Written by Emma Avery, Teacher of the Visually Impaired, CSDB-School for the Blind
"If I went back to college again, I’d concentrate on two areas: learning to write and to speak before an audience. Nothing in life is more important than the ability to communicate effectively.” -Gerald R. Ford
Middle and high school students, in the School for the Blind, recently had the opportunity to work on these two skills in preparation for the Optimist Society’s annual Oratorical Contest. The theme this year: “Staying Optimistic in Challenging Times.” Students were required to compose a speech as a class assignment, and could receive extra credit for entering their speech in the official contest.
The National Institute of Mental Health has reported that anxiety around public speaking effects an estimated 73% of the population (nationalsocialanxietycenter.com). Yet public speaking is a skill that can open doors, make connections, and inspire change. As an English teacher, a large part of my job is to teach students how to communicate effectively. This overarching skill was woven into the Optimism Speech assignment in several ways. First, as students planned and drafted their speeches in writing, they identified their main argument, gathered evidence, and presented effectively. Next, they asked peers for feedback, making revisions to hone their communication. Finally, they presented their speeches, using oral and visual tools such as intonation, facial expressions, gestures, emphasis, and pacing to deliver their arguments.
Some students were apprehensive about this assignment at first, but the results were spectacular. They’re unlocking a skill that will serve them well for the rest of their lives. Congratulations to the top three, see photo!
