On June 9, a group of brave sixth graders, seven boys and two girls, sat on the stage at Icicle River Middle School, looking down upon their assembled peers. They were in a row in the order of the speeches they were just about to give.
The occasion? The 21st annual Speechfest, held in the Cascade School District.
There are two competitions, one for 6th graders and one for 5th graders, both with prize money at stake. The top three speakers would receive cash awards, thanks to a continuing grant from the Captain Bly Education Foundation founded by former teacher and City Council member, Larry Meyer.
After Ian Ross, one of three judges, explained the rules, Madi Gillespie, last year’s Speechfest winner, took the microphone as MC.
“This is a chance to show what you’re passionate about,” Gillespie advised the finalists. “Take a deep breath and think about what you want to tell the audience.”
Berg Zednick went first, tackling the complex issue of Leavenworth’s shortage of affordable housing. He bookended his speech with a compelling story about Henry, a boy whose family could not yet afford to buy a home.
The topics ranged from personal, like how sports help your health and grades and why homework should be reduced or eliminated, to the global challenge of climate change.
The sixth graders’ speeches, ranging from two and a half to three minutes long, had to cite sources and deal with counterclaims. Long article titles and unusual author names can be tricky, but these articulate twelve-year olds sailed through them with ease.
Third place went to Ryder Munly. He hooked the audience about why there should be more bike trails in Leavenworth with three numbers, stating, “Sixty, 174, 36.” Munly went on to explain they represented the number of miles of trails in Wenatchee, Seattle and Leavenworth, respectively, and shook his head at the “measly 36” of Leavenworth.
Miles Hunt won second place for his speech promoting more technology in schools. He argued technology helps keep students engaged and helps with assignment organization.
Coco Zehm’s first place speech delved into the science of why music is good for the brain and the body. “I read an article about how music is being used to treat patients. It fascinated me. Music is not just a distraction but can be a tool to help us.”
Zehm cited evidence that music aids memory and the auditory part of the brain as well as helps burn calories through dancing to music. She stated her arguments clearly while walking around the stage.
Zehm was aware that the speech is not just about the content, but also about audience engagement. “During my speech I look at the audience and check—Is everyone engaged? Could I up my enthusiasm?”
The Osborn Speechfest was held the day before, on June 8. Isabella Menna won 1st for her speech in support of genetically modified foods. She explained how she decided on this topic. “My friend and I did the same topic and I chose for and she did against.” In preparation for her speech, Menna went beyond articles to interview farmers to get their opinions.
At the Osborn competition, Coy Latimer won 2nd and Paige Nunnally won 3rd.
This year’s winners, Menna and Zehm, both have advice for those who are nervous about public speaking. “Everyone gets before-stage jitters,” Zehm said. “Everyone has a knot in their stomach. You just need to push it down and focus on your topic and key points.”
“Get a good night’s sleep. If you’re rested, you feel confident,” Menna said. “And, if you do mess up, just keep going. Look around, get eye contact, but not like a staring competition. Use some hand motions and engage the audience.”
These two eloquent girls embody the spirit of Speechfest. As Larry Meyer explained the importance of Speechfest, “The ability to speak to a group raises the individual’s self-esteem and confidence. The ability to speak to a group, and express your thoughts clearly and concisely, is a life-long skill.”
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