Peterborough Lions seek kids for public speaking challenge

The Peterborough Lions are hoping to ease the fear of giving a speech in public when they host another round of their annual Effective Public Speaking contest.

The first round is slated for Feb. 24 at the Peterborough Lions centre, 347 Burnham St.

The event is open to students in grades two through 12, competing in four divisions in either English or French. All students in the public, separate or private school systems can enter, as well as home schoolers.

The competition is free to enter and is aimed at developing public speaking ability, a key life skill. With practice, anyone can master this skill.

“With practice, anyone can do this,” says coordinator Elaine Laliberte.

About 25 to 30 kids take part annually.

“The main thing is it gets them up in front of their peers to give a speech,” said Laliberte.

The competition not only builds self-confidence in public speaking, it’s creative too.

“They choose their subject, so they are they are writing, practicing and giving their own speech,” says Laliberte.

Speech subject matter can be funny, serious or informative.

“We have had kids speak about Canada, the Olympics and controversial subjects like bullying,” she said.

But there is a lighter side to speeches.

“We even had one little guy talk about his nose. It was really funny,” she said.

To get your child involved, you can pre-register them by calling Laliberte at the Lions club at 705740-2288. You can also register on the day of the event.

Grades two to 6 register at 9 a.m. and will speak starting at 10 p.m. Students in these grades are the bulk of the participants.

“The younger kids seem to start earlier and are more engaged,” said Laliberte.

Grades six through 12 register at noon, with speeches starting at 1 p.m.

All participants receive a certificate and monetary prize. Contestants who place first, second or third move on to the district competition, slated for March 24, also taking place at the Peterborough Lions centre.

Those who finish in first place in junior, intermediate and senior divisions in the district competition move on to the MDA final slated for May 4 to May 6 in St. Catharines.

Those competitors will be vying for these top prizes: $300 for junior division and $1,000 for intermediate and senior divisions.

Laliberte is in the process of contacting judges and would welcome people in business and teaching to act as judges.

“We would like to have three or four judges for each division,” she said.

While some schools have their own internal public speaking contest and send their winners to the Lions event, any interested children can take part.

“Just because you don’t win your school contest, you can still participate in the Effective Speaking contest,’ says Laliberte.

For contest details or to register, contact the Peterborough Lions club at 705-740-2288, via email at info@peterboroughlions.ca or fax to 705-740-9757.