2024 Speech Contest

2024 Speech Contest
Posted on 10/22/2024
Xenia Community Schools is hosting our fourth annual speech contest from November 1-30, 2024! This is an individual student competition, where students will compose a speech on this year's topic: Motivation. 

In this optional competition, students will video record and submit their speech virtually, and the top three speeches from each category will be invited to deliver their speech in person to a panel of judges who will select the winners. There will be three prizes awarded in each age group, and the first place winner in each category will be recognized at a regular meeting of the Board of Education.

2024 TOPIC: Motivation

In planning your speech, consider what inspires you! Think about what drives you to do your best or what you are most passionate about. Students who are in grades 3-12 will write a speech about their "why". K-2 students can read their favorite passage (poem, part of a story, quote, etc.) about what motivates them, or write their own! K-2 students may also choose to complete the 3rd-5th grade option by giving an original speech for an extra challenge.

PRIZES

Three awards will be given in every age group category:
  • 1st place - $100 gift card 
  • 2nd place- $75 gift card
  • 3rd place- $50 gift card

WHAT IS INVOLVED?

Student speeches will be scored based on age-appropriate criteria. K-2 students should focus on qualities such as eye contact, speaking clearly and at a normal pace, and controlling their bodies. Older participants (grades 3-12) will be scored on speaking style and manner, body language, preparedness, speech content, and adhering to time limits.

K-2 Criteria/Rubric | 3-12 Criteria/Rubric

Competition Grade Categories:
Elementary K-2  
Elementary 3-5    
Secondary 6-8 
Secondary 9-12

Only one speech per student will be considered. Speeches must be about the assigned topic, and less than three (3) minutes in length. 

HOW TO ENTER

The contest is open to all K-12 Xenia Community Schools students. All speeches must be submitted digitally to [email protected] by November 30, 2024. Families can record the speech using a personal device, or students may ask for assistance from their building to record their video! In addition, students can email [email protected] for tech help with submissions. 

IMPORTANT DATES

  • Saturday, November 30 - Deadline to Enter 
  • Friday, December 13 - Three finalists from each grade level band will be selected.
  • Thursday, December 19 from 12:00-1:00 p.m. - All finalists will compete in person at the XCS Central Office! 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be announced after the competition.

WHY HOST A SPEECH CONTEST?

The ability to speak well is a critical life skill, no matter what career path students take! Learning to be an effective speaker means speaking clearly and in complete sentences, making eye contact and controlling body language, using logic to persuade others, and even learning to construct an argument to make your point well. While many students — and adults! — fear public speaking, being able to communicate verbally can have a positive impact on students throughout their life.