District 201V6 Junior Public Speaking Program

Speaking in front of people has long been recognised as one of the foremost fears that people have to overcome in life – whether in the classroom or playground, and as we get older an interview, work or social situation, our ability to confidently communicate is vital. How much easier these skills are to learn early on in life. A clear & confident voice when speaking is an essential life skill that fosters self-esteem and confidence.

The ability to project one’s voice is a skill that everyone needs to learn in order to be heard when speaking. This is a skill that comes naturally with practice, encouragement and opportunity. Young students have an abundance of enthusiasm and this is the best time to develop these skills. No matter how much someone knows about a topic, and how passionate they are about that topic – they also need to be able to convey this passion and enthusiasm through speech.

And Lions can give them that opportunity....

A little about the public speaking program...

This program is for primary school students in year 3 to 6 and has been running successfully since 2007 in the 201V6 District, originating as an idea from the Barham-Koondrook club. The first few years it was just a few clubs participating, but the enthusiasm from teachers grew and more clubs across our District took it on. In 2016 it became a Multiple District project, opening it up to all clubs across Australia. Each year, more and more Schools, Clubs and Districts are becoming involved, we even have parents wanting to get their kids and schools involved.

This program aims to encourage students to participate in public speaking, help build their confidence and allow them the opportunity to hone their natural skills, in front of a variety of audiences, with the freedom to present their speech, unaided and uninhibited, allowing the audience to see their unique, charismatic personalities.

It allows students to use their imagination, as well as expanding their research skills and knowledge on the topics that are chosen each year.

It increases the student’s ability and opportunity to communicate to a wider audience – which includes their family, friends, teachers and Lions members.

Students really enjoy the program and reap the benefits for years to come. Teachers are enjoying the program and making it part of their class curriculum as it incorporates story writing, research, speaking in front of the class, etc.

We have seen quiet, shy students, too timid to speak...stand up and deliver a speech that has simply blown judges away and they have gone on to win the Competition. It’s amazing what this program can do for the kids that participate - not to mention the benefits that Club members receive as well.

Get involved with the YOUTH in your community…YOU’LL reap the benefits as much as they will!

What is the aim of this program?

To give students in Primary Schools the chance to develop their ability to speak in public, in a safe and nurturing environment. This competition is run for primary students in Grades 3, 4, 5 & 6.

Why should Lions Clubs & Schools be involved?

Similar programs often do not exist in our Primary Schools or are often difficult for them to access, particularly in remote and rural areas.
Young students have an abundance of enthusiasm and self-confidence. This program aims to build on this before they reach teenage years.
Public speaking not only boosts a student's self-confidence but also helps them become better leaders and communicators. It also empowers them to successfully give a presentation in class, at work, or in other professional settings.
This program helps to create a wonderful, long-lasting relationship between Lions and the schools in their community.

Junior Public Speaking Journey – Lisa Mitchell

Lisa participated in the Junior Public Speaking competition at East Loddon Lions Club when it began in 2007 - she was in Year 3 and her topic was “My Favourite Holiday…” Lisa was selected as our club representative. Lisa then competed at an interclub competition against Pyramid Hill Lions Club and was again chosen as the most outstanding speaker.

Lisa went on to win 3 out of the next 4 years in her JPS journey, she also represented East Loddon at the Region finals in 2008, Club Representative in 2009 and District Final in 2010.

This is Lisa’s story….

The Lions Junior Public Speaking (JPS) competition is a fantastic program which provides primary school students with the opportunity to develop and refine their writing skills, ability to speak in front of a crowd and respond to impromptu questions.

I first began my JPS journey at age 9 in year 3 (2007), I continued to participate in the annual program all the way through until my final year in year 6 (2010). Throughout my time in the

Lions JPS program, I was very fortunate to have a series of successes and represent the East Loddon Lions Club at the interschool, regional & district levels of the competition.

The Lions JPS program was an important part of my development throughout my early schooling years and had a significant impact on my confidence leading into secondary school. I went on to participate in the Lions Youth of the Year in year 11 (2015) and was awarded as the winner of the public speaking component. The Lions JPS program gave me the necessary skills to deliver a range presentation to my peers throughout my secondary schooling years, VCE and university.

The ability to speak publicly is an important life skill that I learned throughout my journey in the Lions JPS program. Since leaving school I have used my public speaking skills on a regular basis. I have instructed a range of group fitness classes, delivered training sessions in a high-performance sporting environment and pitched ideas to colleagues in meetings. I am now in my final year in a Master of Teaching (Secondary). I sincerely believe that my experiences throughout the Lions JPS program have played a significant role in my ability to now confidently teach students.

What skills do Student Develop through this Program?

Public Speaking can in improving academic performance.
It helps in improving their listening skills.
It helps students develop the ability to voice opinions and influence others.
It empowers kids to overcome fear in a supportive environment.
It prepares the child for a better future.
It allows them to research information through a number of platforms – books, internet, family, friends & community members.

How does the program work?

There are two parts to the program - the main part being the Prepared Speeches. This is for all students. The second part of the program is a Short Preparation Speech and is for years 5 & 6 students ONLY.

Prepared Speeches

Students are given a topic for their prepared speech, chosen by Lions, and this topic remains the same throughout the competition. Their speech needs to be based on facts, but is open to their own imagination.
Years 3 & 4 students are asked to prepare a 3-minute speech. Years 5 & 6 students are asked to prepare a 4-minute speech.
Students would then present these speeches at a school level competition, run in conjunction with the Lions Club.

The winners of these school competitions would then present their speech to the Lions Club members, family, friends, etc at at Club event where a club representative is chosen.

The club representative, then goes to the Region Final to compete against other students in the Region, where a region representative is chosen.

These regional representatives then present their speeches at the District Final, where an overall district winner is chosen.

In 2023 - we are planning to run a State Final in September.

Short Preparation Speech

For students in year 5-6 only. At the club, zone/region & district level, they are given a topic and 10 minutes to prepare a 1-minute response to this topic. This has been included as an added challenge for students who have already shown that they are skilful at preparing and delivering a prepared speech.

Rules of the Competition

As with any competition, there are some rules to follow, so that everyone has the same opportunity.

Presentation of Speeches

Students should present their speeches from the floor or stage.

NO props, photos, or slideshows during their speech
NO lecterns - this allows for judges to see the student clearly.
Microphones are allowed, BUT not necessary to use one if you don’t have access to one.
Remember it is a speech, not a drama performance.

Judging Criteria

Students will be scored on the following…

Content - The content of their speech must have a beginning, middle and end. Students will be judged on how well researched their topic is, appropriate use of language, how well they address the theme.
Delivery - Their delivery should be confidence, unobtrusive use of notes, good use of gestures, voice projection is particularly important as well as their ability to engage the audience.

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