Academy Offers Young People a Public Speaking Challenge
By Danielle C. Armour
The South Florida Youth Speak Out! Oratorical Contest is accepting applications for its March competition.
The contest, sponsored by the Oratory Academy of South Florida, will be at 3 p.m. March 8 at the Spady Museum, NW 5th Ave. Delray Beach. Deadline for all entries is Feb. 27.
Contestants will speak on the theme, “Doing the right thing at the appropriate time – how to conduct yourself when approached by authority, in particular law enforcement and educators.”
The academy selected the topic in light of the media attention around the country involving youth and law enforcement.
“The students in the Oratory Academy decided on this topic from about five (other) topics,” said Robert Dodd, interim program manager for KOP Mentoring Network, which sponsors the Academy. “We felt this topic would be a timely one to explore.”
Before the contest, Ruthnie Auguste, 16, had a passion for speaking. However, her experience was limited to addressing her classmates, teachers, and her congregation.
The 2014 contest winner did not allow her inexperience to deter her and has a message for her peers: “If you want to get where you want to be, you need competition,” said Auguste, a sophomore at Atlantic High School. “It’s a way to find out what you need to improve on. Start small with friends, teachers or a guidance counselor to gain confidence.”
She stressed the importance of finding someone who will be supportive yet truthful in their criticisms. Since her victory, Auguste has matured from her knowledge and experiences throughout the process.
“I’ve learned so much by just researching and finding out facts about my subjects. [It has] made me grow,” she said. “My mentor taught me how to talk to and in front of other people, and it actually changed my attitude about a lot, even how I talk to my parents.”
She realized the way some youth speak to their parents – herself included- was at times disrespectful. She immediately apologized to her parents and vowed to change her behavior.
“Young people need to know how to deliver in front of whatever audience, whether it be a large crowd or for an interview,” Dodd said. “They need to learn how to speak the English language acceptably. It will take them far.”
The competition, now extended to non-members, is geared for students from elementary to high school in four divisions: primary (k-2); intermediate (3-5); junior (6-8); and senior (9-12).
The Academy will provide weekly workshops for interested students to practice their speeches for the competition.
For the novice between ages 7 and 17 interested in the oral arts, the Academy offers a training program, which includes monthly workshops to improve public speaking skills and develop young leaders. Students will demonstrate developed skills at local and state competitions.
Professional coaches will prepare them for next month’s speaking opportunities.
For more information or to register, call 561-665-0151.
