Frequently Asked Questions

• Why the name SPEAKING AMERICAN?
• What actually does SPEAKING AMERICAN do?
• Is Standard English required for the 1-Minute Talks?
• How do the Judges decide?
• Why should I get involved?
• What are the prizes?
• Do you accept corporate support?

Have a Question? Please E-mail us at: heidiusaesl@yahoo.com. We look forward to hearing from you. Take 1-Minute and make history!

17. Why the name SPEAKING AMERICAN?

1. We want to bring immediate attention to the American experience and the distinctive American language which has emerged from life in the USA. Starting with a democratic republic system of government, key elements of distinctiveness stem from the value placed on independence and individualism and the right of freedom of speech, press, religion, and to assemble and participate in giving voice to one's thoughts, opinions and creativity.

   Things American and the American way of life, we think, should be celebrated. At the top of our list is language. Our common language is English and its usage in the USA has made it indisputably American. Long ago, Walt Whitman (1819-1892) the American poet championed the power and growth of American English as a "distinct identity." H.L. Mencken in his study of English in the USA took note of the various streams of English used throughout the world and predicted even in 1936 that English in England would one day become a dialect of American.

   Our focus is on American English today. We want to give it a voice before a live audience. As, such, we link reading and writing with public speaking. We start at Grade 3!

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17. What actually does SPEAKING AMERICAN do?

1. We sponsor public speaking contests. We feature 1-Minute Talks. Contestants can speak for only a maximum of 60 seconds. Our Spring Talk contest is for Grades 3-6 statewide and we hold the Semi-Finals in Regions and the Finals in Boston. Yes, there are prizes. The Fall Talk contest is now offered to Grades 6-7-8. It is organized on the basis of Congressional Districts. Currently it is offered to the Third Congressional District (Worcester/Fall River). The theme for the Fall Talks is American History, Law or Invention. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Registration for both contests is free and the application form can be downloaded from our Web site. In addition to schools, we accept applications from civic organizations wishing to sponsor youngsters in the appropriate school grade categories. Such organizations have to be registered with the Division of Charities with documentation of status, such as a 501(c)(3).

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17. Is Standard English required for the 1-Minute Talks?

1. Standard English is the core language for our 1-Minute Talks. The American experience most definitely includes regional accent, dialect and new forms of expression. Students can decide how they want to express themselves in American English. The major requirements for the Talks are:
   • a maximum of 60 seconds for speaking;
   • no notes, index cards or reading from a text; and
   • applications must be received by the deadline date.

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17. How do the Judges decide?

1. The Judges are given Guidelines. There are no formulas or points as used in other competitions seen on TV. A stopwatch is used for the timing of the 60 seconds. This is as "scientific" as we get. By definition, judging is somewhat subjective based of (1) effective usage, (2) presentation, (3) and effective communication and connection with a live audience.

   There is no extra credit for the presentation of an original piece. Originality is offered as an alternative to presenting a famous/or not so famous poem, essay or piece written by someone else.

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17. Why should I get involved?

1. Why not? 1-Minute is doable. You can say a lot in 60 seconds. Facing a live audience is always a unique experience. It's not boring. It's anything but routine. Just do it for the fun of it. On the heady side become part of the rich legacy of public speaking and oratory which has emerged from Massachusetts since the founding of the nation. Well, yes there are prizes too!

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17. What are the prizes?

1. We are pleased to award prizes which reflect the American experience and life in the USA. We are also pleased to accept and recognize corporate support for our Public Speaking goals.

   We have awarded Celebrate the Century souvenir stamps donated by the US Postal Service/Retail and Philatelic, Framingham Branch, MetroWest and we have awarded tickets of the awesome skyline view of Boston donated by John Hancock Observatory.

   We present a Parents prize and a Teachers prize-selected by lottery. In 1999 a prize was The Perfect Walking Companion featuring 47 nature walks through beautiful areas of Eastern Massachusetts.

   There are some "surprise" elements too. Some examples of these prizes (Grades 3-6) are: a crystal curio for keeping special things, a Friendship photo frame-Put Yourself in the Picture, and a rarely used Kennedy half-dollar souvenir coin. Other surprises are in store.

   Consolation Wins too! In 2000, Ms. Wolf presented a book written by her to help Elementary school students learn about law. In addition to the book-We the People, Bits, Bytes and Highlights of the US Constitution and Bill of Rights, the prize included the first six state quarter coins issued to commemorate state ratification of the Constitution-including Massachusetts (1788).

   Certificates of Participation are awarded to each person who registers for a contest and gives a 1-Minute Talk. These are presented at the Finals.

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17. Do you accept corporate support?

1. We welcome corporate support for our public speaking mission. We will apply on a continuing basis for community grants offered by corporations to non-profits with the designation of 501 (c) (3).

   In addition, we welcome support in the form of prizes, as mentioned above, and also program enhancing donations and discounts. In this regard, Harry & David, Natick Mall branch, offered sparking beverages for refreshments at the Spring Talks, 2001.

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©2003-04 SPEAKING AMERICAN, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, all rights reserved.