<p> Tropicana Speech Contest 2016</p><p>Dear Parents,</p><p>Your child will be participating in the Tropicana Public Speaking Contest by giving a prepared speech of 2-3 minutes. Students must choose a topic of their own, one will not be assigned. The best speeches are usually about creative topics that other children will enjoy. The speaker should be both enthusiastic and knowledgeable about his/her topic. The speech can be informative, persuasive or simply entertaining. While some children like to have a serious tone to their speeches, humor is always appreciated by the audience.</p><p>Minimal work on speeches will be done at school. Students must plan, write, edit, and practice speeches at home. Students should practice in front of a mirror using appropriate gestures and voice control. Props and costumes are not permitted. Organization, content, originality, grammar, proper and clear pronunciation are considered when scoring speeches. Eye contact is essential, therefore, notecards may only contain key words and phrases to guide the speaker. Students vying for a top place in the contest are expected to completely memorize their speeches. </p><p>Please keep this informational page so that you and your child will be aware of all important due dates. If you have any questions, please feel free to e-mail me. Your help and cooperation is appreciated, as most students need considerable encouragement and support with this project. Have fun and be creative!</p><p>Speech Contest Timeline</p><p>January 23rd : Speech topics are due </p><p>January 23rd – 27th: Write speech plan</p><p>January 27-1st: Write rough draft of speech at home</p><p>February 3rd: Rough draft DUE</p><p>February 10– 21st: Revise rough draft</p><p>February 21st: Final copy plus an extra copy due. From this point on, final copy must be brought daily.</p><p>Week of February 20th: Practice speech at home.</p><p>Week of February 27th: Classroom competition: Students will present their speeches for a grade. The first place winner from each class will compete in the school competition March 3rd. What to Consider When Preparing a Speech</p><p>Selecting A Topic: Consider a topic that you get excited about when you talk to your family and friends. Think of something that you know other children would enjoy listening to. If you are interested in your topic, you will feel at ease speaking about the topic in front of your peers. In order to have a well-focused speech, you must have a topic and thesis statement. </p><p>For example: Topic: Family; thesis: Large families make life more fun.</p><p>Topic: Environmental responsibility; thesis: Reducing is the most important of the three R’s.</p><p>Topic: Pencils; thesis: Pencils are useful for more than writing.</p><p>Introduction (Catchy beginning!)</p><p> Grab the audience’s attention right from the start.</p><p> Arouse the curiosity of the audience.</p><p>1. Ask a direct question. </p><p>2. Start with a surprising fact. </p><p>3. Show how the topic is of interest to the audience.</p><p>Main Points</p><p> Remember that all ideas must support your thesis. Eliminate any ideas or examples that wander.</p><p> The best speeches tell us something we didn’t already know – or guide us into new ways of thinking.</p><p>Closing the Speech</p><p> Don’t talk about stopping….just stop!</p><p> Close with the idea the audience should remember the longest.</p><p> A good ending should leave the audience laughing, smiling or thinking.</p><p> Have a parent edit your draft with you. You can start practicing your speech as soon as it’s written. </p><p>Practicing Your Speech</p><p> Practice in front of a mirror, your friends, or your family. Ask them for positive comments and constructive criticism as needed.</p><p> Your gestures should be natural. Be careful not to sway if you are nervous.</p><p> Maintain eye contact with the audience.</p><p> Speak naturally from the heart. Use vocabulary that your listeners will understand.</p><p> Pronounce your words clearly.</p><p> Smile and maintain good posture without appearing stiff.  Emphasize important words during a speech.</p><p> Slow down or increase your volume to highlight key words or phrases.</p><p> Pace yourself to speak more slowly than your normal talking rate.</p><p> Speak as if you were talking to a friend.</p><p> Show energy and enthusiasm.</p><p> Practice makes perfect; so practice, practice, practice!</p>