Speech is Being Set in Motion

The Iowa High School Speech Association program offers three main categories for students—debate, large group, and individual events—giving them an opportunity to express their voices and practice their talents in communication. Through these performances, students learn to collaborate, use their words and actions to convey powerful messages and tell impactful stories. In the large group events, students can explore categories like mime, broadcasting, One-Act Play, Readers Theater, improv, short film, ensemble, and choral reading. For individual events, options include acting, poetry, prose, spontaneous and after-dinner speaking, original oratory, reviewing, storytelling, and more. With so many options, students can easily find something that resonates with them, all while developing skills that build future career opportunities and personal confidence.

Mrs. Pleggenkuhle, the sponsor for the speech team at Waukee High School, found her passion for coaching speech in college and carries that to the present. Recently, she has been diligently working on this year’s schedule, continuously collaborating with students and staff to work out schedules that work best for them. On November 10th, cast lists were sent out, revealing who was in what groups and events. Practices are going to be set in motion the week of November 18th. Mrs. Pleggenkuhle is excited to see students grow not only in their skills but also through their friendships. She added, “One of the important things in speech is to deliver a good message, something that is worth saying, and will impact the audience.” Learning how to convey deep emotions to the audience is what is important. Showcasing the intense and complicated stories through the numerous events. As long as the message is producing a change of perspective.

Senior Beverly Zheng, who has been in speech since ninth grade, reflects on how the experience has helped her develop new skills in collaboration, and gain friendships. Speech has a lot of benefits that can help shape students. The different kinds of events allow any student to have a voice, sharing their thoughts and ideas. Beverly added, “Speech team boosted my confidence a very substantial amount. Just being able to learn how to present yourself with confidence, I would say was the biggest thing I learned.” The supportive team element of helping each other continue to learn and have the ability to work as a team plays into confidence. The team provides a space for students to speak out and express themselves.

Junior Falyn Debord comments on her love for the community. Last year she performed at the All-State festival with her choral reading group. A goal many in speech aim for, something she accomplished because of the diligence of the team. However, many people starting speech for the first time can be a little intimidated. She commented, “I love the sense of community, everyone supports each other. During competitions, we all try to watch as many events as we can. I also like the variety, there’s an event for everybody. If there’s no large group events that seem interesting, there are so many individual events available.” She brings attention to how connected the team is and while new members may be daunted the community is there to support the team. Students encourage each other and are interested in hearing what one another has to say. The events and schedules are flexible working around the student’s schedules, allowing for teammates to have enough time to rehearse and practice. It reflects on how as a school we need to support one another and work to collaborate with others. Good luck to the Waukee High School speech team this season as they prepare to perform, inspire, and support one another!