Speech is an activity at our school that many students do not fully understand. When people hear “speech team,” they often assume it is just another club. For its members, however, speech is a passion, a creative outlet and a place to share ideas, emotions and stories.
Speech is also far more diverse than many realize. With 14 different events, there truly is something for everyone. Competitions are divided into three main categories.
Public Address includes events many people picture when they think of giving a speech, such as Informative Speaking, Oratorical Declamation, Original Oratory and Special Occasion Speaking. These events focus on research, persuasion and effective delivery.
Limited Preparation events are designed for students who think quickly on their feet. Impromptu Speaking, Extemporaneous Speaking and Radio Speaking challenge competitors to organize thoughts and present polished speeches with little preparation time.
Interpretation, my personal favorite, allows students to bring literature to life through performance. Events include Dramatic Duet Acting, Dramatic Interpretation, Humorous Duet Acting, Humorous Interpretation, Original Comedy, Poetry Reading and Prose Reading. These performances require strong acting skills, emotional connection and precise timing.
But beyond the event list, speech offers something much deeper.
For me, speech has been my favorite activity throughout all four years on the team. It has helped me grow into a more confident person and taught me how to believe in myself in ways I never had before. The skills gained through speech—communication, creativity, leadership, confidence and resilience—extend far beyond competition days.
Speech also prepares students for the future. Many members, including myself, hope to continue competing in college, where speech programs often offer scholarships. Even for those who do not pursue it beyond high school, the experience provides valuable skills that carry into careers, classrooms and everyday life.
More importantly, speech gives students a voice. It allows us to share stories, explore meaningful topics and connect with people we may never have met otherwise. It is powerful to see new members step out of their comfort zones and gain confidence with each performance.
Head coach Tina Mondino said coaching speech is especially rewarding. “Coaching speech is really rewarding—seeing the growth in a student’s skills and watching someone who is shy and nervous become confident enough to perform in front of others,” Mondino said. “The level of competition is higher than most expect. It’s a rush to see kids do well.”
Senior Brittney Storms, a four-year team member, said speech has given her both creative freedom and community. “It gives me freedom to express myself through scripts, and it lets me meet new people who share the same interests,” Storms said.
Everyone joins speech for a different reason, but one thing is clear: those who are part of the team love what they do. The speech team becomes a family, built on encouragement, creativity and shared experiences. I am grateful to have been part of it—and grateful for the memories, friendships and legacies left behind by those who came before us.
