District 201V3 Junior Public Speaking program
A little about this program...
This program has been running successfully since 2007 in the 201V3 District. In 2016 it became a Multiple District project. Each year, more and more Schools, Clubs and Districts are becoming involved. Students really enjoy the program and reap the benefits for years to come. Teachers are enjoying the program and making it part of their class curriculum as it incorporates story writing, research, speaking in front of the class, etc.
We have seen quiet, shy students, too timid to speak…stand up and deliver a speech that has simply blown judges away and they have gone on to win the Competition. It’s amazing what this program can do for the kids that participate – not to mention the benefits that Club members receive as well.
Get involved with the YOUTH in your community…YOU’LL reap the benefits as much as they will!
What is the aim of this program?
To give students in Primary Schools the chance to develop their ability to speak in public. This competition is run for primary students in Grades 3, 4, 5 & 6.
Why should Lions Clubs & Schools be involved?
- Similar programs often do not exist in our Primary Schools or are difficult for them to access. This is the case for most isolated schools.
- Young students have an abundance of enthusiasm and self-confidence. This program aims to build on this before they reach teenage years.
- All young students need to build such skills in an environment which encourages them to participate
- It’s a great way for schools to get involved with their local Lions Clubs and for Lions Club to be involved with their local schools and Community.
The Topics for 2024 are:
Years 3 – 4 “My Favourite Fairytale or Book Character”
if you could talk to your favorite fairytale character or a character from your favorite book – who would they be, why are they your favorite character and what would you ask them?
Note: your favorite character might be a person such as Snow White, or Harry Potter, or it could be a creature such as Bluey or Shrek.
Years 5 – 6 – “Who is the most Influential Person in your Life?”
You have interviewed this person and now tell us about them, who they are, what do they do, and how have they influenced you?
Note: They maybe a member of your family, grandparent, local police officer, firefighter, doctor, nurse, teacher or a member of the community. This should be a true account of the interview, not fictional.
What skills do Student Develop through this program?
- Students learn to look for information using a number of source – this may include books, the internet or speaking with family, friends and community members;
- They expand their knowledge and understanding of a particular topic;
- They gain an ability to organise their thoughts and feelings and then confidently express them to others
How does the program work?
The competition consists of prepared speeches. Students are given a topic and ask to prepare a speech. Grades 3 and 4 students are asked to prepare a 3 minute speech and Grades 5 and 6 students are asked to prepare a 4 minute speech.
The Grades 5 and 6 student, who wins at the District level and progresses to the State level final will be asked at the State Final to also present a Short Preparation Speech. They will be given a topic. And 10 minutes to prepare a 1 minute response on this topic.
There are 5 levels to the Competition
School Level: held at each participating School in the Lions Club area. Run by the School with support from the Lions Club.
Club Level Competition: held at individual Lions Clubs as part of a Dinner Meeting or at a special event. The winners in each level become the Club’s representative.
Zone or Regional Competition: These competitions will be held as required based on the numbers of participating Lions Clubs in each Zone. Club representatives will compete at these events. The Zone or Regional Competitions will be organised by the Zone Chair of the respective Zone.
Semi-Final Competitions: The conduct of the Semi-Finals will be based on the geographical spread of participating Clubs in the District.
District Final: The winners from each section at the Semi-Finals will compete at the District Final. The District Final in 2024 will be held at the 201V3 Convention in Mt. Eliza on Saturday, 26th October.
Discussions are currently underway regarding the possibility of holding a State Final for Clubs in Victorian Districts. Information will be distributed when it becomes available.
Rules of the Competition
As with any competition, there are some rules to follow, so that everyone has the same opportunity.
Presentation of Speeches
Students should present their speeches from the floor or stage without the use of:
– NO props, photo’s or slideshows during their speech
– NO lectern – this allows for judges to see the student clearly – we encourage students to use palm cards instead of large sheets of paper.
– MICROPHONES are allowed to be used. As not all schools/Clubs have microphones it is not necessary, if you have access to one, use it. Part of learning to speak to a group, either small or large, is to be able to project your voice so that you can be heard. Students should be encouraged to speak in a loud, clear voice when presenting their speech.
Use of a microphone is at the discretion of the Club, Region or District Chairperson.
Judging Criteria
Students will be judged on the following:
CONTENT
Beginning – begins in an interesting way, grabs attention, has main points
Central Theme evident and logical sequence developed
Research – supports opinions with facts and/or examples
Language – Appropriate use of language – clear, correct sentences, words well chosen, informative
Ending – strong, summary of main points, as close to time as possible.
DELIVERY
Visual – Confidence, stance, unobtrusive use of notes
Use of gestures to convey message
Voice – clear, varied expression, pace, projection, etc
Engage Audience
WHAT TO DO NOW?
If you are interested in finding out more about how to run this program in your club or school – contact the District Chairman below…
District 201 V3 Junior Public Speaking Chairman
Geoff Anderson
Mobile: 0412 285 913
Email: Geoff Anderson