Classical Academy participates in the annual Rocky Mountain Classical Christian Schools Speech Meet. This event gives our upper school students the opportunity to strengthen their public speaking and presentation skills, an important part of the Rhetoric Stage and the development of a well-trained mind. Students in the Grammar and Logic Stages participate as well, building their memorization skills and learning to communicate with clarity, confidence, and expression.

Categories

Dramatic Interpretation

Students begin by announcing the title of their selection and the author or source, such as a biblical passage or story. This category focuses on bringing a story to life through expressive speaking and dramatic interpretation. Students should make each character distinct through their voice, facial expressions, gestures, and body language when appropriate. Gestures and movements should emphasize the meaning of the selection rather than attempt to illustrate every word. Students in grades 5–12 should begin with a brief introduction that provides context for their selection.

Bible Memory

Students begin with a short introduction that includes the Scripture reference before reciting the passage from memory. Clear speech, appropriate vocal expression, and meaningful facial expressions should be evident throughout the presentation. Gestures may be used to emphasize important ideas but should not be used to create “word pictures” with the hands.

Scripture selections must be taken from one of the following Bible translations: King James Version (KJV), New American Bible (NAB), New American Standard Bible (NASB), New International Version (NIV), New King James Version (NKJV), or English Standard Version (ESV).

Students in grades 5–12 should provide a brief introduction that explains the context of the passage before beginning their recitation.

Poetry

Students begin by stating the title and author of the poem. The goal is to communicate the poem’s meaning and feeling through thoughtful vocal expression, facial expressions, and appropriate body language. Gestures may enhance the presentation but are optional. When used, they should serve to emphasize the poem’s meaning rather than illustrate each word. Students should use their face, voice, and posture to help the audience understand and appreciate the poem.

Students in grades 5–12 should begin with a short introduction that provides context for their selection.

Patriotic Recitation

This category includes patriotic speeches and other material written by or delivered by notable individuals. Students should begin by identifying the speaker and the title of the speech, when applicable. Presentations should demonstrate clear speaking, expressive delivery, and an evident appreciation for the patriotic themes of the selection. Appropriate gestures and body movements are encouraged when they strengthen the presentation.

Students in grades 5–12 should begin with a brief introduction that provides context for their selection.

Selection

Students must select a piece from the Summit Classical Academy Speech Meet Handbook designated for their grade level. Handbooks are available from classroom teachers. Students should make sure their selection meets the requirements for their assigned category.

Practice and Presentation Tips

Practice

Practice your selection at home every day, presenting it to your parents or another listener. Give your best effort each time, paying attention to memorization, clarity, expression, and delivery. Consistent practice will help you become more comfortable and confident.

Introduction and Closing

Stand tall with your hands relaxed at your sides. Look toward your audience as you deliver your required introduction, then pause briefly before beginning your selection.

When you finish, hold your final gesture or expression for a few seconds before returning to your starting position. Smile at the audience, pause briefly, and then return to your assigned seat.

Facial Expression

Use facial expressions and vocal inflection that reflect the meaning and emotion of your selection. A joyful passage should sound and look joyful, while a serious or sorrowful passage should convey the appropriate feeling. Other emotions may include wonder, fear, anger, concern, surprise, or pride.

Make sure your facial expressions match the message you are communicating. Ask a parent, teacher, or friend to watch and listen to your presentation and offer feedback. Practicing in front of a mirror or recording yourself can also help you identify areas for improvement.

Use of Gestures

Natural gestures can strengthen your presentation and help communicate the meaning of your selection. Choose movements that feel appropriate to the words and emotions you are expressing. Gestures should make your delivery more engaging and believable without distracting from the message.

Practice your gestures along with your selection so they become comfortable and purposeful. Avoid movements that feel stiff, exaggerated, or forced.

Speak Clearly

Speak at a measured pace and pronounce each word carefully so your audience can understand both your words and their meaning. Pause between thoughts when appropriate, allowing your ideas to come across clearly. Pay attention to the beginning, middle, and ending sounds of every word.

Recording your voice can be a helpful way to evaluate your pacing and pronunciation. Because you will not be using a microphone, practice projecting your voice so that everyone in the room can hear you clearly. Practicing in a larger room can help you become comfortable speaking to an audience.

Enjoy the Experience

Once you have memorized and practiced your selection, speak with confidence. Remember that you are sharing something meaningful with your audience. Focus on communicating the message of your piece and enjoy the opportunity to demonstrate what you have learned.

Explanation of the Judges’ Score Sheet

Students are evaluated in nine separate categories, with a maximum of five points awarded for each category. The scoring levels are:

1. Beginning
2. Developing
3. Satisfactory
4. Maturing
5. Strong

Judges should begin by assuming that a student demonstrates a satisfactory level of performance, or a score of 3, in each category. As the presentation progresses, judges may adjust each score upward or downward according to the student’s demonstrated skills.

Beginning — 1 Point

• May need prompting to continue or complete the selection.
• Makes little or no eye contact; may look down or stare straight ahead.
• May be difficult to hear or understand.
• Shows little emphasis, vocal expression, or attention to punctuation.
• Demonstrates limited understanding of the selection’s meaning or message.

Developing — 2 Points

• May need occasional prompting.
• Makes limited eye contact, perhaps looking only at the judges rather than the full audience.
• Delivery may sound monotone or lack emphasis and variation.
• May appear stiff or uncomfortable while speaking.
• Shows a developing understanding of the selection.

Satisfactory — 3 Points

• Recites the memorized selection without prompting.
• Speaks clearly and is easy to understand.
• Makes eye contact with both the judges and audience.
• Uses some vocal variety and emphasis.
• May use gestures to emphasize important ideas.

Maturing — 4 Points

• Demonstrates a clear understanding of the selection.
• Maintains consistent eye contact with the judges and audience.
• Presents the piece smoothly, using natural emphasis and varied vocal expression.
• Appears comfortable and confident.
• Uses gestures naturally and appropriately.

Strong — 5 Points

• Demonstrates excellent memorization and delivery.
• Maintains excellent eye contact throughout the presentation.
• Communicates the meaning and spirit of the selection with confidence and conviction.
• Uses voice, posture, facial expression, and gestures effectively.
• Presents the selection in a natural, engaging manner that demonstrates a strong command of the material.

A maximum of 45 points is available on the score sheet. Deductions may apply when students do not follow the requirements for introductions, explanations, or other category-specific instructions. Judges should review the score sheet carefully and apply deductions according to the stated guidelines. Depending on the category and the requirement not met, deductions may range from 1 to 5 points.