Competing were three from MLC, two from MLHS
Three orators from the Mountain Lake Christian (MLC) Speech Team, and a pair from Mountain Lake Public High School (MLHS), competed in the Section 2A Speech Meet held at St. Peter Public Middle/High School on Friday, April 7.
For MLC, Sofie Solorzano, and eighth-grader from St. James, earned ninth-place in Great Speeches; eighth-grader Zoey Smith, also of St. James, was 10th in Dramatic Interpretation and Elizabeth Linscheid, a third eighth-grader, from Butterfield, was 12th in Original Oratory. The team is coached by Kim Friesen of Windom. Scott Smith, of St. James, is the team bus driver, chaperone and judge. Others who have helped the MLC team this year include Elijah Stoesz, Rachel Wilson, Tim Penner and Nordis Olson.
Representing MLHS were seventh-grader Branden Hopper in Informative Speaking and sophomore Jose Baldone competing in Serious Interpretation of Drama. Laurie Bartsch is the MLHS coach.
All of the orators earned competition in the section tournament following the South Sub-Section 2A meet held in Fairmont on Monday, March 27.
In Section competition, the top three placings in each category move on to State.
The Minnesota State High School League Class AA Speech Meet is slated for Friday, April 21, at Lakeville North Public High School. TheState Class A contest is scheduled for Saturday, April 22.
Speak on, orators!
Thirteen categories in Speech Meet competition
The 13 categories offered in Speech are Creative Expression, Discussion, Duo Interpretation, Extemporaneous Reading, Extemporaneous Speaking, Great Speeches, Humorous Interpretation, Informative Speaking, Original Oratory, Serious Interpretation of Drama, Serious Interpretation of Poetry, Serious Interpretation of Prose and Storytelling.
+ Creative Expression – Speaker presents an original, creative piece. They are judged on writing as well as delivery.
+ Discussion – Students are given up to an hour to discuss in a small group, and come to a cooperative agreement or compromise on a given prompt.
+ Duo Interpretation – A pair of speakers present a piece together. Body contact is not allowed and speakers are only allowed eye contact with each other during the introduction and transitions.
+ Extemporaneous Reading – Speaker draws three “cuttings” (a portion of a story) from a selection of around 20 short stories. The speaker chooses one of the three to read, and is given thirty minutes to practice it and memorize and introduction.
+ Extemporaneous Speaking – Speaker draws three national or international current event questions, and is given 30 minutes to prepare a seven minute speech on the drawn topic of their choice.
+ Great Speeches – Speaker presents on a historically great speech, including an analysis and sections of the original speech.
+ Humorous Interpretation – Speaker presents a humorous selection from a play, prose or poem.
+ Informative Speaking – Speaker presents an original, unbiased speech on the topic of their choice with the purpose to inform. They are also permitted to use posters or other visual aids to enhance their presentation.
+ Original Oratory – Speaker presents an original speech with the purpose of persuading the audience.
+ Serious Interpretation of Drama – Speaker presents a serious monologue or selection from a play.
+ Serious Interpretation of Poetry – Speaker presents a serious poem, selection of poems or portion of a poem.
+ Serious Interpretation of Prose – Speaker presents a serious selection from a novel or short story.
+ Storytelling – Speaker draws three from a selection of 15 folk tales, and presents their interpretation of it.
