Words of Music Make up 1-Minute Talk Finals

BOSTON. The Finals event of the 1-Minute Talks public speaking contest sponsored by Speaking American took place in Boston at the historic Boston Public Library on Sunday, March 20 at 2:00PM. This was the 7th anniversary of the annual spring statewide public speaking contest.

For the 2005 Finals, Grades 3, 4 and 5 were represented. Finalists were from the Greater Boston area and Central Massachusetts. Schools represented were the South Shore Charter School and the Abbey Kelley Foster Charter School. Over 100 contestants competed at the start of the contest at the school level.

There was a required theme for the 2005 Talks. It was the "words of music" or lyrics and the contestants were free to choose which lyrics were special to them and why?  "Expressionism is clearly alive and well among our participants," said Ms. Wolf referring to the wide variety of song titles chosen by the students ranging from American Idiot to When a Soldier Makes it Home.

WINNERS OF CONTEST

Judges Cathy Goodwin and Laurie Falzoi Nichols spoke to the audience before the results were announced. They asked all of the contestants to come forward to shake hands and be congratulated for their performances.

Ms. Heidi Wolf, Founder of Speaking American, then announced the winners and presented the prizes.

THE PRIZES

In addition to the cash prizes for the winners, Ms. Wolf, awarded a Winners Circle Prize by random selection to Joshua Vongkhamheuang (Grade 5). This was also a cash prize.

PARENTS AND TEACHERS RECOGNIZED

"We are pleased," said Ms. Wolf, "to give recognition to parents and teachers for their support of our Public Speaking program." The winners are also by random selection. Parents of Kaisaac Griffin won a festive calendar highlighting USA holidays and special landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty. The Teacher’s prize was won by Claire Overlee of the South Shore Charter School. It was a calendar featuring the nation’s beautiful national parks.

CERTIFICATES OF PARTICIPATION

Certificates of Participation were awarded to each of the Finalists. In addition, each student who participated at the school level will receive a Certificate sent by Speaking American to the school co-ordinator of the 1-Minute Talks for 2005.

OUTLOOK FOR 2006

Ms. Wolf announced the launch of Speaking English PLUS as an additional type of recitation that students statewide (grades 3, 4, 5, and 6) can choose. These Talks require 2 languages in the recitation. English is a required language and the second language will also be announced by mid-September 2005.

"Students," said Ms. Wolf, "can actually enter both the traditional 1-Minute Talks and the new Speaking English PLUS in a given year. Yes, there are separate prizes in each contest and for each grade level."

"It is my hope," Ms. Wolf added, "that students will build confidence in using newly acquired language skills as well as gain knowledge of the power of their own unique voice. Watch for more details about our contests by visiting our Web for announcements and updates. Then consider trying a 1-Minute Talk in either category or both in 2006!"

WINNING PHOTOS

Andrew Cullen (BU ’05) was the photographer for this 1-Minute Talk Finals. Special thanks go to him for his excellent coverage and for providing us with such lasting images of the event (see above). In addition, we will be presenting more of Andrew’s photos in the PICTURE GALLERY we are designing to showcase winning photos of the 1-Minute Talk Finals taken over the seven year history of the event. This is presently a “work in progress”. We hope to have it up and running by the end of 2005. Watch for news on the PICTURE GALLERY by visiting our Homepage during the spring, summer and fall. Then, picture yourself on center stage giving a 1-Minute Talk at one of our annual spring contests!

SPECIAL THANKS

We want to thank Friends of Speaking American for their support of our Public Speaking program and also for donating prizes for the Finals event. Join the ranks of those who have by letting us know if you would be interested in judging, outreach development, publicity and special event planning.  Many thanks!!