Speech Team
St. Thomas More Parish School is a member of the Archdiocesan Speech Association. The speech team is open to 7th and 8th grade students and meets as a Wednesday morning elective. This class is open to 8th graders during the 1st trimester and 7th graders during the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. All students are welcome to join the speech team. Students work on oral presentation skills in preparation for the two Archdiocesan speech meets offered for each grade.
Speech Expectations:
- For the categories of humor, drama, poetry, and oratory, students choose a speech from published material. The speech must be between three and seven minutes long when presented orally.
- Students write and present original material when participating in the categories of speechmaking and impromptu.
- Memorization and extra practice for the speech must be conducted outside of class time, and in a timely manner.
- Students are expected to be good listeners and respectful of their teammates during class and practices.
- Students must attend some after-school practices before each meet.
- Speech is a commitment and must be a priority over other extra curricular activities on the day of the meet.
- Parental assistance is crucial to the success of the team. Parents are needed to listen to speeches during elective time and after school practices. Also, it is mandatory for each school to provide critics for the meet. Critics are typically parents who have attended a critic workshop.
Grading:
Grades are based on classroom participation and preparedness.
If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Lucas in the school library by phone or e-mail.
