Nerves arose among the Lakeland High School’s speech team members as the state competition neared closer.
The annual speech state competition is held in Jerome, Idaho, from April 12 through May 14. This club combines public speaking, impromptu storytelling and teamwork. Combining these vital skills allows students to develop the necessary skills for the workforce and collegiate education.
“It’s just a fantastic time,” Liam Bradford said. “You spend some quality time trying to push your limits in a competitive event.”
The top two placed in the district competitions are advanced to the state competitions.
“I was one second over on my last speech, so I got third place,” Bradford said.
Gaining friendships through the club is a beneficial experience that allows the students in the club to expand their group and knowledge. The club will enable students to use their voices to inform, persuade and educate different audiences.
Many careers after high school education highly value this club experience. It comes in handy when applying for scholarships, going in for interviews, expressing viewpoints and future speeches.
While LHS requires a speech class for all students to graduate, this club is not required. Instead, it allows the members to further their education in public speaking.
“Students who compete for our speech team improve their written and oral communication skills as well as their research skills,” Colleen Hall said.
Hall is the club’s advisor and organizes all the competitions, travel and speeches.
You can do sixteen different types of speeches, and members are allowed to compete with two. Some examples are radio, panel, impromptu and informative speeches. Sales speeches are also included, which will benefit those interested in sales and management careers after high school.
“We had six members qualify for state this year,” Hall said. “Charlie Matilla is in sales, Sarah Smith is in informative speaking, Maddy Hasz is on the radio, Teagan Patrick is in the panel discussion and Lincoln Wood and Oliver Everett are in impromptu.” Hall said.
With so many students qualifying for this year’s state competitions, hope is on the horizon for the speech team as they prepare for the state competition in just a few weeks.
