Looking Forward for New Opportunities

Speaking American enjoyed to host 15 years of statewide annual contests starting with Grades 3-5 and over the years adding to Grades 6-8. Our unique feature was the 1-Minute Talks for Grades 3-5. We also added Bilingual Talks for Grades 7 and 8. A few more minutes were required using English and another language, including Chinese, Russian, French and Spanish. It was a real adventure for contestants and audience too. Now, learning and speaking languages are more fun for sure. There are new materials available with audio which helps a lot. Take a look at In 10 minutes a day by K.K. Kershul. This is a basic starting source not only a book but a digital download. Libraries across the state have many sources for learning and speaking languages and joining in activities -- including English. It's worthwhile to ask at your local library. Public Speaking is perfect for your school as a special exercise to build your communication skills. Ask your Teacher. My book, The Art of Public Speaking for All Ages, is online. Just look at www.speakingamerican.org Send me your comments. Thanks. Get Ahead as the weather co-operates!

INFO CORNER-- Worth One's Time

What are you planning this September 2014 to do by realizing why the US Constitution has created a type of democratic government with rules of balance of power, liberty, and belief in We the People to hold on for rights of people, and live with a life and family with happiness and peace. NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER, Philadelphia www.constitutioncenter.org Today, September 22, the Center starts events to focus on the importance of the US Constitution and why Americans should understand its provisions -- not only for those who have an interest for law, but for all those who are American citizens and those who dream to become an American citizen in the future. Check it out. Teachers and Students may find helpful online Lesson Plans today. Talk to Parents and Friends and share what they know along with surf and search how one can be a strong and American citizen and make the US country strong and united. Share your thoughts. Read, Listen, Remember and Spread the Word. ASSEMBLY, FREE SPEECH and PUBLIC SPEAKING One day, you may do some Public Speaking on aspects of our US Constitution and American Citizenship. Let us know how it goes. Let's hold on to our love for LIBERTY. It takes a lot of Education year after year and work and co-operation with our citizens.

Chatting about Public Speaking

Summertime is a perfect time to look over the school highlights during the spring semester. Some of you tried Public Speaking opportunities at school and with non-profits, such as Speaking American, in hopes the audience listened to your Talk and applauded; and the event was fun and memorable. There is a process to find the road to success for feeling comfortable using Public Speaking. As with all successful activity, what is required by you are things like curiosity, courage and coaching your mind to say, I can do it -- as in "I can." As you all know, you all have stories to share. If you plan to go to Summer Camp, you can chat about Public Speaking to others and inspire your friends to start a Public Speaking Club. If you hear "why?" -- pause then say, "why not?" Comments are welcome here. Thanks. Remember Public Speaking is a skill that helps you for a lifetime!

Re-claiming the Marathon Spirit

As sport and spirit come together this Boston Marathon 2014, many feelings touch so many of us and send out messages of "Onward," "Forward," and "Hope for Peace" with a world energized with a simple guide -- treat others how you would want them to treat you. Now, I recall to mind, the speech delivered by President Obama last year after a terrorist attack set off bombs causing destruction, injuries on athletes and fans and spreading violence and fear throughout the city. Extracts of what the President said follows: It was a beautiful day to be in Boston. And then, in an instant, the day's beauty was shattered. But, we also come to gather today to reclaim that state of grace; to reaffirm that the spirit of this city and the spirit of this country shall remain strong. You've shown us, BOSTON, that in the face of violence, AMERICANS will lift up what's good. We will choose to save and to comfort and to heal. Anyone who does harm to our people ... we will hold them accountable, and yes, they will face justice. And every third Monday in April, the MARATHON welcomes people from all around the world-- a gathering of men and women of every race/ every religion/ every shape/ every size -- a multitude represented by all those flags that flew over the finish line. That's why a bomb can't beat us. We carry on. We strive. We build and we work and we love -- and we raise our kids to do the same. And this time on the third Monday in April, the world will return to this great American city to run harder than ever and cheer ever harder for the BOSTON MARATHON. Bet on it! MARATHON.

Status of April Contests Finals 2014

This year 2014 we have canceled the Boston Finals for the Public Speaking Forum due to insufficient entries. Still, The Forum will aim to resume in the future when the friends of Speaking American and I find a solution to grow by blending common sense ways to continue offering Public Speaking opportunities. Stay in Touch. Visit our blog and see new features on "how to" communicate effectively. Ask your Teacher about doing some Public Speaking at school. Let us know. How did you like it? How did the audience react? Would you like to do some more Public Speaking? It's that Easy. Over 2,000 elementary students participated in Public Speaking contests over 15 years hosted by Speaking American. You may be added in the future. Think about it. Maybe you will prefer High School or even University. Things happen when people are ready.

TAKE ADVANTAGE NOW

Public Speaking Forum hosted by SPEAKING AMERICAN for Grades 3-8 statewide in Massachusetts is available to Teachers for their students. Contestants for Public Speaking sign-up and the Teacher Co-ordinator submits the student names by Friday, February 14, 2014. Send E-mails to: heidiusaesl@yahoo.com E-message must included: (1) Printed Name of Student,(2)Teacher's Name and School Address, and (3) For Grade 5: Title of their 1-Minute Talk. GRADE 3 and GRADE 4: 1-Minute Talk_Required Talk is the following-- What does America mean to you and what can you do in your own community to make you proud you live in the USA? GRADE 5 Students The student is free to select a subject for the 1-Minute Talk with Teacher guidance. HERE'S HOW IT WORKS-- THE TIME FRAMEWORK Feb. 14-- Postmark deadline for completed list of school students entering the Public Speaking contest; March Week of 3-7-- School co-ordinator arranges the 1st Round of recitation at school. March 7 deadline-- Send the Results: Winner and Runner-up (and ties if warranted). No fees are required to enter the contests. April 6: Finals at Boston Public Library (BPL). Yes, there are prizes. On Sundays, BPL opens at 1:00 p.m. Our Program starts promptly at 2:00 p.m. It ends around 4:30 p.m. Enjoy the Forum. For details for Grades 6-7-8, send E-messaging to the address above. The TIME FRAMEWORK is exactly the same as posted above. Thank you.

DOING NOTHING, RIGHT NOW?

Find a VALUE. ADD Confidence building.
Make PROGRESS. Share the SHOW. Go
for a PRIZE. Try PUBLIC SPEAKING in
                       Forum 2014
hosted by Speaking American statewide in
Massachusetts with contests offered to
Grades 3-4-5 featuring 1-Minute Talks;
Grade 6 and Grade 7 using 2-Minute Talks
and Grade 8 speaking  two languages--
English and a new language together for
a 3-Minute Talk.
          Ask your Teacher at school
                           before
                  THANKSGIVING!
 Comment below and thanks.